“I’m so busy developing others that I don’t have time for my own professional development.” —Talent development professionals everywhere
One of the most common things I hear from talent development professionals is that they have difficulty finding time for their own professional development. If that sounds like you, let me tell you why 2019 is a good time to make your professional development a priority.
1. ATD Competency Model Changes
In 2019, the ATD Competency Model will be revised. The research is underway now. If you’ve been thinking about getting the CPLP or APTD certification, or have started the process, get it done in 2019 before those changes take place. The changes to the Competency Model will not affect the exams in 2019.2. It’s the End of a Decade
Next year is the last year of a decade. Daniel Pink, author of When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, says that “ endings have this power to galvanize us.” It’s a quirk of psychology you can use to your advantage. Pink also explains that the best time to start a project is on a date that is a “temporal landmark,” like New Year’s Day, the beginning of a quarter, or the beginning of a semester because it’s feels like a fresh start. Use this natural tendency to get yourself motivated and complete your certification in 2019.3. The Job Market Is Good
If you’re thinking about making a change, now is a good time to do it. With unemployment low, employers are struggling to fill positions and are competing for the best talent. Whether it's a move up within your own organization or a job change, having a certification can help you land high-quality opportunities and set you apart from the competition.4. Get Recharged
CPLP and APTD credential holders tell us that pursuing their certification renewed their passion for the field and helped to recharge them professionally. It provides a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that is often hard to achieve in the day-to-day minutiae of work assignments. Achieving a professional certification will give you a boost of confidence, along with new ideas and tools to help you at work.5. Increase Your Credibility
An ATD credential is a stamp of approval that you know what you are doing. We stand behind our credential holders because they've proven they have the knowledge needed to succeed in our field. Pursuing a voluntary certification like the CPLP or APTD credential shows others you are committed to staying up to date in your profession. When you are talking with those outside of our field, you can speak knowledgeably about solutions. Your confidence will help you shine.
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Make 2019 the year you establish your expertise with an ATD credential and join an elite cohort of professionals who are moving the field forward.
