Why Professional Development Is Important for Your Career

What is professional development?

Professional development refers to career-related training and continuing education that individuals pursue after entering the workforce. There are many reasons to engage in professional development, including the following:

• Improve or develop new skills: Professionals can improve hard skills, such as digital marketing, engineering or code writing; or soft skills, like leadership, problem-solving, resilience, flexibility and communication.
• Keep up with technology and trends: Someone may want to master new technology or stay current with industry trends that affect their role or company. For example, attorneys might study new legislation and case law, while IT professionals may explore emerging tech that could affect their organization.
• Obtain or update certifications: Professions in some industries — including law, medicine and education — require ongoing education and certification. Employers may mandate periodic training for all staff or certain employees. Employees also may choose to pursue business certifications independently to advance their career.

What are examples of professional development?

Professional development comes in many forms, from casual, self-directed efforts to formal, degree-based programs.

Emily Walton, an executive coach at Alo Coaching, emphasized that professional development choices should align with personal goals. “If you are aspiring to move into a leadership role, then leadership coaching or leadership development is more valuable than investing in hard skills like learning to code,” Walton explained. “Match the outcomes of the professional development program with the outcomes that will best position you to achieve your goals.”

Development opportunities should also suit the employee’s learning style. “It is also important to understand your learning style so that you can extract as much value from the program as you can,” Walton said.

Here are some examples of different types of professional development.

Self-directed reading, listening and viewing

One of the most flexible and affordable types of professional development is gained by consuming content related to your work, including reading, listening and viewing. You can then apply the information, skills and insights you gain to improve your job performance. Here are some examples of such content:

• Industry publications and business blogs
• Webinars hosted by industry associations or experts
• Thought leadership articles, whitepapers and case studies
• Industry-specific or general business podcasts
• Video interviews, speeches and panel discussions
• Books to help build business skills

Pros

• You can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
• Most online content is free, and business books that aren’t available at your local library are typically inexpensive. 

Cons

• This type of learning is difficult to showcase on a resume.
• You don’t receive official certificates or proof of completion.

Mentorship

A mentorship can be one of the most valuable forms of professional development, but it requires initiative and consistency. Here are the basic steps:

1. Identify an accomplished person in your industry. 
2. Ask if they’re willing to mentor you. 
3. Meet regularly to seek career advice, introductions to key professionals and insights about your industry. 

Pros

• You build a personal connection and receive direct coaching from someone with real-world expertise.
• Introductions to influential contacts can help open doors and accelerate careers.

Cons

• It may take time and effort to find the right mentor.
• It may be difficult to schedule regular check-ins, especially with a busy mentor.

Webinars

Attending webinars can be a smart move if you want to stay current on the latest technologies, methodologies and industry trends. Webinars are usually hosted by professionals in your industry — sometimes even competitors — who use the platform to generate sales leads. 

Pros

• You gain insight into competitors’ products, positioning and strategies.
• Many webinars are completely free to attend. 

Cons

• The content may be overly promotional or focused on a specific product.
• Organizers may not welcome attendees from competing companies.

Lectures and seminars  

Lectures and seminars are typically in-person events, which may require a greater investment of time and resources. They’re often hosted by industry associations, making the content more broadly applicable. These groups also frequently host trade shows and conferences featuring expert speakers and panel discussions.

Pros

• You can explore a range of topics at a single event.
• You have opportunities to network with other professionals in your field.
• Employers often cover the cost of attendance. 

Cons

• These events have set times and locations, so they require time away from your regular workday. 
• If your employer doesn’t sponsor you, costs can add up, especially if travel is involved.

Employer training initiatives

Most employers offer mandatory training programs for their employees, and some offer optional training. Although you may have no choice about whether to attend mandatory training, you can choose to do it with the right attitude, knowing that it will help you grow in your role. 

Employer-provided training may be delivered by internal HR professionals or managers, or through third-party training companies. It may take on one or more of these formats:

• Classroom-style instruction
• Hands-on learning through tours or observation
• Workshop-based sessions with role play
• Online reading and video modules
• A combination of formats

In addition to offering in-house programs, some companies pay for external professional development opportunities, including seminars, trade shows, certification courses and degree programs.

Pros

• Internal training is free for employees.
• External training may be fully or partially covered by the company.

Cons

• Mandatory sessions may not align with your preferred format or learning style.
• Company-sponsored training typically focuses on limited, job-specific subject matter.

Certification classes

Enrolling in a certification program is an excellent way to hone your skills and demonstrate your expertise. These courses may be offered in person or online, and they typically culminate in an exam.

You can obtain certifications in a wide range of disciplines, including the following: 

• Digital marketing certifications
• General marketing certifications
• Accounting and finance certifications
• HR and talent acquisition certifications
• IT and cybersecurity certifications

Course lengths and costs vary depending on the topic, the depth of instruction, and whether the program is online or in person. The cost of your certification may depend on the organization that offers the course.

Pros

• In-depth training can help you perform your job better and qualify for promotions.
• Certifications can help you switch careers, specialize or qualify for advanced roles.
• You’ll receive a recognized certificate that you can list on your resume and LinkedIn profile — ideal for networking on LinkedIn.

Cons

• Programs can be time-consuming.
• Costs may be high, depending on the provider and course format.

Degree programs

Enrolling in a college or university degree program is one of the most time-intensive — and often most expensive — forms of professional development. This may involve pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree while continuing to work full time.

Some schools offer associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs designed for working professionals, with most classes held in the evening. Others, like executive MBA programs, offer flexible formats with some or all coursework available online.

Pros

• Degrees are universally recognized and valued by employers.
• A degree can qualify you for roles that may not have been accessible to you before.
• Some employers cover all or part of the cost through tuition reimbursement programs.

Cons

• Balancing work and academic demands can be challenging.
• Programs may cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially at the graduate level.

Webinars

Attending webinars can be a smart move if you want to stay current on the latest technologies, methodologies and industry trends. Webinars are usually hosted by professionals in your industry — sometimes even competitors — who use the platform to generate sales leads. 

Pros

• You gain insight into competitors’ products, positioning and strategies.
• Many webinars are completely free to attend. 

Cons

• The content may be overly promotional or focused on a specific product.
• Organizers may not welcome attendees from competing companies.

Lectures and seminars  

Lectures and seminars are typically in-person events, which may require a greater investment of time and resources. They’re often hosted by industry associations, making the content more broadly applicable. These groups also frequently host trade shows and conferences featuring expert speakers and panel discussions.

Pros

• You can explore a range of topics at a single event.
• You have opportunities to network with other professionals in your field.
• Employers often cover the cost of attendance. 

Cons

• These events have set times and locations, so they require time away from your regular workday. 
• If your employer doesn’t sponsor you, costs can add up, especially if travel is involved.

Employer training initiatives

Most employers offer mandatory training programs for their employees, and some offer optional training. Although you may have no choice about whether to attend mandatory training, you can choose to do it with the right attitude, knowing that it will help you grow in your role. 

Employer-provided training may be delivered by internal HR professionals or managers, or through third-party training companies. It may take on one or more of these formats:

• Classroom-style instruction
• Hands-on learning through tours or observation
• Workshop-based sessions with role play
• Online reading and video modules
• A combination of formats

In addition to offering in-house programs, some companies pay for external professional development opportunities, including seminars, trade shows, certification courses and degree programs.

Pros

• Internal training is free for employees.
• External training may be fully or partially covered by the company.

Cons

• Mandatory sessions may not align with your preferred format or learning style.
• Company-sponsored training typically focuses on limited, job-specific subject matter.

Certification classes

Enrolling in a certification program is an excellent way to hone your skills and demonstrate your expertise. These courses may be offered in person or online, and they typically culminate in an exam.

You can obtain certifications in a wide range of disciplines, including the following: 

• Digital marketing certifications
• General marketing certifications
• Accounting and finance certifications
• HR and talent acquisition certifications
• IT and cybersecurity certifications

Course lengths and costs vary depending on the topic, the depth of instruction, and whether the program is online or in person. The cost of your certification may depend on the organization that offers the course.

Pros

• In-depth training can help you perform your job better and qualify for promotions.
• Certifications can help you switch careers, specialize or qualify for advanced roles.
• You’ll receive a recognized certificate that you can list on your resume and LinkedIn profile — ideal for networking on LinkedIn.

Cons

• Programs can be time-consuming.
• Costs may be high, depending on the provider and course format.

Degree programs

Enrolling in a college or university degree program is one of the most time-intensive — and often most expensive — forms of professional development. This may involve pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree while continuing to work full time.

Some schools offer associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs designed for working professionals, with most classes held in the evening. Others, like executive MBA programs, offer flexible formats with some or all coursework available online.

Pros

• Degrees are universally recognized and valued by employers.
• A degree can qualify you for roles that may not have been accessible to you before.
• Some employers cover all or part of the cost through tuition reimbursement programs.

Cons

• Balancing work and academic demands can be challenging.
• Programs may cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially at the graduate level.

What are the benefits of professional development?

Professional development brings many benefits when you seek out knowledge that matters to your job or industry. It can support career growth, improve work performance, and help employees and employers reach their goals. Here are some additional specific advantages:

Professional development increases employees’ knowledge and skills.

Gained knowledge is valuable for both employees and their employers. “Professional development is a two-way street,” said Richard Harris, founder of The Harris Consulting Group. “Yes, the company should absolutely focus on developing talent. In addition, the employee must take the initiative to develop themselves.” 

This increased knowledge benefits both employees and their employers.

• Employees perform better. It’s easier to succeed at work when you have the right skills. For example, someone who’s well versed in a specific technology will likely be more productive. In sales, deep knowledge of the product and market makes it easier to connect with customers and explain how you stand out from the competition. For managers, improved communication and leadership skills lead to better team performance.
• Employers benefit from faster results. Competent, knowledgeable employees help companies achieve their business goals more efficiently. Whether it’s by meeting deadlines, hitting sales targets or improving client satisfaction, skilled employees drive business success.

Professional development boosts employee engagement.

Although stepping away from your daily routine may seem disruptive, taking time to learn something new can actually improve employee engagement, which benefits both employees and employers.

• Employees become more confident. Learning about new trends and developments in your field can help you feel more confident in your role and more creative in your approach to work. You may even feel empowered to take on more responsibility, especially if your company culture supports growth and initiative.
• Employers retain engaged, empowered teams. Engaged employees are more likely to spot new market opportunities, take initiative and remain with the company for the long term. That translates to better employee retention, greater satisfaction and more innovation across teams.

Professional development improves networking.

In-person seminars and classes allow employees to meet, connect with and learn from others in their industry, which benefits both employees and their companies.

• Employees expand their professional networks. These events provide opportunities to meet potential mentors, industry peers, business contacts and even future employers. In some cases, professional relationships built through networking can lead to career advancement or collaborative opportunities down the line.
• Employers gain insight and opportunities. When companies send employees to in-person learning events, they gain exposure to how other organizations tackle challenges. These events can also spark ideas for co-marketing campaigns, process improvements or strategic partnerships.

Professional development keeps everyone current on trends and new technology.

By learning about and responding to market shifts, employees and their companies stay agile and competitive.

• Employees become more effective in their roles. Staying up to date with trends and technology improves job performance. For example, if you work in marketing and learn that your target audience is becoming more price-sensitive due to a lower-cost competitor, you can adjust your messaging to emphasize superior quality or run a timely promotion. If you’re a production manager and discover a new tool that streamlines manufacturing and reduces errors, you can recommend it for implementation.
• Employers benefit from applied knowledge. When employees stay current in their field, they bring back valuable insights. This new knowledge can lead to strategic shifts that help companies seize new opportunities, address potential risks or integrate helpful technology. 

Professional development makes employees more valuable.

New information and skills make employees more valuable, which, in turn, benefits both the employees and the organization.

• Employees gain job security and career growth. Expanded knowledge and skills can help safeguard employees’ jobs and position them for raises, employee bonuses or promotions. “Professional development is the foundation of a thriving career,” said Kristie Tse, psychotherapist and founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling. “I often tell my clients that investing in their growth isn’t just about gaining skills — it’s about demonstrating adaptability, curiosity and a commitment to excellence.”
• Employers build stronger teams. Daisy Cabral, CEO of Bella All Natural, noted that knowledgeable, proactive employees help businesses thrive in areas such as accurate accounting, exceptional customer care and strong sales performance. “The more your team understands about the products they’re selling, the more effective they are in promoting them to customers,” Cabral explained. “It’s all about delivering value — not just through the products themselves but through the expertise behind them. When employees feel confident and equipped with knowledge, they perform better, and that’s reflected in the company’s growth and customer loyalty.”

Why is professional development important?

There are several reasons why professional development is essential for both employees and employers.

Benefits of professional development for employees

• Career advancement: Professional development and networking are key to employees’ professional growth, said Bradford Glaser, president and CEO of HRDQ. “As industries rapidly evolve, keeping skills sharp and relevant is key,” Glaser explained. “Employees who prioritize learning and professional growth not only enhance their capabilities but also prove they can adapt to new challenges.”
• Career flexibility: No one can take knowledge and skills away from an employee. If their current employer isn’t offering growth opportunities, professional development gives the individual the tools to pursue a better role elsewhere or even to launch their own business.

Benefits of professional development for employers

• A skilled and motivated workforce: Continuous learning strengthens an organization. “The employee who learns tends to be more productive, efficient and innovative than the rest,” Glaser said. “This is what propels company success and strengthens retention in places of employment where there is care for career paths.” Offering opportunities to grow professionally makes team members more engaged in their work and invested in business outcomes, making it more likely they’ll stay with your company long term.
• Adaptation to new technology: Macro trends, like the rise of artificial intelligence and big data, are reshaping the job landscape. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 Report, roughly 39 percent of current skill sets will be significantly changed or outdated between 2025 and 2030. Companies that want to stay competitive must invest in upskilling and retraining their workforce.