Why undertake CPD?

We all want to have a successful career. Whether you want to reach a level of recognition, to work in a particular sector or role, or simply want financial flexibility, your career is most likely going to be the route to achieving it. Professional development is the key to managing your career.

Professional development is a fundamental part of our working lives. It is the process by which we keep up-to-date with current practice, drives us to improve our skills and progress into new roles and keeps us employable throughout our lives.

Through it we stay interested and motivated and it helps us identify and take advantage of the many opportunities that come our way. What’s more, it is something we do every day of our lives without even thinking about it.

The key benefits of professional development:

• Achieving your goals efficiently – those who take a planned approach to skills development tend to move up the career ladder quickly and in the direction they choose. They are also better placed to change direction into new sectors;
• Keeping pace with changing technology – staying current and taking advantage of new developments will keep you at the leading edge of your discipline;
• Achieving recognition – both in your workplace and through gaining professional qualifications such as EngTech, IEng and CEng;
• Staying in the job market – developing and maintaining the skills that will keep you at the top of every short-list;
• Becoming a leading light – developing the characteristics that others respect and being able to help, influence and lead others to achieve their own goals;
• Providing evidence of competence – to draw upon for reviews, promotion boards, interviews and in areas where regulation requires it;
• Demonstrating commitment to your profession – with an increasing focus on ethical practice, "doing CPD" is an important part of being professional.

Taking a structured approach to your professional development will enable you to manage your career more effectively – deciding on the goals you want to reach and taking control of the route you take to get there. What’s more, the good practice of planning and reviewing your development needs is personally rewarding and soon becomes a natural part of everyday life.