CE & Professional Development
Begin your Continuing Ed with a Professional Development plan
You may be able to jumpstart your Continuing Education program by exploring opportunities available through your current employer.
With the beginning of a New Year comes the promise of new opportunities and prospects for growth. As you review your work history you may have begun to consider making some career changes. Whether your goal is to modify your career focus, increase your earnings or change employers, professional development can help you meet those goals. Professional development offers an opportunity to maintain, increase, and improve the skills required to remain current in your profession or career arena.
There are many types of professional and personal development plans and programs to consider both within and outside your current workplace. Some examples are listed below with links to corresponding areas of interest:
Vocational or occupational training, where you can study a practical, hands-on skill that results in career-ready credentials. For instance, you may be working in a retail environment, but really want to work as a chef. Or, you may already be working within your desired industry but want to increase your marketable skills.
Continuing Education may include earning an Associates Degree in the area of your choice, or continuing on to earn your Undergraduate Degree as well. This can be done through an employer or independently.
Mandatory professional development exists in areas such as health and education. You may be required to earn credits or demonstrate knowledge in order to maintain your certification. Competency standards are already in place for many areas in these professions. For instance, Continuing Education for Teachers is already available in a variety of traditional and online formats.
Already self-employed and looking to increase your potential? The Small Business Administration Office of Entrepreneurial Development offers training for business owners that includes a section on Professional Development as well.
Continuing education may also include earning an Associates Degree or Undergraduate Degree, as well as the ability to utilize enrichment courses and company-provided programs to enhance your skills.
Many companies offer Professional Development education as part of their benefit package. They may offer to pay for all or part of your education, depending upon the plan they have in place. Call or visit your Human Resources office for details of what opportunities they offer employees..
