Professional development (also known as PD) is all about gaining new knowledge and skills to advance your career. PD is especially important if you want to continue your education, change your career, land a new job, or take your career to the next level. Continuous learning can also hold the key to ultimate job satisfaction.

Cue the professional development plan (PDP). Think of a PDP as a road map to achieving your professional development goals. PDPs (also called professional development training programs) vary for individuals, but usually include: 

• Setting clear professional goals.
• Learning new skills and/or knowledge.
• Identifying skill gaps. 
• Advancing professional growth.
• Taking steps towards a new job or role.

Why is professional development important?  

Professional development can benefit everyone – from students to career professionals. Pursuing professional development is a great way to continue learning and add to your skill set. Also, adopting a growth mindset can help spark ideas that keep you engaged and fresh. It also helps develop knowledge and skills to support your current professional role or help prepare for your next job. 

Here are some benefits of professional development that can help you continually improve.

• Boost your confidence: Continuing professional development can do wonders for your personal and professional confidence and employee growth.
• Enhance your skill development: Professional development courses, further education and training can help diversify your skill set. For example, you could develop your project management or leadership skills.
• Advance your career prospects: Engaging in professional development opportunities can open up new career paths. So you can take the next progression in your career.
• Learn about new industry trends: Your quest for continued professional learning will uncover your industry’s latest innovations and developments. So you will learn new skills and be up to date with your industry knowledge.
• Knock the socks off your employer: Undertaking PD is a great way to impress your current and future employers, particularly when it comes to your performance evaluation. PD shows you’re investing in your career – and yourself.

So what is a professional development plan?  

A professional development plan (PDP) helps you map out your career goals and intentions. It’s a pathway to help you get from where you are to where you want to go, outlining the steps you’ll take. Professional development plans are often presented in a template or document form that can help with:

• Identifying professional development opportunities.
• Setting professional development goals.
• Conducting a skill gap analysis.
• Outlining the skills and competencies needed to achieve objectives.
• Developing career goals and trajectory.
• Improving job satisfaction.

Best of all, you can revise the document as needed. Update your PDP as you achieve your goals and move toward your objectives. And don’t forget to reward yourself when you reach your goals!

Why are professional development plans important?

Professional development plans help bring your career dreams to life by breaking your goals into smaller, achievable steps. Your PDP is a road map that helps you reassess your career development and kickstart your career prospects.

PDPs are also used by managers and leaders to understand where you want to grow and improve in your career. Develop a plan with a shared, actionable vision with your manager. Then follow it toward success with support and guidance. 

How to create a professional development plan

Let’s look at some examples of winning PDPs. The key is to create achievable steps that provide clear direction. 

Step 1: Self-assessment

• Evaluate your personal and professional interests.
• Think about your hopes for your future career.
• Set out your current knowledge and skill set.
• List areas you want to learn more about or improve on.
• Be sure to include any PD valued by your employer or industry.
• Meet with someone in the field you’re interested in, or speak with your manager.

Step 2: Set goals

Once you’ve evaluated where you’re at professionally, think about where you want to go. Brainstorm and organise your goals into a list. Set SMART (specific, achievable, measurable, relevant and time-bound) goals over the short-, medium- and long-term.

• Short-term: What do you want to achieve in the next few weeks?
• Medium-term: What do you want to achieve in the next few months?
• Long-term: What do you want to achieve in the next few years?

Next, choose one or two long-term goals. These could include your dream job, a major achievement, or a step up in skills. For example, upgrading your qualifications with a master’s or PhD. Work backwards from there, mapping out the medium and short-term steps that will take you to that goal. So your first step could be to enrol in a postgraduate course.

Step 3: Develop strategies and an action plan

This is where you can begin to map your PDP. Everyone’s plan will look slightly different. For example, you might work in IT but want formal qualifications. Our Bachelor of Information Technology could be an ideal long-term goal and stepping stone to further your career. 

Work in finance or accounting? You might be interested in studying business. Chat with your employer to see if they can support your study by sponsoring your degree. Many companies have training budgets to help employees develop their skills. And this can help offset part, if not all, of your course fees.

Science and medical careers require high levels of training and knowledge. Some master’s, such as our Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, may also result in a higher salary, a promotion at work, or a different avenue of opportunity. 

Full degrees aren’t the only development program option, either. We offer a variety of specialised microcredentials and short courses geared toward upskilling. The best part about these qualifications is that they are often more flexible (fitting in around your career) and affordable than longer studies.

Professional education can help you stay up-to-date with emerging technologies (such as practical AI for teachers). Shorter training programs and courses are a great way to see if you’re interested in further pursuing a subject.

Step 4: Gather your resources

Now that you have your goals and action plan, it’s time to gather resources to help you succeed. For instance, our online library offers practical planning and information resources. You can also chat with our team for help and assistance. We’re always happy to answer any questions.

Another tip is to use social media sites, like LinkedIn or job boards, to get the latest industry information. Finally, chat with your employer and industry to cultivate a support system and community.

Step 5: Track your progress

Want your development planning to succeed? Treat your goals like a job. That means giving them time and attention. Schedule time to check in on your plan, track your progress, and set your goals for the coming week. And don’t fly past your achievements – professional development is essential, and it takes effort. If you achieve one of your goals, no matter how small, acknowledge it. 

Five professional development tips

1. Be realistic: Make sure your long-term goals and the steps you’re taking to get there are achievable. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aim high. But be realistic about your targets to avoid lofty aspirations.

2. Know your skill set: Play to your strengths and passions, and study the gaps in your skill set. Afterall, you know you best! 

3. Set attainable milestones: Make sure your goals and milestones are achievable. 

4. Keep some flexibility in your PDP: As you begin your professional development plan, be willing to adjust it if you progress faster than expected, experience setbacks, or identify additional areas for improvement. 

5. Know there’ll be ups and downs: Completing study alongside work will always have ups and downs. Be patient with yourself. 

Start your professional development journey

Now that you know what professional development is and how it can boost your career potential, it’s over to you! PD can help you advance your career and discover your dream job. When you study with Charles Sturt, you’ll be on a personal and professional pathway to success. And we’re here to help you achieve your career goals. Get in touch.

FAQs 

How often should I review my PDP?

Your PDP should be reviewed regularly to ensure you keep up with your goals and make adjustments as needed. It’s a great idea to check your plan weekly. 

What if I don’t have a mentor or coach?

At Charles Sturt, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re looking for career development, an adviser, or advice, we have the personalised support to help you succeed in your professional development from start to finish. 

How can I stay motivated to stick to my PDP?

When engaging in professional development, set achievable goals. Don’t overstretch yourself or take too much on. Setting everything out in small, manageable tasks will make your PDP much easier to get through. 

How can I assess my current skills and identify areas for development?

Chat with one of our friendly career advisers. They can help you assess your skills and guide you on the right pathway if you’re unsure where to start your PD. If you’ve started a PDP but need guidance, they can help point you in the right direction. 

What is the difference between a professional development plan and a personal development plan?

A professional development plan offers actionable steps to advance your career. It can guide you on a path to continuing professional development. A personal development plan aims to help you improve your wellbeing.