Building a successful career is often a gradual process. Experience gained through employment is important, but additional learning can help you develop new skills, explore different roles and prepare for greater responsibility. Professional courses can be especially useful for people who want to progress without leaving their current job to return to full-time education.
Developing Skills While You Work
Studying alongside employment has become a practical option for many professionals. Courses may be available through online, part-time or blended learning, allowing people to fit their studies around their working hours and personal commitments.
For anyone considering a career in human resources or looking to progress within the people profession, completing a CIPD qualification can be one option to explore. Different levels are available to suit people at various stages of their careers, from those developing their knowledge to experienced professionals interested in more advanced responsibilities. Before choosing a course, it is important to research its level, content, entry requirements and expected workload.
Choosing a Career Direction
Before enrolling on any professional course, consider what you want your career to look like over the next few years. You do not need to have every step planned, but having a general direction can make it easier to select relevant training.
Looking through current vacancies is a simple way to start. Find jobs that interest you and compare their requirements. Pay attention to the experience, qualifications and skills employers mention repeatedly.
This research can also highlight gaps in your existing experience and help you decide what to work on next.
Make the Most of Your Current Job
Your existing position can provide valuable career experience even if it is not exactly where you want to be in the future. Everyday workplace responsibilities can help you develop skills that transfer between different jobs and industries.
Communication, organisation, teamwork and problem-solving are useful in a wide range of roles. As you become more experienced, you may also have opportunities to develop leadership, project management and decision-making skills.
Look for additional responsibilities that complement what you are learning. Volunteering for projects or assisting colleagues in other departments can expose you to new areas of work without requiring an immediate job change.
Finding Time to Study
One concern people often have about professional development is finding enough time. Working full-time and completing a course can be demanding, particularly when assignments and workplace deadlines overlap.
Creating a regular schedule can make studying more manageable. Instead of waiting until you have a completely free day, consider setting aside smaller periods during evenings or weekends.
Before starting a course, check the expected weekly study hours and assessment schedule. Understanding the commitment beforehand can help you choose an option that realistically fits around your job.
Check Whether Your Employer Can Help
Professional development can benefit employers as well as employees, so it may be worth discussing your plans with your manager.
Some businesses provide funding towards relevant courses or have existing training programmes available to employees. Others may offer study leave, flexible hours or opportunities to gain experience in another part of the organisation.
If you are planning to ask for support, explain how the course relates to your position and how the knowledge you develop could benefit your work.
Qualifications and Experience Can Work Together
A qualification can demonstrate knowledge and commitment to professional development, but it is only one part of building a career. Practical workplace experience can be equally valuable.
Where possible, look for ways to apply what you learn. This could mean taking responsibility for a project, contributing ideas during meetings or becoming involved in work outside your usual duties.
Combining education with practical experience can give you stronger examples to use on your CV and during job interviews.
Take Career Development One Step at a Time
You do not need to transform your career immediately. Small decisions made consistently can have a significant impact over several years.
Research the jobs that interest you, identify the skills you need and consider which courses could help you develop them. By continuing to learn while gaining experience at work, you can create more options for yourself and be better prepared when new career opportunities become available.