Professional Development & Entrepreneurship
A professional development plan helps you gain specific insight into how you can reach your career aspirations, such as earning a new certification or finding a mentor who can advise you.
In this module you will find several links to various ways to create a professional development plan. Create your own PDP, and these various links should be able to assist you in creating your plan. A professional development plan can include:
1. Where are you now
2. Where do you want to go
3. Gather information about where you want to go
4. Set goals for getting there
5. What skills & experience do you have now
6. What skills & experience do you need
7. Identify possible resources
8. Develop an action plan & timeline
9. Execute the plan
10. Assess your progress in the plan and revise as needed
Even though you may not know yet exactly what you want your Plan to be – you will go ahead and create yours based on where you are now. This will be your road map that will lead you to your goals after graduation.
One thing to understand is that everyone should have professional career goals. Most people may have these “in their head”, but writing your career goals down helps to reach the goals you have. Some professionals goals include:
1. Completing a degree or certificate
2. Learn how other departments function in your company
3. Ask for feedback from others
4. Improve your individual performance metrics
5. Apply for a promotion
6. Enhance your networking skills
7. Develop communication skills
8. Work well on a Team
9. Volunteer to learn new technologies
10. Make a website
All of these things can assist you to achieve your professional development plan and career goals.
Many of you have written your own Resume – BUT do you really know How to create one? The following is a list of concepts for writing your resume:
Choose the Right Resume Format
Add Your Contact Information and Personal Details
Start with a Heading Statement (Resume Summary or Resume Objective)
List Your Relevant Work Experience & Key Achievements
List Your Education Correctly
Put Relevant Skills that Fit the Job Ad
Include Additional Important Resume Sections
Complement Your Resume With a Cover Letter
Proofread, Save & Email Your Resume the Right Way
