The Importance of Professional Development & Continuing Education

The Importance of Professional Development & Continuing Education
Resources

January 9, 2018

Resource: Blog Industry: Education
Tags: Professional Development

When it comes to professional development and continuing education, many companies are often reluctant to invest, especially in industries where continuing education isn’t a requirement.

But a college or master’s degree doesn’t mean that employees should stop learning. And while professional development and continuing education may be mandated by professional organizations or industries, they provide all professionals the opportunity to keep their knowledge and skills current in order to deliver high-quality service that safeguards the public, meets the expectations of their customers and meets the requirements of their profession.

Here are just a few reasons why professional development and continuing education are so invaluable.

Sharpen the tools in your toolbox. Employees are the face of your company and professional development ensures that your employees continue to not only be competent in their profession, but also excel.

Stay abreast of trends. Proactively pursuing professional development ensures that your employees’ knowledge and skills stay relevant and up-to-date, and that employees are aware of changing trends and directions in your industry.

Build confidence. With the world moving at a faster pace than ever before, there is always room for professional growth. And more knowledge translates to more confidence while performing these skills.

Retain the best talent. Professional development helps employees stay interested – and interesting. Investing in the professional development of employees also helps to make them feel valued by showing that you are willing to invest in them to help them reach their full potential.

Broaden your horizons. Experience is an invaluable teacher but it often means that we tend to do what we’ve always done. Professional development exposes us to new possibilities, strategies, knowledge and skill areas.

Be a (better) team player. Professional development and continuing education help employees continue to make a meaningful contribution to their team, making them more effective leaders, managers, influencers, coaches and mentors.

Boost morale. Employees get new ideas and pass them along to clients through enhanced services and increased performance with the opportunity to learn in new and different ways that enhance enthusiasm and inspiration. Because if employees are excited about work, they will typically put more effort into it, produce better results and will be happier in the long run.

In an age of cut-throat competition, businesses – and professionals – simply can’t afford to be stagnant. As such, the importance and impact of professional development and continuing education for employees has never been greater. By providing these opportunities, employers show that they value their employees and are willing to invest in them and, in turn, employees will be invested in the success of the company.

 

By: Victoria Zambito, SVP of Content & Communication

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