With fast-changing trends and technology on the job market, studies have established that the significance of continued professional development and learning cannot be overemphasised. The best that one can do is to continue developing and enhancing their skill set, which experts say is a crucial component for success at both personal and professional levels. Professional development is simply defined as the process of improving skills and gaining the knowledge that is in line with your work, making it beneficial to your career. In the article ‘What is professional development and why is it important?’, the author says, “Professional development refers to all training, certification, and education that a worker needs to succeed in his or her career. It’s no secret that different jobs require different skills. Even if a worker currently has the necessary skills, he or she may need additional skills in the future. Through professional development, workers can learn these skills to become better, more efficient workers.” Prince Aime Murara, the deputy secretary-general, Education for Nations and Humanitarian Africa (ENHA)-Girubuntu, says professional development means staying in the know in your field and beyond. Murara says professional development enhances competence in one’s profession and eventually leads to success. He explains that when one is exposed to opportunities that allow them to grow professionally, this ensures that the knowledge and skills gained stay relevant. “With the world moving at a faster pace than ever before, when one is informed, they can get opportunities that others might miss because they are not aware of the world and what it takes to fit in there,” he adds. He says it is important to be aware of changing trends and guidelines, not only in the institution you are working for or field you are in, but the world in general. In her view, Diana Nawatti, a headteacher in Kigali, says professional development helps employees continue to be competitive in their profession. Nawatti says that when employers encourage professional development in their organisations, they are in a good position to attract top personnel. Aside from that, the head teacher says it also promotes higher employee retention rates. Nawatti says it’s ideal to look at professional development from all sides, adding that as a leader or supervisor, always encourage your employees to seek training and conferences that are fit for the company. How to ensure this Professional development can include training courses, degree programmes, conferences and certifications. There is always room for growth and improvement of professional skills, and attending a conference or seminar can provide employees with new ways to hone skills within their professions. Edgar Mukasa, a Kigali-based tutor, says it’s believed that the more knowledge an individual gains of a specific skill set, the more confidence they will have when executing their work. He further notes that conferences can also benefit employee retention since they nurture and preserve capacity. To keep up with the rapid pace of change in the business world, Mukasa says another way of promoting professional development is by encouraging and supporting employees to seek courses that can help them grow, as well as accept new challenges. Nawatti says that connecting with a mentor who can help guide you in your career is important. “Employees will also become better workers through professional development. By learning the right skills for their career, employees will be more productive and efficient, thus helping the business for which they work succeed. “Finally, professional development can open the doors to new opportunities for employees. If an employee is struggling to get promoted to a higher, more lucrative position, professional development may help him or her secure this promotion, the preciously cited article adds.
