Professional and Personal development…let’s talk about it.
I do not know about y’all (yes i’m from Texas if you didn’t know and that is a regular word in my vocabulary), but mediocrity and stagnation are not words I like to use and/or want to be aligned with in any sort of reference. That may be a bit to my downfall, but I am always trying to get better. In each conversation had, podcast or sermon listened to, book read…I want to gain something worth making me better, even if only a little bit.
I definitely subscribe to the school of development in all things. I am a lifelong learner and I believe in building (and/or repairing) myself as a holistic individual. Regardless if I have the financial resources to attend events, do trainings or partake in continuing education opportunities, I am always here for things that are free.99. Call me frugal, but if there is a way to get it free or at a discounted rate, in my mind that opens the space to use the financial capital I may have had saved on something else. I’ve then rationalized that I’m getting even more bang for my buck!
Not everyone has the finances to go to all of the conferences and/or partake in trainings or workshops, but there are definitely options to make things work. It may take some research on your part, but I truly believe we find time and energy for things that are important for us. Many organizations offer grants and scholarships to attend events, and oftentimes there are discounted rates for those who are still considered students.
Below are some options for development that might be worth considering:
- Memberships to professional organizations. Within these organization, you may also have the opportunity to attend in-person events and conferences, virtual webinars, small group sessions, and or mentoring pairs.
- Professional development conferences specific to your identified demographics (Black in Sports Business Symposium; Forbes Women Summit; ESPNW summit)
- Youtube [University] – there is so much out on the good ole internet. Many published scholars and or subject matter experts provide free material on this platform
- Linkedin Learning
- Many universities have continuing education courses and certificates (eCornell; Harvard courses FOR FREE)
- Personality Tests and Assessments (Myers-Briggs Personality Test; DiSC Assessment; Eneagram, Clifton Strengths assessment; Emotional Intelligence)
- Podcasts
- Informational Interviews with professionals in your field
- Therapy – Working with a therapist directly can help to uncover some hidden traumas that may affect the way we move through life. Addressing these areas head on can have a positive influence on your life.
Before I end, I want to make sure you don’t make the costly mistake that I did back in 2019. Over the span of 5 months I participated in over 25 professional development events. Many of these required me to get on a plane to attend something, and let me tell you, your girl was spent. I was going through a time of major professional FOMO where I felt like I was so behind my peers and was trying to professionally develop my way back in the pecking order. I often forget I have a whole doctoral degree that in itself raises me to the top of a lot of groups, and not only do I have expertise in various areas, but I also have a different level of critical thinking and problem solving that I attained through the very LONG (and arduous) process of completing said degree. Nonetheless, don’t kill yourself trying to attend everything. Weigh out the pros and cons of what might be most important for where you are in your career. In most cases, the experiences will be there in the next calendar year, and in other instances, the skills may not truly be relevant for the direction in which you are trying to go.
The most important thing in investing in yourself is to make it your own. We get caught in the comparison trap all to often, and while there are many options that like minded peers may find themselves involved in, don’t just do it just to do it. Really think through the benefits. Be intentional in developing your best self.