Is it time for professional development in your career? What to consider.

Like most people, you may have started your career with a good college education; landed a great job and feel satisfied that you've achieved your goals. However, what happens if the company you're working for goes out of business, lays you off, or doesn't offer any further career growth?

When the need arises for you to join the unemployed with a ten or 20-year-old college degree that lacks current or updated training in your field, such as a continuing education class it could hinder your chances, even though you have an excellent professional background and plenty of achievements. Remember, it is highly competitive in the employment market and job seekers must stand above the crowd in every way possible.  The typical employer can see as many as 250 resumes for one position.

Staying current in your field is essential to advancement in your career and to shortening your job search; it proves to those overwhelmed employers that you are up to date, continually polishing your skills, and determined to be the best that you can be.

Professional development is the act of enhancing your knowledge in a specific area, even gaining certificates in fields such as Project Management, IT, Finance, Scientific and Engineering careers, just to name a few. It increases your ability to offer current professional skills that have been most likely updated, revised, and expanded upon since college.

A higher education helps land a higher paying job, and a more rewarding career. That education should include professional development.

Professional Development Objectives:

An ongoing professional development program can contribute long-term career growth, allow acceleration in your career, and support you through the job recession since many employers do not want to educate their new employees as it can be costly and time consuming.    

Devise your own self-assessment of your skills through career research, and decide which option is best:

  • Take a few college courses in the evening that are relevant to your career.

  • Sign up for a continuing education online program.

  • Earn a certification in a particular educational program at a college or university.

  • Attend a conference, or seminars that will bring you up to date on the current job skills.

  • Seek out a workshop that is accredited or can offer a certificate.

  • Expand your knowledge of social media, or website development. Take on projects for yourself or others, away from the workplace.

  • Volunteer at nonprofit organizations to get hands-on experience in your field - plus volunteer work looks great on a resume.

  • Learn an online tool thoroughly, such as LinkedIn or Google+, and increase your online experience, which could be just what that perfect employer is seeking.

  • Network with others in your field and ask them how they achieved their positions - which professional development courses they took, and how it helped their careers.

  • Take advanced placement courses.

With the mass numbers of unemployed people in the U.S., taking the extra steps to enhance your experience and educational excellence can only help land that perfect job.  

Let TopResume help you write the next chapter of your career with our resume writing services.

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