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Robert Durrant mentoring
Writer's pictureRob Durrant

7 visible reasons WHY you need Professional Development

Updated: Jan 7

Here is the opportunity to invest in your Professional Development and Career.


It’s time you stopped focusing on work outcomes, and invest in some professional development mentoring and skills coaching!


Professional Development can be defined as a set of activities that improve awareness and identity, develop your skills and potential, and build human capital (value).


In English, it simply means doing things that improve you and the world around you.

Professional Development is no different to performing repairs to your house or car. 


Even when you think everything ok, things deteriorate, wear down, or simply become outdated.

This is when we can become too comfortable, and take things for granted!


When you are comfortable, it’s easy to overlook the need for change, BUT when your professional career takes a turn (perhaps for the worst), it’s often too late to take that leap of faith to a new career or ‘sea change’.


When you become stale or stuck in a rut, it’s hard to get that momentum in place to make the necessary changes that may benefit you in the long term.


7 reasons that highlight the opportunity to invest in your Professional Development


1. Your industry is going through changes


Disrupters are causing industries and businesses to change faster than ever before.  As technology advances, what you have been trained in 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


If you are doing the same thing each and every day, it’s easy to fall into a rut.  Even if you are happy with what you are doing, there is always the need to learn new skills and listen to experienced people around you are conferences and events.

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.


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. Your network isn’t expanding


Networking IS important.  Over time, contacts at companies tend to move on as they also develop their career.  It’s important that you continue to network, bit developing new connections BUT also reconnect with past.


Try attending seminars, expos, and business networking events.  Be more active online in discussion forums and develop your LinkedIn.


5. You’re lacking a specific skill or qualification


Rather than throwing in the towel and looking for a different type of jobs just because you do not have a specific skill or qualification, 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.


6. You don’t have career visibility over the next 5-10 years


The best thing about working with mentors is being able to focus on your professional development plan and 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.


7. Everyone you know has moved onwards and upwards except for you


Look, it’s not a bad thing if you have found the career and role that you love.


BUT if you are thinking that everyone you know is changing jobs, achieving qualifications and meeting goals and milestones, then perhaps it’s time for you to also think about a change.


Don’t just throw everything into the air because others are doing things differently.  You need to think about engaging a mentor to help you develop your own professional development and life plan.


Professional Development 3-Min Benchmarking


If you think that it’s perhaps time for a change, but not sure where to start?


We recommend that you take advantage of the online tools available such as our 3-Minute Professional Development Benchmarking. This is a secure and confidential way of evaluating your own personal development.  It’s free, and the results are sent to you via email together with my advice and recommendations.


Need some help?


Robert Durrant provides high-performance mentoring, coaching and skill development services to help you set and achieve your personal and professional goals.


To learn more about the mentoring and coaching services available from Robert Durrant, please visit our Mentor Programs or Coaching Services page or call 03 9429-2293 or email rob@robertdurrant.com.au


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Robert Durrant

High Performance Mentor & Coach


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