Professional Development: Why Is It Worth It?
Professional development is the ongoing, lifelong learning that workers engage in to improve skills, knowledge, and abilities. It can take many forms, such as attending conferences, taking classes, reading books, or participating in online training programs. For many of us, especially in busier times of our lives, it is an undertaking spurred by mandates rather than our own initiative.
There are many benefits to professional development for both individuals and organizations. For individuals, professional development can help them stay up-to-date on the latest trends in their field, develop new skills, and advance their careers. It can also help them feel more confident and satisfied in their work. Many companies offer a range of options, trainings, and even content areas.
(A side note about this availability. If you are feeling more ambivalent about your work/career field/education, engage in new types of professional development that interests you to rekindle your enthusiasm. It is a huge benefit that many overlook.)
For organizations, professional development can help them improve their productivity, efficiency, and profitability. It can also help them attract and retain top talent, and create a more positive and productive work environment. When employers treat workers as valuable associates that they want to hone into experts, everyone wins. The skills associates develop to help minimize losses far outweight the costs of any trainings.
Finally, professional development can also benefit the clients that professionals serve. When professionals are up-to-date on the latest trends and have the skills and knowledge they need to do their jobs effectively, it can lead to better outcomes for their clients. In basically every industry, some clients will have complex needs that skilled professionals will be able to address better if they are on the cutting edge of development.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
