(YCB) Professional Development Lesson
Professional Development
What is Professional Development?
Professional development refers to many types of educational experiences related to an individual's work. A wide variety of professions and businesses participate in professional development to learn and apply new knowledge and skills that will improve the performance of their employees on the job. Professional development is a continuous improvement process lasting from the time an individual decides to enter the workforce until retirement. It encompasses the processes that workers engage in to initially prepare themselves, continuously update themselves, and review and reflect on their own performance.
Professional development can take many forms. Obtaining additional college degrees or doing other coursework is one common way to develop professionally, but not the only way. Professional conferences supply informal learning opportunities situated in practice. Subscriptions to professional journals, mentoring, and job shadowing opportunities are also important components of professional development. These opportunities are often provided by professional organizations designed to support and promote a specific profession. Many companies have specific annual professional development requirements that employees must meet, and in most states certain professions require specific professional development in order to renew licenses in some professions.
Why is Professional Development Important?
The importance of professional development is emphasized by some of the outcomes experienced by the participant. Some of these outcomes include:
- Increased skills and knowledge that can be practiced and applied to the workforce.
- Development of proficient and respectful interaction with customers and clients.
- Communication and sharing of ideas with peers.
- Development of analytical skills and knowledge that can be put into everyday practice.
- Understanding and application of professional theory.
- Creation and application of innovate approaches to problems.
- Increased enjoyment of learning and a dedication to life-long learning.
In any organization, teamwork and professional development go hand in hand. Organizations of all kinds will spend some time having employees work and train together to build camaraderie, efficiency, and a cohesive approach to the work at hand. Without effective teamwork, nothing gets done and without being an effective team member, longevity and promotion are not a likely outcome for an employee. Building an effective team is an important effort for both the company and its employees.
How do I Manage My Professional Development?
While companies and professional organizations offer individuals opportunities to participate in professional development, ultimately, professional development is the responsibility of the individual. Yes, you are responsible for your own professional development. Here are some ways you can manage it.
- Subscribe to professional journals and blogs
- Build a professional and social network outside of work
- Seek inexpensive professional development resources (i.e. webinars)
- Make professional development a priority
With so many professional development opportunities available, what do you need to look for in a professional development opportunity? Effective professional development plan will:
- Actively engage participants in the improvement process
- Continually update the individual's knowledge and career awareness
- Provides professional training for changes in technology
- Establishes a collaborative environment based on professional inquiry
- Is continually assessed and improved
- Promotes life-long learning and self-directed learning
Your professional development can begin now. Joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) like Future Business Leaders of America can give you the opportunity to learn leadership skills, make connections with businesses, and network with like-minded peers. These activities can set the stage for future professional development and your future career.
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