From the Executive Manager: Time to Update your Professional Development Plan
- Where you are now, and where you want to be
- Your likes, dislikes, passions, strengths, skills, experience and personality, and how closely they align with your chosen job
- Your short-term and long-term career goals
- Any skills, qualifications and experience you might still need to acquire
- The current labor market, where the work is, and any other job requirements you might need to research.
Define your career goals and write out the steps needed to reach those goals. This way you can see how you are progressing. If you are new to the industry the IAP2 September Special Webinar Starting Your Career in P2 may prove helpful. Or, share it with someone who may be interested.
Once you've defined your goals and identified the steps, determine your tactics. Do you need additional education, training or specialized instruction? Are you taking advantage of the opportunities at IAP2 USA and other organizations? Our IAP2 Foundations courses offer premier training in the public participation field. They are available from a number of authorized trainers.
While instruction methods are temporarily limited, you can take advantage of numerous online courses and webinars at a variety of cost structures. In addition, mark your calendar for IAP2 USA’s North American Conference scheduled for September in Seattle, Washington. While we can’t predict the course of the virus and therefore guarantee an in person conference, we can assure you an outstanding educational opportunity come next September.
Take advantage of the resources offered on IAP2’s web pages. Prioritize your goals. Then think about developing a well-rounded professional development plan for the next twelve months.
