Professional Development: Staying UpDated Isn’t as Simple as a Download

Professional Development is a term we’re hearing more often in the working world. Why is it so important, you ask? Continuous development is what leads us to the newest inventions and technology. The same mentality can be used to continuously improve employees, making professional development a must in the workforce today. Professional development is something that should always be on your mind; even if it isn’t on your supervisor’s. Today’s blog will focus on how you can stay on top of your professional development game.

1. Certifications and Continuing Education
Look for certifications that you could obtain to continuously develop your skills. If you’re already certified in something, make sure you are keeping up with your continuing education credits to maintain that certification. Another piece of this to consider is balancing your skills. For example, being a fitness instructor is a great skill; however, have you considered diving into nutrition? Gathering skills that complement each other make you a valuable asset to any team.

2. Seek out a mentor
Find a someone you truly look up to and aspire to be like. If you don’t have a particular person in mind, research the branches that your career path can take you and find a mentor that you admire this way. Make an effort to create the mentor/mentee relationship. This could be something as simple as asking someone out to lunch one day. If your company has a mentorship program, even better!

3. Conferences
Feeling in a rut or wondering why you are even in this profession? Attend a conference! Conferences allow you to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Attending sessions can rejuvenate you and provide fresh ideas. And in all honesty, hearing why your peers started their journey may inspire you to dig deeper and remember why you started your own.

4. Webinars/Podcasts
If you are part of a professional organization and they are offering a free webinar, listen to it! Podcasts are something that I’ve recently been into. I listen to them when I go for a walk or have a long drive. By doing this, I’m using my time wisely and learning new information.

5. Blogs
Blogs provide a constant stream of current information on a variety of topics. Find a few that relate to your career or your goals. Hopefully ours is one of them! Subscribe, read, learn.

6. Staying Updated
Current developments in your field will change the way it is perceived. Staying current with new technologies, discoveries, trends and progress can make you the trendsetter and get you ahead of the curve. By being active, you could even change the game yourself!



Follow these tips to stay on top of your game! After all, the greatest investment you can make is in yourself.

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By: alicia Everette

A millennial wellness enthusiast trying to figure out life. Coupon Queen. Experimental Chef. Personal Trainer. Aspiring Health Coach.