Each of Us -- Providing career advice and career development information for working women interested in advancing in the workplace

Take Charge of Your Professional Goals
By Tamara Dowling

TD Strategies, LLC

Many companies are aware of how important it is to provide ongoing training and development to employees. However, not all companies have the resources to create an extensive program for all employees.

Ultimately it is up to each of us to take charge of our professional and personal growth. We can help you with a personal growth plan.

Mentor

If your company does not have a formal mentoring program, look to your local professional associations. Get to know others in your industry or profession. Identify someone who would be willing to advise and counsel you. Select a mentor at the appropriate level. If you are an entry-level worker, you may want to recruit a manager rather than a Vice President.

Set perimeters at the beginning. Be respectful of your mentor's time. Perhaps establish a monthly meeting time with an agenda. Be prepared for your meeting, and don't keep your mentor beyond the committed hour.

Even if your mentor is a high earner and you are not, don't expect the mentor to pick up tabs for lunch or dinner. Take turns, share the cost, or if you can afford it treat your mentor in return for his/her time.

Role Models

Within your company, you can probably identify co-workers who are successful. Do you ever wonder how they achieve success? It is a good idea to get to know them. Talk with them and learn how you can succeed. Achievers are usually happy to give you a few tips. It also helps to observe them in action.

Of course, there are always the negative models that demonstrate the behavior to avoid.

Skill Coach

A skill coach is different from a mentor. A mentor relationship is ongoing. A skill coach is someone who has expertise in a particular area.

Perhaps you are having trouble with PowerPoint presentations. Your manager is not pleased with your most recent presentation slides, but she does not pinpoint how you can improve.

You know that Maria in Sales is always praised for her presentation slides and handouts. Why not ask Maria to coach you, and in turn you take her to her favorite lunch spot. Maybe in the future Maria will need your help.

Training and Self Study

There are many training opportunities. Go to a search engine to find specific vendors in the categories we discuss below.

1. Study Business and Trade Magazines

Subscribe to at least one general business magazine and one trade or industry publication.

Keep up with your reading. Bring them to meetings or appointments, so you can read an article or two while you wait.

Each month, choose one or two exceptional articles to share with your department and your manager. They'll appreciate it even more if you highlight the key points for them.

2. Read Books

Make a commitment and keep it to read at least one new business or industry related book. Ask your manager if you can make a 5 minute presentation at your team meeting, or distribute a one page summary.

3. Take Online Courses

There are dozens of online or distance learning opportunities. Courses range from soft skills to technical skills. Some are free, and many are quite affordable.

The courses that I have investigated allow one to complete it at one's convenience, within a certain period of time. Usually there are weekly assignments, and weekly discussion topics.

4. Never Stop Learning

Consult local community colleges and universities for continuing education courses. Most of these institutions publish online and hardcopy catalogs of courses in a variety of subjects, including ones that lead to professional designations and certifications.

Also, check with your professional associations for self-study courses. Often the successful completion of a course series qualifies you for certain industry certification by the association or sponsor.

Look in your local yellow pages for training institutions and trade schools. Many people prefer to get computer skills training in this type of environment.

Be Active in Your Professional Associations

With a good professional association, you'll benefit in the following ways:

* Network community
* Local meetings - some with educational speakers
* Annual conference to learn about industry issues and trends
* Opportunities to participate in discussion panels and advisory boards
* Newsletters or Web sites with current industry news
* Training courses and professional certificates and programs
* Opportunity to volunteer your time and expertise
* Venue to submit articles for publication in newsletter, trade magazine or Web site
Volunteer
* Volunteering helps others, and helps you in many ways. It demonstrates your commitment to your industry and community. It also allows you to broaden your network community, and experience.
* Volunteer on an improvement team or task force - at your company, your association or for a non-profit organization.
* Volunteer as a guest speaker or panelist at a local High School, Trade School, Prison, Religious Group, or Community College.
* Volunteer your expertise for local charities or schools.
* Offer a class or workshop in your community. Check with your local school district, county recreation department or non-profit organizations. Make sure you have a clear plan, and are able to deliver an effective class before you offer your services.
* Be a mentor for someone else who can benefit from your experience.

Work With Your Manager

Once you have a first draft plan for your professional development, meet with your manager. Share your goals and the skills you are developing. Ask for her feedback. What skills does she feel you should concentrate on?

Your manager will be impressed with your initiative. Keep your manager informed of your progress and achievements.

If the company does not pay for any of your training or association fees, understand that it may be a budget issue. If they do it for one, they may have to open it up for all. That could be more than they can afford.

Don't be discouraged if your manager does not participate in your plan. Your manager has limited time, and multiple responsibilities. Stay committed to your plan; your success goes well beyond your current job. You are building a career and a life.