The Importance of Professional Development

I always think that going to a conference or attending a webinar sounds like a great idea at the time I sign up, but when the time comes to actually go, I have all kinds of other things I could/should do instead. Annual fund letters to write, grants due in the next week or so, catching up on other duties. My staff will tell you that I bring with me a list of projects a mile long to get done on the flight and in my hotel room. (Top of that list: write blog post!)

But you want to – you need to – take time for professional development, whether in person or virtually, to relax, recharge, and grow in your profession. I recommend that you try to get away to an in-person program, even something local for a half-day or few hours. The ability to network and see people and get away from your screen can provide you with a world of benefits, well beyond the knowledge you receive.

Some of the things I most look forward to with any professional development:

1.     Learning. That should go without saying, but I find that even after doing this work for nearly 35 years (!), I always learn something new when I attend a conference or webinar. If you do not pick up something, you did not try hard enough. I remember attending a grant writing class early in my career and walking away lamenting that I had learned nothing, only to realize that I learned that I knew my stuff and could do this work. That day became an important turning point in my career – and I likely picked up a few tips and tricks as well that have faded my  memory.

2.     Thinking time. If your to do list looks like mine, I get so mired in my daily tasks that I have little time to really think about the big picture or thoughtfully plan the future. Some of the most momentous changes in my career and business came to me while sitting in a conference session. Something the speaker said spurred a thought in my head that became a germ of an idea that later flourished.

3.     Meet peers. Many people find development work very lonely. While you spend your day working with people, often only you do development work in your office, giving you no peers to bounce ideas off or commiserate when things go awry. Attending conferences or other types of professional development has given me a network of peers across my community and the country who I can call upon for questions, venting, or celebrating successes. If you don’t see a formal opportunity on your horizon, call a peer and invite him or her to coffee to start your own network.

4.     Time to recharge. While learning certainly serves as the main purpose of attending any conference or professional development opportunity, the change of scenery – even a few hours in a local convention center – can help you recharge your batteries. If you have the good fortune to attend a multi-day conference away from home as I am, you have a chance to explore a new or favorite location and really recharge. I left a very energetic 4½ month old puppy at home and look forward to having a few bark-free days! And learning new stuff, of course!

While many of these benefits focus on getting away from the office, you can realize many of them if you turn away from your to do list to attend a webinar – and really pay attention, not have it in the background while you continue to work. (Not that I ever do that!)

As you plan your time – including budgeting – look at what professional development programs you can afford that will help move your work and career to the next level. Then put them on your calendar and commit to making the most of them.

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