Does your packed schedule mean you can’t find the time to attend training courses, study for a qualification or work on your continuing professional development (CPD)?
While the challenges are understandable, you’ll miss out on a huge range of benefits if you don’t pursue opportunities for learning and development. For example:
- Enhancing your existing skills and learning new ones to become more effective and increase your chances of job security and promotion.
- Ensuring your knowledge and skills remain current, adaptable and relevant in a fast-moving world while also sparking innovation and creativity.
- The chance to network, potentially leading to new partnerships, collaborations and fresh job opportunities.
- A sense of personal and professional fulfilment and greater job satisfaction.
Your eight-step strategy for work/study success
1. Have clear goals
Don’t sign up for the first course that comes along or commit to a qualification that you’re not sure about. Think things through and be clear about what you want to achieve and why. Which skills and knowledge do you need to progress in your career? Make a list then prioritise your goals so you know exactly where to start.
2. Decide how you will learn
Do you need to do a few short one-off courses? Or are you looking to complete a programme of study, perhaps leading to a qualification or certificate? Maybe non-directed online learning will suit you or you would prefer interaction during a live training session. Leadership and management training with Impellus offers great flexibility as you can opt for individual one or two-day courses on dates that suit you or choose to complete a programme of study leading to an Impellus Certificate of Learning or an ILM Award.
3. Create a plan
Don’t be over-ambitious when planning out your time. Be realistic and create a schedule that takes account of the demands of your job as well as your home life and the amount of time required to pursue your learning activities.
Having a definite plan will help to ensure that your professional development activities are not ‘as and when’ or ‘nice to haves’ but an integral and important part of your day-to-day routine.
4. Aim to get your employer rooting for you
The support of your employer will make a huge difference to your motivation and ultimate success. Discuss your goals and learning plans with your line manager to get them onside. Many employers are keen to support the development of their employees to ensure the continuing success of their organisation and to help attract and retain the best staff.
Types of employer support can vary, from financial to allowing time off to pursue studies. Don’t miss out on what might be on offer.
5. Make sure your goals and deadlines are realistic
Break down tasks into manageable chunks, for example, researching and writing one essay a month, taking time out to attend a course every two months, reading/listening to relevant materials when commuting or during a lunch break. Celebrate small milestones as you go along.
6. Create a support network
Don’t allow yourself to become isolated. Reach out to others who are pursuing the same or similar studies for mutual encouragement and support. Make sure that family, friends and colleagues know that you are working on your professional development and need some time and space to succeed.
7. Look after yourself
Juggling family, working life and studies can be a challenge. Maintain a sense of perspective and make sure you take time out to rest, eat healthily and take some exercise.
8. Make your learning lifelong
Just finished a course? Completed a certificate? Got your diploma? Congratulations – but it’s not game over. Develop a lifelong learning mindset to stay motivated, engaged and in-demand. You can ensure that in an ever-changing job market you won’t be left behind.
