What steps have you taken this year to encourage your professional development?

Question

Rachelle Enns · Accepted Answer

"At the beginning of each year, I make a plan for what I would like to accomplish in my personal and professional life. This year, my plan included attending two industry conferences and expanding my local network by attending more business commerce meetings. I also enrolled in a course on leadership to learn new ways to boost team productivity through relationship building. I am so glad that I took these initiatives this year as I believe the skills I developed will significantly contribute to my success with Company ABC."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

The interviewer wants evidence that you have taken responsibility for your career path by being accountable for your personal and professional development. The goal of your response is to take the interviewer through the steps you have actively taken this year to contribute to your professional development.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

Avoid giving an excuse-based response like, 'I have been so busy this year, it's been impossible for me to focus on my professional development.' Yes, you have likely been busy; however, the interviewer wants to hear more about your interest in your growth versus how overworked you feel. Instead, be prepared to talk about even one small thing you do to contribute to your success. Your response doesn't have to be grand. For instance, perhaps you recently listened to a podcast on boosting your communication skills, or maybe you have started to seek out a mentor.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

There are many straightforward ways to take advantage of professional development. These opportunities include: - Reading books and articles from thought leaders in your industry
- Taking online courses to gain new skills
- Attending industry conferences to grow your network
- Listening to podcasts and audiobooks related to your professional interestsAt the end of your response, be sure to spotlight how your professional development initiatives will contribute to your success in this new role.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"This year, I have been accepting more responsibilities at work and taking on more tasks without being asked. I committed to perfect attendance at work this year and have been reading more business books in my personal time. I have a list of top 25 leadership books, and I plan to get through the list before the end of the year. So far, I have completed the first eight books and have noticed a boost in my professional performance already!"

Anonymous User · Answer

"I am continuously looking for ways to improve and to stand out. I have a natural passion for the healthcare industry, and I am fascinated by medical technology. I enjoy listening to medical podcasts, TED talks, and I have enrolled in LinkedIn training courses to improve my skills in leadership further. I also make it a point to volunteer and assist in various projects to learn new networking skills."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I listen to speakers and podcasts.
I read books to grow and learn."

Anonymous User · Answer

"To take on more responsibility and leadership duties. This will allow me to look at situations from a management mindset and help me in my PDP."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have enjoyed being a territory manager in the 15 years that I have been in sales. However, I strive to be the best at what I do. I find it key to learn from the best; my senior colleagues, education on the internet in courses on selling, and the mindset, taking advantage of courses available to us over our company hub, coursework on understanding our customer's environment. I found this to be extremely developmental in my career this year."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I made my manager aware that I would like some more responsibility because I don't want to feel like I'm plateauing. I was then given a new project and territory, with responsibilities very similar to TMs. I requested to attend TM sales training as a trainer."

Anonymous User · Answer

"When I decided to transition my career into medicine I knew that I would have to start with a much more junior role than I was used to due to my lack of experience. I went back to school, started with a job as a trauma surgeon making less money, kept my eyes open for better opportunities with more room to grow, and have diligently been reviewing job boards for positions that can utilize my current skill set and help me grow my career in medicine."

Anonymous User · Answer

"This year, I have watched numerous videos, read instructions on how to, and volunteered with other professionals to learn how to properly use a skid steer and numerous attachments other than just a bucket. Personally, I have read some great books, "Love Is Letting Go Of Fear, Green Lights, The Anatomy Of Peace, The Energy Bus, and The Five Levels Of Attachment", which I believe all translate over to professional life."

Anonymous User · Answer

"My development for the past two years has been different than previous years because of Covid. I have been using the Corn Ferry book FYI to identify competencies that I will focus on developing this year. I sat down with my boss and together we outlined opportunities to gain experience specifically for development in those areas. Two of my primary competencies for this year are Business Acumen (communicating), and Managing Ambiguity."

Anonymous User · Answer

"This year I requested to complete an Anatomy Sciences PG CERT with the University of Edinburgh. This was a distance learning course, which I completed whilst simultaneously working in my current role. I asked to complete this course, because of the increased cadaveric courses we had started to run, and with me managing the cadaveric unit, it was important for me to have a more complex understanding of anatomy, to ensure I could understand the need for the surgeons teaching the courses. Although my studying and workload were immense, I have a great sense of accomplishment. studying again so recently has given me focus, determination, discipline, and great knowledge of anatomy which I think would be incredibly beneficial for this role."

Anonymous User · Answer

"My professional and personal development is very important to me. I enjoy listening to podcasts to improve my professional skills such as Hidden Brain and our company podcast to stay up to date with our industry. I also enjoy reading skills-based books to improve my sales skills. One of my favorite books is Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss and Pitch Anything by Oren Klaff."

What steps have you taken this year to encourage your professional development?

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23. What steps have you taken this year to encourage your professional development?

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