So how do you ensure that you get professional development particularly if you have been in the same role for some time? Companies aren’t always prepared to send staff on formal training courses or fund the expense.
Your professional development is exactly that – Yours! You need to proactively ensure that you keep learning and expanding your skillset and knowledge.
Professional development doesn’t need to be formal or expensive. Here are 5 easy ways to get professional development:
1. Look for opportunities in your current workplace to grow your skills. Put your hand up to join projects or committees. Even getting involved in the health and safety committee can be a great opportunity to learn skills that are relevant to all workplaces. Is there a project that you can be part of? Put your hand up to be involved. Participating in even a small way will open your eyes to new experiences. Ask more questions. Find out what other people do in their jobs. Are there other tasks that you can learn?
2. Join a committee of a club or voluntary organisation. Taking an active role can give you a new set of skills that you may not have an opportunity to learn in your current role.
3. Read more. There are fantastic business e-books available on every topic imaginable. E-books can be downloaded instantly, cost next to nothing, are very quick to read and can provide a wealth of knowledge.
4. Subscribe to publications on the Internet. On-line magazines and publications such as National Business Review http://www.nbr.co.nz/ will provide an insight on what is happening in the business world and give an insight into topics that you would not necessarily be aware of. Linkedin.com allows members to follow business influencers. An easy form of mentoring.
5. Undertake a formal course of study. Studying extramurally doesn’t interfere with your day job and is relatively inexpensive considering the skills and knowledge that you can obtain.
Get yourself into a better position for your next job or career change by keeping yourself relevant and owning your professional development.
Written by Robyn Leyden
