Successful path to professional development
There is a misconception that development in their field will naturally come to them with time. It is common perception that if one already has a job, why goes one step ahead to improve professional development skills, especially when the organization you work for does not require for it.
However, putting in an effort to grow professionally will eventually lead to success in the short term as well as long term. In case you are looking to change positions in the future, it is imperative that you learn new skills and attain knowledge and experience, so that you do not fall behind times and your peers.
Laying emphasis on transferable skills will prove beneficial as they are appropriate across a variety of industries and positions. By doing so, they will come in handy later in the future even if you can’t use them now.
Ever since recession, professional development has garnered considerable attention. It is so because some companies are financially unable to fund their employees grow beyond their basic duties. In addition, companies no longer see it worthwhile in training employees as many of them tend to have shorter stays. However, employee-retention experts argue otherwise saying that this is precisely why companies must recommend professional development: as it will help them stay put at one place and develop their best talent.
Few successful methods to grow professionally
- Getting educated on your job:
Just because you got into a job and are no longer in school doesn’t mean the classroom is not accessible. Universities have started offering classes for adults, often in the evenings, so that you can organize your schedule effectively. Online classes are shaping up to be another convenient option in recent times. You can join in for classes on a topic which interests you or go for something unconventional and learn new things in the process. Either way, you will see development in due course of time, which is your primary goal.
- Seeking out people on the same career path:
The first step involves needing to identify the people on the same career development path. Talking to them and getting to know where they are headed in their careers will present you with many options. You can reach out to these people who hold a certain position or those who held it with a little effort on social media. Such people will on most part be happy to talk about their success stories and what steps they took to scale such dizzying heights in their career. In the process, you can learn a lot from their successes and mistakes.
- Reading – Open window to knowledge:
People generally read topics from books, articles and blogs ascertaining to their profession and for pastime. You need to think out of your normal professional box and pick reads which are inspiring and a source of knowledge.
- Soft skills – Your strength:
Everyone knows what their strengths and weaknesses are. It is important to focus on the strengths and organize oneself into multitasking by meeting deadlines or prioritizing in a smarter way. Regardless of your profession, you will see eventual growth by putting effort into improving those skills, which in turn will make you more marketable.
Finally, by choosing a viable career development plan, you will be able to overcome any challenge thrown at you and perform overwhelmingly.
C M Sundaram is the vice president of operations in T20learning.
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