Ever had that senior colleague who was looked up to by literally everyone in the office because of how good they were at their job? And sometimes, you would find yourself gazing at them while sitting in your cubicle, imagining your future self managing a team or two in your current company. Competent, reliable, trusted, someone whose knowledge cannot be doubted and skills honed by years of experience in the industry.
Everyone has to start somewhere, even that talented senior colleague of yours who probably didn’t have enough confidence to fully embrace their role until a later time in their career. We all need to put in the work to achieve our goals throughout our respective careers. That would include being provided with opportunities to upskill and apply those learnings in the workplace.
Professional development is all about developing new skills, knowledge, and professional credentials that gain us an advantage to help us advance our careers. It should be noted that professional development can be gained through training sessions and mentoring programs initiated by companies, as well as done independently by employees themselves. Many companies offer in-house training programs and coaching like Insources Group (ROI Institute Australia) so be sure to check us out if you are interested in the best nationally recognised training like no other.
What is the importance of professional development?
Professional development is a worldwide concept that isn’t limited to any profession or industry. Its importance lies in the fact that as human beings, we are always evolving and constantly adapting to changes in the world. Especially in the workplace, there will always be disruptions that can have teams left in quite a pickle, so you need to equip yourself with the relevant tools and knowledge to overcome them.
Moreover, having a well-rounded skill set enables you to unlock more opportunities in the market. Every so often, hiring managers will see individuals who do not invest in their professional development as stagnant and complacent, and so having a dynamic and well-rounded skill set makes you more desirable and stand out among the rest.
What are the benefits of professional development?
- Expands knowledge base
Knowledge is power, and in an ever-so changing global economy, knowledge is going to be key to business success. Your existing job will help you develop certain hard skills, while you improve your soft skills from the experiences that you gain throughout your career. Having a relevant skill set makes you a valuable asset among your team because you’ll be considered a dedicated mentor and role model for employees, especially new ones.
- Boosts confidence
When you’re trying to impress a hiring manager, nothing beats the feeling of seeing their big smile upon one look at your CV and knowing that you get the job afterwards. Learning something new rewards us with contentment and a sense of pride, and what more if we can actually apply those learnings in the field? When we are confident with what and how we do things in the workplace, it’s going to open up a lot of possibilities in the future.
- Increases employability and job opportunities
Another stellar perk of improving one’s professional development is a higher chance of employability and employment opportunities such as gaining promotions and raises in your current job. A thirst for knowledge and career growth always looks good on a candidate or an employee because it shows your steadfast commitment in the workplace. When you get promoted to a new position, new skills could also be vital in helping you transition and become accustomed to new work processes and environments.
- Grows professional network
By going to seminars, events, and training programs, you would have the chance to meet professionals within the same industry and make meaningful connections. This is essential in the business world, whether you’re full-time or a freelancer, maintaining a good professional network can help you further your career and set the stepping stones for success.
- Stay up-to-date to industry trends
Professional development can help you keep track of new knowledge and trends within your industry, so your business can evolve and seize opportunities as they arise. In the VET world, this could mean staying on top of new laws and regulations as well as industry updates to help you maintain compliance and business efficiency. Yet no matter what industry you are in, being up-to-date can give you valuable insight into new practices, systems, and technology to give your business the much-needed boost in the right direction.
Learn with ease and efficiency with Insources Group
Finding the right means for your team’s learning needs can be difficult especially when you don’t know what you’re looking for. Luckily, Insources Group has a wide array of nationally recognised training courses, as well as free and paid webinars to develop the competence of trainers, managers, and quality and compliance professionals. Improve your team’s professional development now by contacting us today!
