Continuous Professional Development
Helping you level up your skills and stay ahead in the professional game
As industries evolve, they not only bring exciting opportunities but also pose new challenges.
Whether you like it or not, it is your responsibility to engage in continuous learning for professional development. This can show your present or potential employer that you have the quality of taking the initiative and are looking to progress in your career.
Today’s hiring managers too are looking at potential employees who are better skilled than the other applicants for the role.
Committing to continuous learning throughout your career not only shows your forward-looking approach but also places you above the competition.
Are you mindful and prepared for the next big change?
What is CPD?
CPD, or Continuous Professional Development, refers to the ongoing process of learning and improving one’s skills and knowledge throughout their career. It involves activities and experiences that contribute to personal and professional growth.
For example, a marketing professional engaging in CPD might attend workshops on the latest digital marketing trends, read industry publications regularly, or take an online course to enhance his/her analytical skills.
The goal is to stay current, adapt to industry changes, and continuously improve his/her capabilities, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the employer.
By committing yourself to Continuous professional development, you’re making sure that your academic qualifications and work experience stay relevant and don’t get outdated.
When you start in a specific industry in a new role, you will likely have completed your academic qualifications. But your academic creds won’t cut it forever. As industries keep evolving, we need to roll with it too. That means staying on the learning path to keep up with the game.
Online courses and webinars, internal training programs, and professional certifications are some of the popular ways for employees to stay relevant with current and future trends in their respective industry.
CPD ensures what you are learning and the way you are learning is structured, practical and relevant. It also allows you to focus on any specific skill – usually for a short time (6-12 months).
Over the period of dedicated learning of future-oriented skills, you will not only notice an improvement in that specific skillset but will also be securing your career progression.
Learning types in CPD
CPD can happen in three types. It’s about being proactive, taking steps to gather the relevant knowledge that your industry demands. Stay ahead by continuously equipping yourself with the skills needed.
1. Structured or Active CPD
This CPD method is hands-on, engaging, and proactive. It’s about getting involved—think training sessions, conferences, online courses—to hone those crucial skills. Your company holds the responsibility to promote CPD when it comes to structured learning.
2. Unstructured or Self-directed CPD
In this style of CPD, there’s no need to actively participate; it’s more about absorbing information. It might mean reading CPD articles, tuning into podcasts, and staying updated on industry news.
3. Accredited CPD
Getting accredited CPD training means that your learning meets the standards set by the CPD Certification Service. This ensures what you’re learning is top-notch and recognized.
For example, there are LinkedIn learning certifications covering diverse topics and HubSpot Certifications for digital marketing skills. (link to LinkedIn learning page).
How to plan your CPD?
Any plan of growing in your respective profession should start by:
1. Assessing your current situation
Take a pause and assess your career journey. Are you at the point you envisioned? Reflect on your recent CPD efforts.
This reflection will guide your future path, helping you identify goals and areas for improvement.
2. Identify your Goals
Now, dig deep and ponder: where do you truly want to go? Outline your short-term and long-term goals, making them SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely.
Whether it’s shaping your teaching style or venturing into an international career, understanding your goals is a key step in crafting your CPD plan.
3. Consider how will you achieve it (within a timeline)
Figure out how to reach your goals. Identify the skills you need to develop or learn. Break down your goals, create a timeline, and keep it real.
Identify the resources you will be using to upskill—it can be online courses, internal training, or a combination of both.
Don’t stress if you miss dates. Schedule around your goals, aligning with the resources you have.
4. Measure your Progress
As you roll with your CPD plan, check how you’re doing. Hitting your targets? If not, tweak them or set new goals.
Plans evolve, so reflect on what you’ve learned for future growth.
CONCLUSION
So, folks, here’s the deal – the professional world is like a constantly evolving dance floor, and to stay in the groove, you’ve got to keep those skills sharp. It’s like upgrading to the latest version of your favorite app – you wouldn’t want to be caught using the old one, right? So, embrace the learning journey and your future self will thank you for being the rockstar you are. Keep hustlin’ and keep learnin’!
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