In your own words, write about why employees should pursue professional development. Provide at least 3 reasons. Also, include at least ONE brief story as an example of a company employee who took professional development courses and was able to grow his/her career.
I think all the employers should offer professional development to their employees. I will show them that you care about their career progression and are interested in keeping them at your organization long term.
First reason : No one likes to feel like they are missing important skills in their job. Providing professional development training opportunities allows your staff to build confidence in the work they do. It also helps them to build credibility as they continue to gain new skill sets and certificates.
Second reason : Professional development programs are great tools for training future leaders at your organization. Rather than hiring outside the business, promoting from within is a great way to show your staff that they can have a long career with your organization. It can also reduce the knowledge gaps that are inevitable with turnover and outside hires. By choosing professional development programs that help your employees master skills they need to progress, you can shape the development of your future leaders.
Third reason : Pofessional development can help break up the monotony of everyday work and re-energize your staff’s creativity. Providing periodic professional development can also help your staff gain new skills and perspectives, which can translate into how they approach their jobs.
Example of professional delelopment courses that was able to grow his career in a company.
In 1984, high schooler Doug McMillon took a job loading trucks at a Walmart distribution center so that he could earn money for college. At the time, he earned $6.50 an hour. Since then doing so many professional development courses he rose through the ranks at the company, taking on titles like assistant store manager, buyer in merchandising, and CEO of Sam's Club. In 2014, he was named CEO of Walmart.
2) List your company’s professional development requirements. Include the following:
· Amount required with deadline(s): Decide how to calculate this (i.e., Time? Credits? Another way?)
· Types of appropriate professional development activities. Formal or informal training? Which formats? List at least THREE.
· How employees will show they gained knowledge from their professional development activities
Professional developments can be formal and informal. Formal CPD involves participating in organized activities, courses, seminars, workshops, conferences and panel/group meetings, with appropriate content for chartered secretaries and where attendance can be evidenced. Courses can be undertaken face to face, online or via other electronic delivery. Informal CPD involves activities undertaken by the individual, like experiential/workplace learning, reading and research. It can be difficult to gain third party evidence for informal CPD, so the Institute advises keeping individual records and completing a self-evaluation sheet. Some examples of informal CPD activities are shown below.
Examples of Formal CPD : Professional courses, seminars and conferences (where there are clear objectives and learning outcomes and supporting evidence can be provided if requested).
Formal learning and development within your firm or organisation, for example attending in-house training on a technical subject.
Self managed learning that has a clear learning outcome, clearly linked to the member’s development needs.
Examples of Informal CPD : Development of personal and practical skills through activities such as shadowing and delivering/receiving coaching.
Informal learning and development within your firm or organisation, for example interactive and participative discussions with internal experts on specific technical topics
Informal teaching/training for others, such as facilitating a discussion session at a seminar or conference, or feeding information back to peers, boards or committees.
2) Briefly explain at least THREE ways employees can find professional development opportunities. Consider a variety of methods for developing and improving job skills. (i.e. Traditional college classes, online courses, etc.)
Being a professional means constantly seeking out opportunities to grow in the industry and advance your career.
Here are a few suggestions.
Network with others in your field.
Find professional associations by occupation or industry.
Find local training programs that can help you get to the next level in your career.
Contact your local school district to find short term community education classes.
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