Print PDF

The leaves are falling

One by one

Summer’s over

And school’s begun

I love the first day of school; I even get my kids (albeit, reluctantly) to stand on the front porch for their annual ’1^st day of school’ picture. Routines begin again, bedtimes change and sleeping ’til noon stops. I always consider this time to be an opportunity for me to do something from a professional development standpoint, too, whether it be a course at the local college or university, networking events and workshops, or just reading books and periodicals relevant to my job.

I find timing a Professional Development activity alongside my children’s schooling gives us a common ground for discussions at dinner. When they’re doing homework in the evenings, I’m sitting down reading, doing an assignment, or studying. Professional Development also helps me continue to grow in my career and keep up with current trends, and it teaches my family that learning and schooling doesn’t end after high school or post-secondary education. For me, this fall I’m studying to write my Knowledge Exam for my Certified Human Resources Professional Designation, the fifth and final step for me to obtain my designation.

I’m a strong believer in and advocate for Professional Development, and what better time to start than September when all the students are heading back to school? It benefits both you, and the organization you work for!

Joanne Petersen

Other Sites