6 Reasons Professional Development Is Important for Career Growth

The concept of professional development is important, especially as technology has redefined daily life in most industries. A type of continuous learning that supports skill development in a particular field or industry, professional development is invaluable to both employers and employees.

Not only do professional development courses and training programs offer individuals the chance to build and hone new skills, but they also can open the door to advancement opportunities.

What Is Professional Development?

Professional development, as defined by LinkedIn, is the process of continuing career training through skills-based courses, educational programs, or training sessions. The concept of professional development is used in nearly every industry and across all levels of employment, from entry-level employees upskilling for career advancement to leaders seeking training to improve their leadership approach.

Professional development serves multiple purposes, aligning with the ever-evolving landscape of industries and professions. One primary goal is to enhance an individual's knowledge and skills, ensuring they remain current and relevant in their field. This continuous learning not only benefits the individual by increasing their employability and potential for career advancement but also benefits employers by fostering an adaptable, innovative, and forward-thinking workforce. 

Additionally, professional development cultivates a culture of growth and ambition, where individuals are encouraged to seek out opportunities to better themselves and, in turn, contribute more effectively to their teams and organizations. It also addresses gaps in skills or knowledge, ensuring a more rounded and comprehensive approach to tasks and challenges. In essence, professional development acts as a bridge between an individual's current abilities and the ever-changing demands of the professional world.

Some of the top reasons people choose to invest in professional development courses and continuing education programs include:

Reason 1: Skill Enhancement

Upskilling is one of the primary reasons employers and professionals invest in professional development courses and continuous learning opportunities.

Skill development within the context of professional development typically falls into two categories:

• Soft Skills – According to Forbes, the most sought-after soft skills in today's competitive professional climate include collaboration, communication, critical thinking, resilience, and creativity.
• Hard Skills – Hard skills are hands-on skills that can be used in a specific field, position, or industry. For example, a person in computer programming may develop additional hard skills that allow them to master advanced programming languages. Hard skills can be listed on a resume, ultimately improving your marketability and career advancement.

Skill enhancement through professional development doesn’t just improve an individual's ability to perform their existing duties. It can also prepare them for other opportunities within their field. Employers who invest in professional development and allow their workers to learn new skills often find they have higher retention rates within their organization of up to 57 percent, according to a LinkedIn study, making the investment in competency development worthwhile.

Reason 2: Career Progression and Career Change

In addition, continuing education opens the doors to new opportunities within a particular career field—or allows a professional to transition into a different career entirely.

According to LinkedIn, professional development assists with career progression by:

• Allowing Professionals to Develop New Technological Skills

The rapid evolution of technology has left some professionals feeling behind in their own industry, but professional development provides workers an opportunity to invest in themselves and refresh their skills. These kinds of courses are often focused on a specific skill or new technology to help professionals become fluent in the latest industry tools.

• Giving Workers the Chance to Stay Informed of Industry Trends

Professional development programs and training courses can provide insight into up-and-coming industry trends, too. These forward-thinking programs allow professionals to remain aware of what is currently taking shape in the industry and proactively adapt in preparation for any shifts in demand.

• Improving Skills and Increasing Earning Potential

Certificates, courses, and other continuing education opportunities can provide professionals with the additional qualifications they need to seek advancement along their career ladder. Employees looking to earn that promotion or seek a leadership position at a different organization could benefit significantly from professional development programs, which can help increase their earning potential in both the short and long term.

Reason 3: Networking Opportunities

Professional development sometimes extends beyond traditional coursework and training programs to include industry events, such as webinars and conferences. While most of these events serve a particular purpose they also offer the added benefit of networking.

According to professional recruitment agency Michael Page, networking opportunities benefit you by:

• providing an opportunity to connect with peers in your industry. Through networking, professionals often share ideas, offer advice, and build relationships.
• giving you a chance to mix and mingle with industry thought leaders. In many cases, you may find your next career opportunity through the advanced network you have developed in your chosen field.
• allowing you to find mentors in the industry who can offer guidance,  valuable information, and advice as you seek to grow and progress in your career.

Reason 4: Increased Job Satisfaction

Many organizations find that their employee satisfaction ratings increase when they offer professional development. According to research and advisory company Gartner, employees' “willingness to stay at the organization increases by up to 19 percentage points, and their engagement increases by up to 61 percentage points.” Employees who receive ongoing training and continuous learning opportunities feel valued by employers that are willing to invest in them.

If you choose to pursue a training opportunity or professional development course that helps you perform your job better, you likely will experience greater satisfaction when you go to work each day. Building and growing your career is a rewarding process, and professional development can help you take your career in the direction you prefer.

Reason 5: Improved Marketability

Career marketability is becoming a more common reason professionals invest in training and development courses.

Professional development can improve your marketability by:

• providing industry-specific hard skills that other professionals may not have, giving you a competitive advantage in an increasingly crowded job market.
• giving you additional credentials can enhance your resume or LinkedIn profile, helping you catch the attention of prospective employers looking for qualified individuals to fill open positions.
• offering the ability to showcase career readiness. Through your commitment to professional development, you are proving you are a lifelong learner with a growth mindset who is passionate about growing your career in actionable, intentional ways.

Reason 6: Lifelong Learning

On the surface, professional development may seem like something that is only going to benefit your career. However, many people report that they truly enjoy these opportunities to grow—not only as a professional in their field but also as a person.

By enrolling in continuing education programs, you can explore your interests or discover intersections between your passions and your chosen career path. Some can carve out a niche within their field that feels more fulfilling. For others, lifelong learning allows them to pursue positions that offer a better work-life balance.

No matter your reason for wanting to continue learning and focusing on competency development, it can be both professionally and personally rewarding.