Personal and professional development are lifelong processes of learning that encompass a broad range of activities, aimed at ensuring that employees and individuals have the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to do their work effectively and competently, as well as enhance their own personal growth and development.
In this CPD article, we will be discussing what is meant by professional learning, the difference and connection between personal and professional learning, and examples of professional learning within the workplace.
What is meant by professional learning?
Professional learning usually involves training for individuals who are actively taking steps to get ahead in their career and become more skilled in their field of work and industry. When businesses invest into employee training, employees have the opportunity to pursue their professional long-term goals, as well as take their new knowledge and skills into their current day-to-day responsibilities.
Examples of professional learning can include a variety of structured activities, such as courses, online & eLearning programs, conferences, workshops and seminars or other formal events. There is more explanation of professional learning and the different types of CPD here.
Is there a difference between personal and professional learning?
Personal and professional development are similar in the sense that they both aim to enhance existing skill levels and knowledge, however there are some key differences between the focus of these learning types.
Professional learning typically involves enhancing your necessary skills to carry out your role and perform as effectively as possible within the workplace. This means the development you are making is either related to your current job role, or the role you want to do next. Professional development will continue throughout an individual’s working life as changes are always happening in businesses and industry, meaning it is essential to continually be developing new skills and techniques that you can use in your career.
On the other hand, personal learning is more focused on the individual themselves and their self-improvement, rather than primarily focusing on business needs and requirements. Personal development is all about improving a person's own talents and potential in daily life, both inside and outside of the workplace. Some common examples of personal and professional development skills include:
Communication
Communication is useful both personally and professionally, however this type of learning method is more focused toward personal development. This is because although communication skills are useful within the workplace, communication is more of a generalized skill that you can use daily rather than just in your job role.
Management Training
Management training is more so professional development rather than personal learning. Having the skill and understanding how to manage the team you are in charge of is a valuable skill which you can use within your professional life.
Keeping a Journal
Keeping a journal is linked closer to personal development. This is where you are able to reflect and keep observations of your own self to become more aware of what you need to do in order to improve. However, recording and reflecting is also a key part of professional learning and the CPD Cycle, which you can find out more about here.