5 signs it’s time to invest in professional development

[Monirul Islam]

Professional development is to your career what maintenance is to your vehicle. Even when there's nothing 'wrong' with your car, you still need to take it for regular checkups, change the oil and rotate your tires if you want it to continue running smoothly and avoid any major issues down the line.

Unlike with your vehicle, however, it's easy to overlook the need for professional development when you're feeling comfortable with your current job and career trajectory. So here are a few important signs that it might be time to invest in your career.

1. Your industry is changing
Industries and business practices are changing quicker than ever before, and this means some of the things you may have learned in school five or ten years ago may no longer be relevant or applicable.

Even if it's not a company requirement, it's a good idea to keep up with what's happening in your field by reading professional journals and research papers, attending industry events, conferences and workshops or participating in online forums and discussions on Twitter. This type of self-directed learning will help you keep your knowledge current, and can even boost your confidence at work.

2. You're stuck in a rut
It's easy to get stuck in a rut when you've been with the same company for many years, but even if you're happy in your current job, there's no need to stand still in your career.

Look around you. Are your colleagues being promoted and moving up through the ranks while you continue to perform the same tasks you were originally hired to do? If this is the case, there's a good chance you've become too comfortable with your routine and need to shake things up a bit.

Taking professional development courses and networking with other professionals will not only inspire you about new possibilities and give you something to work toward, but will also show your boss or HR managers that you're willing to take initiative.

If you're not sure why you're being overlooked for a promotion when some of your colleagues have already advanced, consider scheduling a meeting with your direct overseer to discuss your performance, and in particular, any areas you could improve in.

3. Your resume hasn't been updated in years
It's easy to neglect your resume when you're not actively looking for a job, but the longer you've been with a company the more difficult it will be to remember key information about the different roles you had over the years.

Keeping your resume updated as your career progresses will help you track your professional accomplishments and ensure that you're ready for any opportunity that may present itself.

Take out your resume and read it as critically as possible. Does it still accurately represent your current skill set and expertise? Would it convince a new employer that you possess the know-how to excel in your job? If you haven't added to or updated your resume for more than a year, it's probably time to invest in your professional development.

4. You're lacking a specific skill or qualification
Does every job you want to apply for seem to list a specific skill or qualification that you don't currently have? Rather than throwing in the towel and looking for a different type of job, you should consider how you can work towards meeting those requirements.

While you may not have the time to complete a course or degree before applying for the job of your choice, enrolling in a relevant learning program or attending workshops and seminars that focus on areas where you lack expertise will send employers the message that you're willing to learn the necessary skills and are serious about pursuing this opportunity.

5. You have no idea what your career might look like in five years
The best thing about focusing on your professional development is that it gives you a chance to think about your career goals. If you have no idea what you'll be doing in five to ten years from now, taking professional development courses, volunteering or finding a mentor can help you understand your career goals and form a plan of action.

Your first step will be to identify specific skills or experience that you don't have, but would be relevant to your line of work and give you an edge over other applicants. Once you know what you're aiming for, you can work out what the next steps should be.

Source: https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/careers/professional-development