When did we become so entitlement oriented that we won’t pursue any professional development unless our employer pays for it? As chair of the 2008 IABC Southern Region Conference, I can’t tell you how many conversations I’ve had of late with people who say they aren’t coming, can’t afford it because “my employer won’t pay.”
Why should the employer pay in the first place? If I am developing my own skills, making myself a better communicator, doesn’t it make sense that I invest some in my own development? Isn’t it really just a bonus that my employer might pay for some of the cost? And, times like these, with a troubled economy and job losses, are really the perfect time for us to hone our skills. You never know what may be just around the corner.
Ultimately, developing my own skills means better opportunities for me: interesting assignments, promotions, completely new jobs. I am amazed at the lack of interest in investing in our own development. One young woman told me that she couldn’t pay the expense and wait for reimbursement because she “just put $2,000 on my VISA for a vacation.” I guess we know where our priorities are.
When I talked to an accredited colleague who recently spent a year as an independent consultant before returning to corporate work, he said that he is part of my choir. But, he was part of the choir before he tried consulting. He’s already demonstrated his commitment to personal development by getting accredited. Accreditation is a personal accomplishment. Your employer might pay for it, but they don’t really benefit from it the way the individual does.
We have to take responsibility for our development – take charge of improving our skills. If that means paying our way to get to the next great training or networking opportunity, then so be it.
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