How to Set Professional Development Goals for 2023
Setting professional development goals for 2023 is an essential task for those looking to enhance their professional skills and further their career. Whether you are just starting out or want to add new qualifications and certifications to your resume, professional development training can open a world of opportunities for professional growth and success in the coming year. In this blog, we outline how to set professional development goals for 2023 that are achievable and beneficial.
Identifying Your Professional Development Needs
Identifying your professional development needs is the first step to setting professional development goals for 2023. Think about what areas you would benefit from developing and where you want to be by the end of the year. Consider both short-term and long-term objectives, such as gaining a professional qualification, or honing specific skills that could help you progress in your career.
When deciding on professional development needs, it helps to focus on areas where you are already strong – this gives you a better chance of success. Most people jump to their weaknesses but building on strong skills you already have can be just as important. Additionally, consider the types of professional development courses available and the qualifications required for certain certifications or roles that you are aiming for.
Setting SMART Professional Development Goals
Once you have identified your professional development needs, it's time to set SMART professional development goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. This is a useful framework to help you make sure that your professional development goals are challenging yet achievable.
Firstly, your professional development goals should be specific and clearly defined. This gives you a clear idea of what it is you are aiming to achieve and guidance on how to get there. Your professional development goals should also be measurable so that you can track progress towards them over time. Additionally, they should be achievable and realistic; setting goals that are too ambitious can be demotivating and end up beyond reach.
Finally, professional development goals should also be time-bound, so set yourself a deadline and make sure you stick to it. Sometimes just taking something off your “to-do” list and adding it to your calendar as a definite is the kickstart you need to get it done.
Searching for Professional Development Courses
Once you have identified your professional development needs and set SMART professional development goals, it's time to start searching for professional development courses. Do some research into professional development courses available in your area and look at the qualifications required for any certifications you're interested in. Consider both online and offline professional development training – but choose a reputable provider that comes with glowing feedback from previous delegates. It can also be helpful to utilise professional networks for advice and guidance. Ask colleagues or mentors in your industry if they have any recommendations on professional development courses and qualifications.
InPD offers plenty of online and in-person professional development course options to suit your needs and budget – all of which come highly recommended on Trustpilot. From marketing masterclasses to executive programmes and bespoke training, we have one of the most comprehensive ranges of professional development courses in the UK. Many of our online and in-person training programmes are accredited by prestigious bodies that carry weight across all industries, including the Chartered Management Institute, the University of Chester, the University of East London, and the Chartered Marketing Institute.
Developing an Action Plan
Once you've identified professional development courses that are suitable, it's time to develop an action plan. This should include both professional development activities and objectives, as well as a timeline for when these should be achieved. Your action plan will help keep you on track and make sure that you are progressing towards your professional development SMART goals. It's also a good way to ensure that any professional development courses are completed within the timeline set.
Tracking Progress Towards Professional Development Goals
Finally, tracking progress towards professional development goals is essential for reaching them. Use a professional development journal or tracker to record any activities completed and progress made. This can be used to help identify areas where you need more focus or further professional development courses.
Setting professional development goals for 2023 is a great way to focus on personal development and ensure that you are progressing towards your wider career goals. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make sure that your professional development goals are SMART, achievable, and measurable, and that you choose the right training to help you achieve them.
