How to Do a Personal SWOT Analysis as a Student

Sometimes, you might feel overwhelmed in your studies, especially if you have a goal but don’t know how to reach it. Gaining an outside perspective can be valuable and one way to do so is with a personal SWOT analysis.

SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Although helpful to anyone, a SWOT check is especially beneficial for students.

What are the Benefits of a SWOT Analysis?

This evaluation helps you find or regain your school focus, giving you a clearer view of your career journey. It is useful whether you’re struggling to identify your career path or just need to find the best study habits.

Here are some situations in which a student SWOT might be useful:

• Boost your grades

• Identify a study method that works

• Discover your learning style

• Find your ideal career

• Learn a new skill

How to Do a SWOT Analysis as a Student

The first step is to figure out your goal. It might be a broad goal, such as completing your training to become a Medical Coding and Billing Professional or IT Security Specialist. Or, it might be more specific, such as wanting to get an A on your next assessment.

Once you know your objective, write it down. Next, you’ll divide the paper into four sections and give each one the corresponding label.

• Section one is for Strengths

• Section two is for Weaknesses

• Section three is for Opportunities

• Section four is for Threats

Strengths

Here, you think about your strengths in relation to the goal. You might be a:

• Good problem solver

• Enthusiastic learner

• Creative thinker

• Inquisitive person

Weaknesses

What are your weaknesses as a student? This section would be the place to record shortcomings such as:

• Procrastination: You easily get overwhelmed with school and delay tasks or assignments.

• Difficulty in focusing: You have a tendency to fidget and get bored while studying.

• Lack of time management: You struggle to manage your time.

Opportunities

This section is where you think about ways to overcome your weaknesses. You could:

• Reach out to a Student Success Advisor

• Create a study group

• Set up a calendar to make time for studying and exam prep

• Learn new study methods

• Review assessments and personalized feedback

Threats

Threats are the barriers that prevent or make it harder for you to achieve your goal. This might include:

• Having other responsibilities at work or home

• Feeling anxious or nervous about exams

• Having time constraints

As you fill in each section, it’s important to take your time. You may need to come back to the paper several times as new information pops into your head. Don’t rush it! You want to give yourself time to unpack your personal pros and cons without judgment or limitation.

Review the strengths and weaknesses to see where you excel and where you need improvement. Then, review the opportunities and threats. You want to work toward the opportunities while avoiding the threats that can stand in the way.

Tips for Doing a SWOT Analysis

After completing the analysis, make sure you keep it nearby. Pin it to a corkboard in your room, or tape it to the wall near your desk.

You want to revisit each analysis often to make sure you’re on track to reach your goal. Be honest with yourself and know that it’s okay to struggle with daily tasks. The key is to remain open to change and keep your focus.

Achieve Your Career Goals with MedCerts

SWOT analysis can help you succeed, whether you want to level up your work skills or enter a new and exciting field. Small steps create big achievements. You can do it!