Maintaining your professional skills requires continuing professional education (CPE). But, do you know how good that CPE is?
The quality of CPE varies from one organization to another. Due to several bad practices, CPE can sometimes be ineffective or even counterproductive.
You can avoid these seven mistakes by following these steps:
1. CPE programs with low quality or relevance
Choosing low-quality or unrelated CPE programs can be one of the biggest problems with CPE. Rather than making you more knowledgeable, it can waste your time and money.
Rather than choosing low-quality CPE programs, choose high-quality ones. CPE programs that are both high quality and relevant to your field should be selected. Your CPE will be more effective if you do this. In addition, CPE programs of high quality will give you a better chance of learning new information and staying current in your field.
2. Taking CPE without studying
After attending a CPE program, many professionals forget everything they learned.
Make sure you study after you attend a CPE program instead. You can retain more information if you study and apply what you learn.
3. Resources available online are not being used
Many excellent online resources are available for continuing professional education, but many professionals don't take advantage of them.
Consider using online CPE resources instead. These resources can be useful if you want to learn about the latest trends and developments in your field.
4. Continually repeating CPE programs
Many professionals attend the same CPE programs yearly without ever expanding their horizons. Lack of new information can result in stagnation.
Consider mixing things up by trying new CPE programs often.
5. The failure to set CPE goals
The effectiveness of CPE can be greatly enhanced if you have specific goals for what you want to accomplish. Programs that don't meet goals can easily be irrelevant or ineffective.
Make CPE specific by setting specific goals. Your chances of choosing beneficial CPE programs increase when you set goals.
6. Being out of touch with your field
Attending CPE programs regularly is important, but staying current in other ways is even more critical.
Keep up with the latest developments in your field instead. Get to know other professionals by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and networking.
7. Taking CPE for granted
It is common for professionals to feel that CPE is a necessary evil, something they must do but do not want to do. There's a mistake here.
Make CPE a priority instead. In reality, it's easier said than done, but only if you approach it properly and with the right attitude. There are many benefits to continuing education.
You can ensure you get the most out of your CPE by avoiding these mistakes and poor practices. Professional development can be greatly enhanced with the right approach to continuing education.