Dinara Kovalenko – HR Specialist

Intro

We are living in a time of rapid technological advancement, where keeping up with the changes is crucial for career growth and stability. According to a Goldman Sachs report, AI could potentially replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs, while LinkedIn data shows that over the past few years, there has been a significant change (around 25%) in the skill sets required for jobs. By 2027, this number is expected to double, as new and innovative skill sets become necessary for many jobs. New technologies and approaches are constantly emerging, and those who fail to adapt risk being left behind. Now is not the time to sit back in your comfort zone, waiting for the company to take the first step. For those who are open to personal growth along with the evolving landscape, it is time to invest in your education and skill development, and position yourself for long-term success and satisfaction in your career.

Understand the benefits of self development

No one knows your dreams, aspirations, and desires better than you. By committing to making positive changes in your life, you are taking control of your own destiny, and empowering yourself to achieve your goals. Self development can provide so many important benefits in all areas of your life, from improving your professional success to becoming more confident in the face of adversity. When we work to become the best versions of ourselves, we can achieve things we never thought possible.

Here are the top benefits of professional self development:

1. Advanced Skills and Capabilities. As information becomes obsolete faster than ever, it is important to stay aware of the changes and ensure that you are up-to-date on the latest skills required for your field.
2. Increased Confidence. As you take on new challenges and opportunities, you can ultimately increase your daily self-confidence in your abilities. This, in turn, can lead to a positive self-image, increased self-esteem, and a sense of pride in your accomplishments.
3. Enhanced Job Performance. With advanced skills and increased confidence, you can solve problems more effectively, work more efficiently, reduce work-related stress, and produce better outcomes. While you may not associate being confident at work with producing higher-quality work, these two things go hand-in-hand.
4. Improved Job Satisfaction and Promoted Personal Fulfillment. At the highest level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, "self-actualization" involves fulfilling one's full potential and achieving personal growth. Taking ownership of your career development can help you pursue this level of fulfillment. By achieving personal growth, you can find meaning and purpose in your work, leading to a more satisfying and fulfilling career.
5. Career Advancement. Taking the lead on up-skilling can set you apart from your peers and show employers that you have a growth mindset.
6. Increased Opportunities. Yet we do not want to see our Rockstars leave the company, but employees who take the time to develop new skills and hone existing ones often have more opportunities available to them. In 2022, LinkedIn hirers have increasingly relied on skills data to fill open roles. Specifically, 40% of them use this strategy, which is a 20% increase from the previous year. Employers today look for employees who are self-starters and can adapt to new challenges, and employees who take ownership of their development demonstrate these qualities effectively.

How to get started

The possibilities for up-skilling are endless, and - regardless of specific outcomes - the process itself is an investment in yourself that can yield significant dividends over time.

Before embarking on the learning process, however, it's essential to have a plan in place, as this increases the likelihood of achieving your goals. Here's an approach you can use to identify your learning needs and get started:

1. Set goals. To succeed, set clear goals and objectives, write them down, and use them as benchmarks for success. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based (SMART) goals to gain a deeper understanding of your core identity, strengths, and weaknesses, and the goals you aim to achieve.
2. Understand preferred learning styles. Now that you have an understanding of the areas in which you would like to up-skill, it’s crucial to consider your learning style, which can help you choose the most effective learning materials and methods that cater to your strengths and preferences. There are three primary learning styles: auditory (learning through listening), visual (learning through images and visual aids), and kinesthetic (learning through hands-on experience). By identifying your preferred learning style, you can tailor your learning experience to your strengths and preferences.
3. Develop a personal action plan. After setting personal goals, it is important to develop a concrete plan to achieve them. This can be done by breaking down each goal into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to learn to ride a bicycle, your action plan could include steps such as buying a bicycle, searching for the trainer and place, meeting with the trainer and learning, and gradually increasing your distance over time. It is important to be specific in each step so that you can track your progress and make adjustments as needed. By developing a personal action plan, you can ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to achieve your goals and create a roadmap for success.
4. Find empowering support. One more important thing to do when trying to achieve a goal is to establish support. This can come in the form of an empowering friend, family member, or colleague who can provide encouragement and motivation. Not only can they offer a listening ear when things get tough, but they can also provide ideas and solutions to help overcome obstacles. Having someone who believes in you and your abilities can make all the difference in achieving success.
5. Go at your own pace. Start slowly and avoid pressuring yourself to achieve your goals too quickly. It's common to overcommit, so if you find that you can't meet your goals within your desired timeframe, be kind to yourself and adjust the deadline accordingly. If you have a large goal to achieve, as mentioned earlier, break it down into smaller steps and celebrate each step toward the finish line.
6. Stick to your plan and measure. Be disciplined in following the steps laid out in your plan and regularly assess whether you are making progress towards your desired outcome.

How Individuals Can Work On Their Personal Development

Personal development is an ongoing journey of self improvement that you should prioritize in your life. It requires understanding yourself better, setting goals, and taking action to achieve them. However, personal development is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and there are several ways you can work on your personal growth.

One practical way to improve personal development is by attending classes or training sessions to deepen knowledge. Research relevant resources: identify online courses or workshops that align with your skill-building goals. Trusted platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer a variety of courses suited for all levels of expertise.

In addition, finding a mentor who can provide guidance and pass on knowledge and skills is invaluable. When considering a mentor, you should identify your goals and find someone who has the qualifications and experience to help you achieve them. Additionally, consider being a mentor for someone else. Being a mentor is not only a way to give back to the community but also an opportunity to learn from someone else's perspective. By being a mentor, you can share your knowledge and experience, and you can also learn from your mentee's unique experiences and insights. This is a win-win situation that can benefit both the mentor and the mentee.

Moreover, being curious and finding answers on your own can help in your personal development journey. When encountering questions or problems, take a moment to think critically and find solutions on your own. This helps build problem-solving skills and can increase confidence in your abilities.

Finally, you can consider exploring lateral career moves to expand your expertise and diversify your project portfolio. This change can bring new experiences and abilities while demonstrating adaptability and collaborative nature, which can enhance future promotion opportunities.

Personal development is a lifelong journey that requires constant effort and dedication. By attending classes or training sessions, finding or being a mentor, being curious, and exploring lateral moves, you can work on your personal development and achieve meaningful change in your lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking ownership of your career development is essential in a rapidly changing world. Investing in education and skills is key to long-term success and satisfaction.

Stay tuned for the second part of this article, where we will explore how employers can support their employees' career development and highlight our company's initiatives in fostering growth and learning.

Self development offers numerous benefits, including advanced skills, increased confidence, improved job performance, and greater job satisfaction. To get started, set clear goals, understand your learning style, develop an action plan, and seek empowering support.

Individually, attending classes, finding mentors, being curious, and exploring lateral career moves are practical ways to work on personal development. It is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, but the rewards are transformative.

Take charge of your career, embrace self development, and unlock your full potential. The path to professional success begins with you.