By Jonathan Jackson
Effective professional development is vital for businesses, entrepreneurs and teachers to improve efficiency and knowledge in professional and working life.
It's not often that I'll sit on a plane and chat to the person in the seat next to mine, however such is the world today that you never know who is sitting next you or how their life has been affected by professional development or success initiatives.
On a trip home from Sydney recently, I put the iphone on to airplane mode, plugged in the headphones and got ready to chill out, when I noticed the gentleman next to me was reading a personal development book. We started chatting and it dawned on me that no matter who you are, where you are, or what your profession might be there are more people than you think who are dedicated to improving their skill and knowledge.
The gentleman sitting next to me was a businessman who attends seminars and reads books to continue his personal and professional growth. In his mid-40s (I'm assuming), he seemed to me to already be successful in his pursuits, however it is clear that to continue his success he believed he needed to continue to learn.
The majority of people would agree that continued learning is a necessary success tool. And they would be right.
Professional development or as its known today, CPD is a growing tool for today's businesses and business professionals to further their education and therefore careers. CPD not only strengthens an individual's skillset, companies have jumped on the bandwagon to ensure that employees make long-term commitments through their own personal growth.
Continued Professional Development has been described as “any process or activity, planned or otherwise, that contributes to an increase in or the maintenance of knowledge, skills and personal qualities related to the person's role”.
This definition supports not only the more traditional forms of development such as briefing sessions, workshops, seminars and conferences, but also includes more progressive forms of development such as mentoring, coaching, work shadowing, individual advice sessions, peer review, and self directed learning. Professional development courses are either general, or skill-based. General professional development caters to general skills, through basic personal education. Skilled development on the other hand, deals with the current profession, leadership qualities, managerial skills and enhancing a person's productivity.
Courses are designed with the intention of developing a person's level of competency and professionalism. The successful completion of the course opens avenues for unlimited growth.
In 2000, a study conducted by the National Staff Development Council examined the award-winning professional-development programs at eight public schools. The study found that in each of the schools, “the very nature of staff development [had] shifted from isolated learning and the occasional workshop to focused, ongoing organisational learning built on collaborative reflection and joint action.” Specifically, the study found that the schools' professional-development programs were characterised by collaborative structures, diverse and extensive professionallearning opportunities, and an emphasis on accountability and student results (WestEd, 2000).
Professionalism is more than a definition, it is an attitude as well as a state of mind and it harbours creativity and collaboration for the betterment of institutions, businesses and individuals.
Southern Cross University is a dynamic Australian university that has campuses located at Tweed Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour, with a new campus currently being developed at the Southern end of the Gold Coast.
The Graduate College of Management offers a range of postgraduate business courses and programs, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a number of specialist masters degrees. We also provide customised corporate programs to meet the training and development needs of industry. Our graduates are successful professionals who report a high level of satisfaction with their study experience. Our courses are rated five stars for getting a job and are rated highly for graduate satisfaction*.
The courses we offer combine professional relevance and academic quality with convenience, flexibility, and timeliness. They are delivered by highly qualified staff who possesses both academic and industry relevant qualifications, skills and experience. The lecturers and student support team are dedicated to helping our students, providing personal attention and a level of service that is often not provided at other universities.
Our package of quality study materials, excellent student support and competitive fees represent real value to those contemplating a major investment in their future.
Our large distance education program in Australia and our personalised on-campus program, attracts students from around the world. *Good Universities Guide Postgraduate Guide, 2009
www.scu.edu.au/schools/gcm/
Organisations have only one, true, competitive advantage – their employees. The Dale Carnegie® System in Leadership, Communication, Sales, Presentations, Team Engagement and Process Improvement offers growth of the organisation through the development of your employees' skills.
Dale Carnegie® has been in the business of improving performance for companies and individuals through the boom and bust of almost 100 years. It's tried. It works.
Dale Carnegie® courses are delivered over a period of time, so you're able to absorb, retain and practice what you learn. Holding participants accountable to applying what they've learned is the biggest reason they achieve every goal.
Most baby boomers will be retiring by 2010 leaving a huge talent gap. The primary need in business today is to hire, develop, and retain those who will be leading at every level of their businesses. Dale Carnegie® helps you develop skills for success throughout your organisation.
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