Making the Case for Your Professional Development

Making the Case for Your

Professional Development

BY JERRICA DELONEY WITTE, AAA DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Don’t think of AAA industry courses and seminars as just “education,” rather as, “training for your career, your family, your company, your future employer and - most of all – for you.”

While it may seem to go without saying, some people just need a little push – or personal justification – for education, so here are some great reasons for you to get industry training, why your employer should care, and how to ask for it.

Why (for the employee)

• Brush up on your skills – learn about new trends, resources and tools that can make you better at your job

• Networking – make new contacts in your field

• Learn more about the industry than the scope of your current role Explore other areas of the industry Learn skills needed to get to the next level in your career

• Stand out as an ambitus go-getter Purposing professional development can signal to your employer that you are serious about advancing and learning more about your industry

• Stay engaged – taking time to invest in yourself can help you stay engaged and avoid burnout

Why (for the employer)

• Employee retention – employees are more likely to seek advancement opportunities within companies that invest in them

• Increased productivity – well trained employees are better equipped to face challenges

• Morale booster – employees are happier when they feel their employer cares and is invested in their advancement

Inquire about what memberships your company has

• AAA offers the ACE Education Subscription, which means unlimited learning for all staff at one fixed cost

If there’s not a budget seek out free or low-cost opportunities such as AAA’s Learn @ Lunch

• Not being deterred by budget constraints will show that you are serious about your own development and growth

• Budgets are (usually) annual, just because there are not funds available this year doesn’t mean that cannot change in the future

Ask your supervisor to let you know if/when there is a change

• Send an email sharing an event/seminar you’d like to attend and why it would enhance your job performance

For example, “I came across this educational seminar (provide link to event). Based on the description I am confident I’d come back to the office with (desired skills), learning this would make me more efficient/better at (blank task).

• If your supervisor has attended continuing education events, ask if you can go with them the next time something pertinent is offered

• Let your ambitions be known If you have a goal such as earning a credential or being promoted share that with your supervisor especially during your review

• Ask about opportunities that can help you achieve your goal

How to Ask

• Ask if there is a budget for staff development/continuing education This is something that is often times mentioned when interviewing or on-boarding at a new job, be sure to revisit this job benefit and make sure you are making the most of your opportunities

MARCH / APRIL / 2019 / 25