In today's rapidly evolving job market, it’s vital to continuously upskill and learn new technologies to remain competitive. According to a Gartner study, 58 percent of employees need new skills to do their jobs effectively, which requires professional development.
If you want to advance your career, here’s an overview of professional development opportunities and how to pursue them.
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DOWNLOAD NOWWhat Is Professional Development?
Professional development is the continuous process of enhancing your skills, knowledge, and competencies in your career.
It can take various forms, such as:
- Completing training programs
- Attending events (for example, workshops, conferences, and seminars)
- Pursuing additional education
If you want to jumpstart your career advancement, here are five accessible professional development opportunities.
5 Types of Professional Development Opportunities
1. Online Courses and Certificates
Online learning, also known as e-learning or distance learning, is a form of education that allows you to access course materials, learn from instructors, and interact with other learners in a virtual environment—regardless of your location.
According to a 2021 LinkedIn report, 57 percent of learning and development professionals increased their company's budget for online learning—up from 38 percent in 2020. In addition, 70 percent felt online learning was more important to their organizations’ professional development strategies than before the coronavirus pandemic.
Online business courses have become a common path for working professionals. For example, Harvard Business School Online’s certificate courses cover subjects ranging from financial accounting to leadership and management.
In a recent survey that explored the value of an HBS Online certificate:
- Ninety-one percent of past participants said HBS Online had a positive impact on their careers
- Forty-two percent received an average $17,000 salary increase
- Thirty-one percent got a promotion
By becoming an online learner, you can develop skills to earn a promotion or boost your salary.
2. Formal Education and Degree Programs
Advancing your education is an effective way to become more competitive in the market, increase your earning potential, and improve your career prospects.
A master of business administration (MBA) is one degree to consider because of its potential return on investment. A report by Statista shows that 92 percent of surveyed companies hired MBA graduates in 2022, up from 80 percent in 2020 and 50 percent in 2009.
The benefits of earning an MBA include:
- Obtaining in-demand industry skills
- Expanding your job prospects
- Making lifelong connections
It’s crucial to ensure you have enough time and money to obtain this type of degree. Reach out to your manager or human resources department to ask about what support they might offer.
Related: How to Ask Your Employer to Pay for Your Education
3. Conferences, Workshops, and Seminars
Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars is an often-overlooked form of professional development. Such opportunities allow you to step outside your daily routine, engage with others in your field, and explore new ideas and perspectives.
Other benefits include:
- Learning: Exploring the latest trends, research, and best practices in your field to improve your job performance
- Networking: Connecting with other professionals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build collaborative relationships
- Skill-building: Participating in hands-on training and workshops to build and develop skills
- Expanding worldview: Getting exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas to gain insight into your industry’s challenges and opportunities
Contact your manager or organizational leaders to express interest in attending industry events. Odds are, they can help you access them.
4. Vocational Training and Mentoring
Mentorship is a relationship you build with a knowledgeable industry professional who can provide tools to help you achieve your goals. Your mentors can support your career objectives and offer guidance and feedback to ensure you’re on the right track.
Mentorship can take several forms, including:
- One-on-one coaching
- Informal conversations
- Structured training programs
This method of professional development is beneficial at any career stage—especially if you’re a first-time manager. Your mentors’ past mistakes and the lessons they’ve learned can help you navigate similar challenges.
Vocational training, also known as technical or career training, can equip you with practical skills, hands-on experience, and industry knowledge to perform specific job functions.
It comprises:
- Classroom instruction
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships
Both mentorship and vocational training aim to develop your skills, knowledge, and confidence to achieve your career goals.
5. Networking Events and Groups
Networking is critical to professional development. It enables you to establish and maintain relationships that can lead to career advancement opportunities, new business ventures, and valuable industry insights.
According to the Harvard Business Review, professional and personal networks shrunk by approximately 16 percent during the pandemic. Allowing your network to deteriorate can have major professional consequences, such as a decreased sense of belonging within your organization.
When growing your professional network, seek opportunities with networking components to meet people both within and outside your field. For example, the HBS Online Community enables you to connect with like-minded professionals from around the world.
Unlock Your Potential with Professional Development
Professional development is crucial to advancing your career and staying competitive in your field. With online courses’ increased availability and accessibility, there’s never been a better time to invest in your education.
By taking online courses—like those HBS Online offers—you can learn at your own pace from anywhere and grow professionally.
Do you want to start working toward your professional development goals? Explore our online course catalog—covering subjects ranging from leadership to financial accounting—and download our free guide on how to advance your career with essential business skills.
