Professional Development includes any number of activities you undertake that are designed to help you achieve your career goals. You could be learning something new, learning to do something more efficiently, or expanding your knowledge. And it could be for your current position, or for a future position.

Many employers mandate professional development, and provide workshops and training in certain areas. The problem is, this PD is aligned to the organisation needs and not necessarily to yours. So, we often end up thinking of PD as a chore, something we need to do so we can tick a box, and keep the boss happy.

[Image Description: A man in a suit is presenting information. The audience is three people who are not interested. Two people are holding their chins in their hands, with closed eyes. A third person is head down on the desk, assumed asleep.]

I'm sure we've all had an experience similar to the one pictured. This is why we need to take charge of our professional development, our careers are personal as well as professional, and our goals may not align with that of an employer.

Activity

Take a moment to think back to previous professional development you've undertaken.

Think about a negative experience - why was it negative? Was it the topic, the presenter? Was it mandated or by choice? Did you learn anything from this PD?

Now think about a positive experience - why was it positive? Again, was it the topic, the presenter? Was it mandated or by choice? Did you learn anything from this PD?

What can you do to ensure that your professional development is a positive experience that aligns with your career goals?