Since College Graduation what type of professional development have you completed? (job hunting, employee)

[I'm Retired Now]

Another story from the job hunting support group I have been attending:

The leader of our group, a HR Director of a large local company, told us that one of the main ways we can promote ourselves in a job hunt is to show how we have been active in professional development since we graduated from college. He said most of the people he talks to in job interviews have not attended a seminar, workshop, adult education class, online course, or went to a convention connected with their career field since they left college.

He says that the key to success is attendance and full participation in professional development post college.

What have you done? Reply to my poll!

[Hemlock140]

I encourage my employees to take advantage of the various classes offered in-house, outside seminars and workshops, and to take classes for which we will reimburse them if applicable to their job or another job within the company. It's part of our employee development plan which goes along with the annual performance evaluation. We don't make anyone do any classes other than the usual anti-harassment and other mandatory training, but having additional learning on a resume can make a big difference when comparing candidates.

[katestar]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

I encourage my employees to take advantage of the various classes offered in-house, outside seminars and workshops, and to take classes for which we will reimburse them if applicable to their job or another job within the company. It's part of our employee development plan which goes along with the annual performance evaluation. We don't make anyone do any classes other than the usual anti-harassment and other mandatory training, but having additional learning on a resume can make a big difference when comparing candidates.

That's great! I think it should be encouraged. Some people will go for it, some won't. I go for everything I can (within reason), doesn't make sense not to. You get to get out of the office for a day and learn something, then bring those ideas back to the office and implement them. My jobs in the last few years have always included a "process improvement" portion so outside classes are great for me.

Since college I have gotten my MBA while working full time and will start some classes in the summer to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam in the near future. I'm not in a rush to get the CPA, but I think it will be valuable down the road.

[findly185]

Got a certification in government proposal writing and finished my masters in 2 years after getting my undergrad in 2010. Worked full time and was in grad school full time. Also received tuition reimbursement from my employer.

[shaka aethelstan]

A few:

- Emotional intelligence
- Business writing
- PMI - CAPM
- Industrial Relations

Want to do Corporate Communications/PR soon.

[Vintage_girl]

I have a business acumen certification, but I'm not sure how valuable employers will see it. I did learn a lot about business processes and problem-solving that could have been useful in previous employment situations.

[joe from dayton]

I attend job related training and seminars on a regular basis.

[I'm Retired Now]

Would you think semester long academically orientated college classes would be more helpful than much shorter seminars, workshops and workforce education classes? (Hour for hour)