Professional Development Is Not An Option

Professional Development is a key to advancing in your career. Especially with emerging technologies and globalization, it's important that you stay up to date with best practices.

When conducting a job search, make sure you ask what opportunities employers have for professional development. It's the first question I ask employers during interviews. All of the certifications I've earned and conferences I have attended to start my career coaching journey were paid for by my employers ($10K+).

Find ways to advance your skills, while also advancing the work of your employer. Create a proposal, outline the cost, showcase the return on investment. Then once you earn a certification, attend a conference, etc., prove the value added to your employer. Then you continue to build credibility, get approvals easier, and potentially ask for more money.

It's a win-win.