It is a crucial part of people’s career path, but we don’t always give it the attention it deserves. Here are the three keys you should always consider about professional development.
First of all, it is important not to be confused: the concept of professional development is used for all the skill tools that we use in addition to our training.
In other words, it would be anything that helps you to improve your skills for the job, both for the employed and the unemployed who have already finished their studies. An example of professional development could be refresher courses.
Professional development: keeping up to date with the labor market
In a society in which changes are increasingly fast, professional updating is a key aspect of any job. Professional updating should not only focus on the aspects directly linked with the job held (or wanted) but also with reference to all aspects of technological or market developments that may influence the relevant professional sector.
For instance, the update can be about a piece of machinery or a technical aspect of professional development. It can also be about a social network or a technological model that can be applied on the job.
Continuous training
Continuous training is another key aspect of professional development. In some cases, it may be provided by companies themselves, through refresher and recycling courses.
However, employees, throughout their careers, should be able to take regular training and refresher courses. In order to improve their skills, the training on offer is essential to remain competitive.
Improving skills
One can make the mistake of thinking that the improvement of skills is obtained exclusively through training. However, it is in the mix of the two previous points that the improvement of skills is to be found.
By combining continuous training with updating in reference to the market and the professional sector, a base is obtained on which you can put what has been learned into practice. The improvement of skills is therefore the result of the interaction between practice and theory.
Nowadays, professionals who are able to improve their skills through learning and experience are highly valued. In general, it is a thing from the past, for a job to remain unchanged in terms of the need for updating.
Recycling, constant improvement, and training are key elements for a good professional development in any productive business.