For the last two weeks I have addressed Professional Development as it applies to high school and college students. But to the career professional or the “stay-at-home parent” getting ready to re-enter the work force, this broad term also applies. Generally speaking, there are sectors of the work world that refer to continuing your education or training for licensing as Professional Development or Continuing Education Units (CEU).
- Physicians and Nurses
- Attorneys
- Massage Therapists
- Teachers and Administrators
- Realtors and CPA’s
This list is certainly not complete, but you get the idea. Some professions require within a determined number of years, that you participate in classes or conferences in an effort to keep current in your field. Some industries pay for their employees to attend these conferences or courses while others leave it up to the individual. The important point here is WHY would you leave it up to someone else?
In a low economic market it makes it more challenging for individuals to pay for such training, but it pays dividends if you do. Firms, companies and organizations have scaled back their resources to cover the costs associated with on-going training for employees, but the value of investing in you is enormous! It not only increases your own intellectual value, but it elevates the employer’s perception of you as an individual and your willingness to increase your own potential.
Want to know how to increase your value to an organization? Contact me.