Many professional bodies hold CPD (Continuing professional development) as the very cornerstone of development as a professional. Unfortunately finding the time to fit CPD into an already busy schedule can be a tricky thing, however with the benefits being clear this is something that everyone really should be making time for.
CPD – Finding the time
Some CPD can actually be fitted into the busy working day so it can be important to factor this in. Things like mentoring or coaching a member of the team for example can result in new important skills being learned. This is something that can fit easily into the normal working day, and something that many project managers may already be doing without realizing that it counts as CPD.
Reading trade magazines, news articles or even writing a letter in response to something that you have read can also count as CPD, whilst allowing you to become more immersed in the project management community.
Courses for professional project managers are also another way to boost CPD. And, with so many courses now available online, it is possible to study in your own time, at your own pace, and in your own environment. This means that it is much easier to find the time to do the necessary work needed to complete the course and get the qualification. Of course, CPD doesn’t need to consist of something that is formally recognizable such as APM, PMP and PRINCE2 training.
There are plenty of other ways in which a project manager can gain CPD. The important thing is to ensure that it is being done. It doesn’t need to be something that is recognized by a professional body. The only person who needs to be keeping a record is you, so if you are not doing it, or are not logging anything, then you are losing out.
Why is CPD so important?
There are significant benefits to be had from CPD. Many extend far beyond any actual qualifications that you may choose to pursue as part of your CPD. As well as the benefit of a tangible additional qualification, CPD shows your employer, or future employers, what you could be capable of and that you have the drive to improve your performance and skills.
CPD allows you to grow in your current role and learn new skills that will help you. These skills could be really important when you go for an interview for another role. Being able to show that you have experience or understanding of something that may not form a part of your normal daily remit in your current role will show that you not only have the capacity to learn new things but that you are also willing to continually push yourself to become a more valued team member and project manager. These are often the skills that an employer is looking for rather than a wide range of “on paper” qualifications that mean you are capable of learning. They want to see how you adapt those qualifications to real-life situations.
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