“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think”
~Albert Einstein
Now, when we look at the concept of CPD through this quote, it is quite true. It has been generally thought of as a practice for individuals to ensure that they expand their abilities to the maximum.
It is an extra step or initiative that seems promising when it comes to enhancing the procedure of your learning.
This in turn benefits you in the professional realm as well as the various industries, making you competent and proficient. You can now be the shining star in whatever industry you choose to mark your beginnings from.
To have a better understanding of what CPD stands for, the benefits of CPD courses and things to consider, join us as we venture into the world of CPD!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Understanding CPD: What Does It Stand For?
CPD stands for Continued Professional Development, through which you, as a professional, develop new skills and expertise.
So, it can also be described as a supplementary learning method for professionals to undertake.
It is referred to as lifelong learning which allows you to develop skills and enhance the knowledge spectrum to increase your competence in the market.
CPD helps promote and enhance the abilities in the workplace that can enable you to adapt even in the odds in the work environment.
Everyone across the industries needs to stay up-to-date in every aspect (industry standards, advancements, etc.).
So, it can be said that overall, it is the perfect medium to make you learn consciously and proactively through workshops, conferences and even courses.
Now that we have a grasp on the concept of CPD, let us now take a look at the main three types to engage in. They are as follows:
- Active CPD: Also known as structured CPD, it involves proactive participation along with interactive study. This could also involve attending workshops, conferences, training courses (online or offline) and seminars. Attending them helps you by pinpointing the essential skills that you require for your career development.
- Reflective CPD: This type does not need any participation and is more like a one-directional method of learning. It involves reading relevant articles and podcasts and staying updated with the industrial news.
- Self-directed CPD: Self-directed CPD involves activities that need to be done yourself. Reading articles, publications, industrial journals & magazines and monitoring work by the leading experts of your respective fields.
These are three types of continuous professional development that you can engage in and equip yourself with knowledge and skills relevant to the desired field.
DID YOU KNOW?
As you dive deep into the world of CPD, you will come across CPD plans. It is a method used for identifying and recording the development & things to learn that you are about to undertake. This contributes to your professional life and the field!
Continuing Your Professional Development
As discussed earlier, there are mainly three kinds of continuous professional development. They all play a crucial role in various forms, such as seminars, webinars, e-classes and in-venue courses.
The main focus of most courses lies in the structured CPD and the self-directed CPD because these two go hand-in-hand.
Through this, you not only get to learn about the industry but also stay updated regarding the market trends of that industry.
So, both of them have their range of benefits, and most professionals undergo them due to their reliability. They also get to learn about the etiquette and how the office ambiance works.
Benefits Of CPD
There are several benefits of considering CPD courses, which can be seen from two perspectives- the employee and the employer. Some of them are as follows:
- Keeps you up-to-date in terms of knowledge and skills
- Sets the professional standards of qualifications
- Makes you confident
- Provides you with credibility and a sense of professionalism
- Flexible schedules for the training sessions
- Streamlines your chances to progress in your stream of career
- Allows you to showcase your abilities and achievements with recognised qualifications
Things to Consider
For a further spike in your career, there are a lot of things that need to be checked out. You are required to consider undertaking the correct type of training to fit your goals.
It is important to tailor the type of training required to minimise your weaknesses and maximise the gains. Just choosing a course that matches your industry is not sufficient in itself.
This is why picking the correct kind or type of CPD can potentially save you time and enhance your potential to outshine the industry.
Overall, it is crucial to pick the right kind of course that matches your needs and can help you progress in your current career. This is why you should consider them.
NOTE: Those who are already working can enrol in the part-time courses that suit their budget commitments and time frames. There are several modes of learning, such as online (which includes online training programmes) and offline mode (in-venue programmes). You can decide it according to your preferences.
Final Inputs
CPD is considered to be one of the most valuable investments to be made with your career prospects in mind.
They are short-term courses that ensure the enhancement of your skills and knowledge about the industrial sector.
Considering the above aspects, you can participate in these courses and unlock your potential in the desired industry.
