1. Making the Case for Professional Development Before and During Employment
Arlena Nwosu, MPA

2. Overview What is professional development is
Who needs professional development
How you can afford professional development
Creating a development plan
Presenting your plan to senior leaders
How to proceed if the answer is yes or no
Why professional development is important

3. Professional development gives you to tools to succeed
What is it to you
Professional development gives you to tools to succeed
Professional Development
Skills and knowledge obtained for personal and career advancement
How to prioritize professional development needs
Prior to Employment
To gain or refine skills that frequently appear in job postings in your field
After Employment
To increase proficiency level for your current skill set
To gain new skills

4. Free and low cost training resources
Low Cost Resources
Free Resources
Unemployed
Web Resources
Local Community College
Employed
Review HR resource information
Check your local library
Check local nonprofit resources

5. Presenting a plan to senior leaders
Research
Know your audience
Have pricing and scheduling information ready
Research similar jobs for duties
Prepare
Prepare your presentation in a style your manager prefers
Include information about how the course or seminar will improve productivity or increase revenue
Pitch
Be prepared to answer questions
Speak clearly and concisely

6. What to do if the answer is
The Answer Is Yes
The Answer Is No
Documentation
Confirm the training agreement in writing
Register and pay for classes as soon as possible
Keep copies of all receipts
Report
Write a summary
Look for free or low cost options
Schedule personal time for training
Mention training during performance reviews

7. Why professional development Is important
Learning is a lifelong process
Training makes you an asset to your organization
Increases your marketability
Creates opportunities for networking