I have professional development funds…what should I do with them?

Professional development (PD) is a great way to gain new skills. While many forms of PD are available (workshops, conferences, assessments, etc.), I have found that the most impactful PD experiences allow me to explore who I am as a person and then relate that to my work. For me, meaningful PD is not always focused on gaining new technical knowledge or research skills; it is focused on gaining a deeper understanding of who I am. This understanding allows me to work more efficiently, effectively, and most importantly, with more passion and purpose.

One option for this type of PD is career coaching. Working with a career coach allows you to reflect deeply on your work now and into the future. It helps you make decisions and solve problems. While coaches do not really give direct advice, they help you develop the tools you need to guide your own path. The career coach I have worked with help me during a really hard time in my professional career. She helped me regain my passion and feel more fulfilled in my work. She also helped me understand how organizational change impacts an individual even if is it not always obvious because despite change the work continues. If you do not know where to find a coach, ask your colleagues! Many people work with a coach but do not share it broadly. Also check with your university. Sometimes they have curated lists of coaches who can support you a variety of ways based on your career stage and personal needs. Coaches can be costly, but they are worth it!

Another form of PD is more workshop/training based but allows for individual exploration. Most recently, I have engaged in work to uncover my unique strengths and apply those to my job. For me, these types of sessions are best done with a colleague or two (meaning you both experience the same thing but that does not have to mean you do it at the same time together – you can each explore individually and come together after). This type of PD and approach gives common language to the group and allows you to better understand yourself and others. I think these types of PD have truly helped me build deeper connections with my colleagues which ultimately leads to a better work environment. It also allows you to understand yourself in relation to others. This team knowledge has helped me avoid arguments and misunderstandings because I have deeper understanding and appreciation for my colleagues and their approaches to our work. The cost for these types of training varies greatly, but often you can get a discount if you get more people involved.

While there are many forms of PD, I encourage you to invest in PD that focuses on you as a person. What you learn in those sessions is transferrable to many contexts, professional and personal. Knowing who you are is an investment we should all make. It leads to happier and more fulfilling experiences.