How to Plan Your Personal Development Goals | Professional Development Courses

  • Friday, January 27, 2023
  • Posted By GM Leadership Hive

An article by GC Business Growth Hub partner and learning and development specialists In Professional Development explaining what you can do to invest in your professional development.

Guest Blog: [Lisa Zillich, Digital Marketing Manager at In Professional Development]

One of the best things you can do to invest in your professional development is to take an online or in-person professional development course.
 

One Goal to Set For Your Personal Development Plan - a Professional Development Course


A personal development plan is a great way to set yourself up for success, both in your current role and in your future career. One of the best things you can do to invest in your professional development is to take an online or in-person professional development course.

Committing to professional development training is a realistic, achievable, and measurable goal you can include in your personal development plan. Not only will a professional development course give you new skills and knowledge that you can apply in your current role, but it will also show current or future employers that you are committed to lifelong learning and personal development. Plus, with so many training courses for professionals available, you can find one that suits your needs, interests, and industry.

How To Plan Your Personal Development Goals 2

Why You Should Take a Professional Development Course

Investing in your professional development is one of the best things you can do for your career. Not only will it make you more successful and effective in your current position, but it will also open new doors and opportunities in the long term. Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider taking a professional development course:

In today's ever-changing business world, it's more important than ever to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. Professional development courses can help you do just that by teaching you the latest trends and best practices in your industry, or within a given area of expertise.

Taking on new challenges can be scary, but a professional development course can help boost your confidence by giving you the tools and knowledge you need to succeed. Once you complete your training, you'll have a newfound sense of confidence that you can apply to all areas of your career.

A good professional development course will teach you how to think critically and solve problems effectively. This is a valuable skill in any profession and one that will serve you well throughout your career.

A professional development course is also a great opportunity to network with other professionals in your field. This can be valuable for both personal and professional reasons. Whether you take an online professional development course or attend a face-to-face training programme, you never know whom you might meet or what connections you might make.

In today's competitive job market, it's important to do everything you can to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Taking a professional development course is one way to do that, as it shows potential employers that you are committed to lifelong learning and personal development.

Finding the Right Professional Development Course

With so many different professional development courses available, it's important to choose one that's right for you and your career goals. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you search for the perfect training programme:

What do you hope to achieve by taking a professional development course? Make sure the training you choose will help you meet your personal and professional goals.

Do you have the time to commit to a lengthy course? Does it need to be completed during business hours? You may want to look for a short professional development course or a programme that is offered in an online format.

Quality professional development courses can be an investment, so be sure to consider your budget when making your decision. There are plenty of high-quality, affordable courses available, so don't let cost be the deciding factor. Also consult with your employer and see if they are willing to cover or contribute to the cost of your training.

Be sure to read reviews and compare professional development courses before making your final decision.

Would you prefer an online or face-to-face professional course? Each has its own advantages, so be sure to choose the format that's right for you.

When choosing a professional development course, it's important to consider the provider. Research well to ensure they're reputable and have a good track record.

Making the Most of Your Professional Development Course

Once you've enrolled in a professional development course, it's important to make the most of it. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your professional development training:

Before you start the course, take some time to think about what you hope to accomplish. Do you want to learn new skills? Broaden your knowledge base? Or simply gain a better understanding of your industry? By setting specific goals, you'll be able to better focus your attention and make the most of your professional development training.

During the course, be sure to take plenty of notes. This will not only help you retain what you're learning, but it will also give you something to refer to later.

If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. Your tutors are there to help you, and they'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Once the course is over, it's important to take what you've learned and put it into practice. If you can, find a way to apply your new skills and knowledge in your current job. This will help solidify what you've learned in your professional development course and make it more likely that you'll remember it in the future.

If you enjoyed the course and found it helpful, stay connected with your instructors and classmates after your training is over. This way, you can continue learning from each other long after the course has ended.

Every successful person has been working and learning new skills for a long time, no one is born brilliant at their job and by taking advantage of all professional development opportunities it allows you to continue to develop skills and increase your knowledge.  The world is becoming increasingly competitive and is constantly changing and so it is critical to achieve your career goals that you continually evolve and develop your skills particularly around technology and digital skills.

Dawn Duggan, Head of People, Skills & Talent at Business Growth Hub

In Professional Development exists to challenge traditional learning by enabling professionals to access transformational, real-world training. Our mission is to provide accessible, inclusive and progressive business training with focussed expertise to create a positive and lasting impact, empowering professionals to do more, achieve more and be more.

A key question we need to answer is “Why You Should Take a Professional Development Course?” and, in this blog, our contributor Lisa Zillich discusses the “Why?” and the “How?”.

Mike Johnson, Senior Executive Education Consultant at In Professional Development

Delivered by GC Business Growth Hub in partnership with Greater Manchester’s university business schools, the Greater Manchester Leadership Hive brings together the best leadership and management training the region can offer, all in one place.

From executive and workforce development to mentoring programmes and support with sustainability and inclusivity, the Hive gives small business leaders everything they need to run their businesses as effectively as possible.

For more advice and to view all programmes available to you.

In Professional Development

In Professional Development exists to provide you with leadership, management and business skills training required to remain effective in the modern economy. Our courses offer a unique blend, bridging the gap between academic rigour and the business community. We run professional training courses validated by our partners; the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), The University of Chester, The University of East London and the University of York. Accessible and hosted by a team of industry leading facilitators, our programmes deliver tangible benefits for when you return to the office as a more efficient executive.

Whether you’re looking for a qualification for your CV, reassurance of best practice, or a light-bulb-moment, our training will deliver for you.

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