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.
Get a 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, go 'dutch', 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. Be Active in Your Professional Associations
With a good professional association, you'll benefit in the following ways: 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.
- 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
- Study Business and Trade Magazines/Websites
Subscribe to at least one general business magazine and one trade or industry publication, online or offline.
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 or blogs to share with your department and your manager. They'll appreciate it even more if you highlight the key points for them in an email or quick chat.
- 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 to the team.
- 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. There are hundreds of resources with free webinars or podcasts.
Some courses are more structured and others allow one to complete it at one's convenience, within a certain period of time. These weekly assignments and weekly discussion topics will have an immediate impact on your career.
- Never Stop Learning
Consult local community colleges and universities for continuing education courses. Most of these institutions publish online 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.
Research training institutions and trade schools. Many people prefer to get computer skills training in this type of environment.
Make it a great day!
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