Tips for Professional Development
Advance Your Professional Development with these Tips
Updated March 15, 2023
In today’s job market, it’s imperative to continually strive for career advancement. One way to accomplish this is by working on your professional development. Fortunately, various tools and advice are available at your fingertips to help keep you above your potential competition. If you’re looking for ways to grow your professional development, keep reading below!
Take responsibility and show initiative
If something is your fault, even indirectly, just own it. No one wants to hear excuses; it muddles the problem even more. Own it and move on to fixing it. Everyone involved will move on to focusing on the solution rather than the problem, turning a negative into a positive. Even if the problem is not your fault, if you step up to the plate and suggest a solution, people will notice you in a good way.
Be a good listener
Many people are eager to jump into a conversation and offer their thoughts. While you may seem engaging, you may not realize that you might interrupt the speaker’s thoughts. Be patient and let the other person finish what they are saying, and listen very carefully before jumping in to speak. Not only will this show the other person respect, but it will also help you develop a more thoughtful response. Also, try to show attentiveness while the other person is speaking. Fidgeting or looking in another direction will make you seem distracted and unfocused.
Be straightforward and trustworthy
In business, your honor and your integrity are everything. Once you lose someone’s trust, be it a coworker, business partner, boss, or client, it’s almost impossible to win back. Almost everything else is forgivable. Also, be straightforward. If you know something might become an issue or a problem, bring it up as soon as possible, no matter how uncomfortable and awkward it may feel. At the end of the day, the slight discomfort you feel will be less painful than dealing with future issues or problems that may have arisen had you not stepped forward.
Learn to manage your emotions
Self-control and respectful communication are essential in cultivating a good reputation. If possible, never allow yourself to show your anger or frustration. It may make you seem weak. People want to work with level-headed individuals who are calm under pressure. In stressful situations, try to speak clearly and professionally, even when challenged by others who cannot control their emotions.
Cultivate Relationships
Develop relationships with people who have been in your shoes and let them mentor you. They can give you objective advice you may not get on the job. You should also develop relationships with coworkers and peers. This will help keep you up to date on business developments and gain a different perspective.
Learn Everything You Can
With every industry consistently evolving, staying ahead of the curve is essential. A great way to accomplish this is by improving your knowledge and expertise. A Continuing Education program like ours will help grow your professional and professional skillset. Your engagement will demonstrate your willingness to grow and dedication to both your current employer and those in the future. It will also open many doors for your professional career and help you climb the ranks quicker than before.
Where can I get professional development training?
If you want to improve your professional development, consider training at Career Technical Institute (CTI). CTI offers a variety of programs in the Healthcare, Hospitality, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Office Administration fields. Students may take day or evening classes in Washington, DC, or online from the comfort of their own home. Admissions and Financial Aid Advisors are available Monday through Friday during business hours to answer your questions and help you understand what funding may be available to you. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.
Are you interested in learning more? Call us at 1-888-516-5339 for information about national online classes or campus vocational training in Washington, D.C.