Posts Tagged ‘low cost continuing professional development’

Many people have a real desire to be successful in their career.  This might be because they crave security, really want to leave a legacy or just fulfil their potential.

When the economy is a little more challenging, it can seem like it is impossible to move forward in your career.  In reality you can move forward in your career whatever the external conditions.  Here’s how.

Focus on Professional and Personal Development

There are always new things to learn or new challenges to face.  Having a real focus on your continuing professional and personal development can really make a difference.  These days there are so many options open to you like low cost digital courses to full day or even full year programmes.

Seek Opportunities To Take On New Projects To Get Extra Experience

Every organisation needs people to lead or be part of organisational projects.  Some might be change related or related to a new acquisition or new service or product.  Often external consultants are brought in and while they can offer value, you can save money for the organisation while broadening your experience.

Get Strategic On Job Search

When you have fewer roles and more people chasing them you have to be selective and strategic.  There is no point wasting valuable time and energy on going for roles that you are highly unlikely to get.

Give Your CV/Resume A Makeover

Most CV’s/Resume’s were written a while ago.  Spend a few hours going through your personal marketing materials and make sure they are selling you and your achievements.

Network More

There is a saying that goes along the lines of it’s not what you know but who you know that matters.  A lot of people find out about a role through the grapevine or through their online and offline networks.  If you are not going along to professional association networking events or being active on LinkedIn Groups you are missing opportunities to build relationships.

The Bottom Line:  You cannot control external factors but you can control how you position yourself for success in your career.

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps professionals achieve more career success.  Check out his free audio masterclass at http://www.goalsandachievements.co.uk/careers-main.html

If you are a professional, continuing professional development is not just desirable but an essential part of your membership.  After all would you like to have an out of date surgeon perform your operation, gas fitter install your central heating or mechanic service your car? 

 

When people think of CPD they often get stuck in the old way of thinking of attending a course. Truth is there are huge range of options which are low or no cost, such as:

 

1. Subscribing to podcasts
2. Signing up for newsletter updates
3. Subscribing to a professional journal
4. Listening to audio CD programmes
5. Attending teleseminars
6. Participating in webinars
7. Signing up for free or low cost e-courses
8. Attending professional association local events
9. Reading books which you buy or borrow from the library
10. Taking on additional responsibilities at work
11. Shadowing a more senior member of the organisation
12. Taking a secondment

 

At the end of the day, even if you have little or no budget available there are still many CPD opportunities available to you.

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps highly rated professionals become great leaders and managers.  For more information click here