HLT-307V Professional Development Plan
INTRODUCTION: Why Should I Have a Professional Development Plant?
Your career is your career. That’s the answer in plain and simple terms. If you don’t look
out for your career, it is highly doubtful it will advance to the places and levels where you
really want it to go. So you need a plan to improve your skills and advance forward in
order to maximize your potential. We all have gifts and skills. These are meant to be
shared—to be utilized. Your Professional Development Plan (PDP) will help you do this.
Also, as technologies are constantly increasing, job requirements in terms of education,
skills, and experience are also in a constant state of change. This has a profound effect on
the general workforce, where change is more common than ever, and jobs and job
requirements are constantly shifting. By developing a solid and comprehensive PDP, you
will have set goals for yourself that, while they may change over time, can provide
direction for you and your career. This will help you focus on what you are really good at
and give insight on how you can change alongside a constantly shifting employment
sector.
How Do I Do It?
Your PDP is your PDP, so take plenty of time to reflect and really consider the various
prompts and questions throughout this document. Your Instructor is not looking for
“right” answers as much as reflective ones. Do you have sufficient insight into your own
situation and skills to create a comprehensive PDP? Absolutely! But this takes time and
introspection, so give yourself this time. Do not rush this process and dismiss it as just
“…another assignment to get done so that I can move on to something else….” Also,
seek out the counsel of others. Your peers, supervisor, friends, and family members can
all help you through this process. These individuals also have a perspective and insight
that you don’t have—so by seeking their assistance, your PDP should be a far more
comprehensive and ‘honest’ document than if you tried to do it alone.
© 2013. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
, What Are My First Steps?
Every journey begins with a single first step. Let’s make sure that first step is in the right
direction! Here are some suggestions that you can do right now. You may be already in
the process of doing one or more of the below—which is good. You’re on your way!
Update your resume
Ask for a new assignment in your current job
Seek out a mentor at your current position in order to learn a new skill
Enroll in a college course to increase knowledge and skills
Do community service in an area in which you have some expertise
Look for opportunities at work to do new tasks that you can put on your resume
Ask to be place on an Interview Team
Attend seminars and conferences in order to gain new knowledge and skills
Read a book on how to advance in your employment sector
Begin taking classes that will allow you to be certified in some area/skill.
Ask for a transfer to a new division within your current organization
Apply for a managerial position within your current organization
Present a plan to your supervisor that will improve current operating procedures
Other:
What is shown above is just a sampling of what you can do right now to improve your
current situation. Remember, the goal is to maximize talent (yours in particular), and not
waste time or money. Everyone wants to the best out of themselves, and if you have an
idea or a project in mind that can help you accomplish this, don’t just stand on the
sidelines. Get moving!
On the next few pages are questions and prompts that are designed to get you thinking
from a bigger perspective. We all need this. The world is bigger than we think and
sometimes the correct answer is right in front of us. Remember, sometimes the best place
to hide is in plain sight. Complete each assignment and try to keep to the time restrictions
given to you. Once your PDP is completed, submit a copy to your Instructor and keep one
for your own records.
© 2013. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
INTRODUCTION: Why Should I Have a Professional Development Plant?
Your career is your career. That’s the answer in plain and simple terms. If you don’t look
out for your career, it is highly doubtful it will advance to the places and levels where you
really want it to go. So you need a plan to improve your skills and advance forward in
order to maximize your potential. We all have gifts and skills. These are meant to be
shared—to be utilized. Your Professional Development Plan (PDP) will help you do this.
Also, as technologies are constantly increasing, job requirements in terms of education,
skills, and experience are also in a constant state of change. This has a profound effect on
the general workforce, where change is more common than ever, and jobs and job
requirements are constantly shifting. By developing a solid and comprehensive PDP, you
will have set goals for yourself that, while they may change over time, can provide
direction for you and your career. This will help you focus on what you are really good at
and give insight on how you can change alongside a constantly shifting employment
sector.
How Do I Do It?
Your PDP is your PDP, so take plenty of time to reflect and really consider the various
prompts and questions throughout this document. Your Instructor is not looking for
“right” answers as much as reflective ones. Do you have sufficient insight into your own
situation and skills to create a comprehensive PDP? Absolutely! But this takes time and
introspection, so give yourself this time. Do not rush this process and dismiss it as just
“…another assignment to get done so that I can move on to something else….” Also,
seek out the counsel of others. Your peers, supervisor, friends, and family members can
all help you through this process. These individuals also have a perspective and insight
that you don’t have—so by seeking their assistance, your PDP should be a far more
comprehensive and ‘honest’ document than if you tried to do it alone.
© 2013. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
, What Are My First Steps?
Every journey begins with a single first step. Let’s make sure that first step is in the right
direction! Here are some suggestions that you can do right now. You may be already in
the process of doing one or more of the below—which is good. You’re on your way!
Update your resume
Ask for a new assignment in your current job
Seek out a mentor at your current position in order to learn a new skill
Enroll in a college course to increase knowledge and skills
Do community service in an area in which you have some expertise
Look for opportunities at work to do new tasks that you can put on your resume
Ask to be place on an Interview Team
Attend seminars and conferences in order to gain new knowledge and skills
Read a book on how to advance in your employment sector
Begin taking classes that will allow you to be certified in some area/skill.
Ask for a transfer to a new division within your current organization
Apply for a managerial position within your current organization
Present a plan to your supervisor that will improve current operating procedures
Other:
What is shown above is just a sampling of what you can do right now to improve your
current situation. Remember, the goal is to maximize talent (yours in particular), and not
waste time or money. Everyone wants to the best out of themselves, and if you have an
idea or a project in mind that can help you accomplish this, don’t just stand on the
sidelines. Get moving!
On the next few pages are questions and prompts that are designed to get you thinking
from a bigger perspective. We all need this. The world is bigger than we think and
sometimes the correct answer is right in front of us. Remember, sometimes the best place
to hide is in plain sight. Complete each assignment and try to keep to the time restrictions
given to you. Once your PDP is completed, submit a copy to your Instructor and keep one
for your own records.
© 2013. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
