5 Ways To Invest In Professional Development
Plus the Pros & Cons for Each
Professional development is defined as continuing education or career training after you enter the workforce. But there is a lot of poorly facilitated trainings out there (ie. being stuck in a conference room watching an e-learning module that’s mandated by your company.)
Not all development opportunities are created equal, many trainings leave us exhausted instead of energized, plus everyone learns differently. This is why we wanted to break down the pros and cons of different opportunities to invest in your career.
Find a Mentor:
A mentor is someone who has a level of understanding or expertise in your industry or career challenge who can listen, ask thoughtful questions, and provide feedback and direction to support you in navigating career decisions. Some organizations have formal mentorship programs, but mentor/mentee relationships can also happen organically.
Pros:
Have a champion in your corner
Honest feedback and accountability
Advice with a level of expertise and your best interest in mind
A relationship that can last a lifetime
Typically no cost
Cons:
Finding the right mentor can be challenging
Most mentors do not have formal training to coach you through difficulties
Mentors too senior may not understand challenges facing new leaders
You must initiate and maintain a meeting schedule
Attend a Conference:
Large group gatherings including annual conferences, trade shows, conventions, niche industry events, banquets, or festivals are all opportunities to learn with others, connect with new people, reconnect with past connections, and expand your perspective.
Pros:
Make meaningful in-person connections
Expand your network either in your industry or outside of it
Learn in various formats, from engaging speakers, in breakouts or workshop settings, or through conversations with fellow attendees
Perks, amenities, activations, photo booths, and gift bags
Cons:
Many conferences require travel time, plus time to attend in-person
Cost can be a challenging (which is why we recommend asking your employer to pay)
Intimidating for introverts or those who dislike large groups of people
Not all events are created equal
Join a Networking Group:
Gain exposure to a like-minded group who have interest in a similar topic by attending or joining a networking group’s events. Typically there is an opportunity for mingling, a speaker, workshop or presentation of some kind with the goal of sharing best practices or other experience.
Pros:
An opportunity to practice your elevator pitch while meeting new people
By attending regularly, you will develop relationships with others over time
Learn from speakers and/or facilitators
Connect with people local to your geographic region
Typically not as costly as a full day or multi-day conference
Cons:
Finding the right group can be challenging, we recommend finding groups through referrals of friends or colleagues
Time commitment as these groups typically meet before or after working hours
Can be draining for those who dislike small talk
There is typically a cost to attend, and food and drinks is not always included
Not all groups are created equal
Take an Online Course:
Virtual learning has come a long way in providing unique learning opportunities for specific or broader skills. You can register for a one-off workshop or complete a full course of materials online through independent educators, established Universities, or other organizations or institutions
Pros:
Learn from the comfort of your own space (in your pajamas if you prefer)
Learn at your own pace
A variety of educational opportunities offered
Some courses offer networking opportunities virtually
Cons:
Lack of networking opportunities compared to in-person experiences
Not all courses are created equal as anyone can host these types of trainings
Many courses do not offer live Q&A, so you are not able to have questions answered
Sometimes long explanations can be boring if you are a quick learner
Volunteer to Serve on a Board of Directors:
Serving with a group of industry peers can expose you to conversations, discussions and situations that can truly shape your leadership style.
Pros:
Learn from leaders outside of your current organization or network
Give back to an organization whose mission aligns with your values
An opportunity for recognition and award nominations
Added experience on your resume
Practice leadership skills you may not get to use in your day job
Cons:
Significant time, energy commitment that can test your personal and professional boundaries
Some organizations require attendance at monthly meetings, board retreats, separate leadership calls, and larger events that may require travel
Frustration that your skills may not be making the impact you would like
