I just returned from Minneapolis and the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) annual conference. It was WONDERFUL! Not only is Minneapolis a great destination city…tons to do: Mall of America, great theatre district, amazing food, wonderful parks and sculptures…but the conference agenda….workshops, speakers, and exhibitors…. was terrific.
Conferences give us a great opportunity to learn, network, and re-energize. Our personal professional development is critical. It is what makes us the best Career and Workforce Development Professionals that we can be. We benefit…but more importantly, our customers, clients, and students benefit.
Look for continuing education opportunities….they are around every corner. I just had an invite from AARP (yes I am a member!) to a webinar on “Navigating Your Way Through Job Loss”. Google topics of interest; visit the NCDA website and read the Career Convergence Web Magazine; the list goes on and on. And here at Lengel, we plan to roll out a number of short (3.0 contact hours) self-directed learning courses online too.
Don’t just be a preacher of Lifelong Learning….become a practitioner! And enjoy the journey as you go!
I have recently joined the TOASTMASTER International group per the suggestion of Beth Lengell. So far, I have attended only one meeting and one training. I am already hooked on this organization. It will teach me to speak confidently in front of a group of people as well as leadership skills. This is really a great opportunity to build skills that I THINK i have, and develop skills that I had no idea I had. Thanks for the info Beth!
I found Chapter 6 The Role Of Information In Career Planning to be most helpful, because I can refer my clients to the Research Occupations to help select an occupation and to find out some information on the requirements, wage, job duties and etc.