When was the last time you attended a seminar? Was it worthwhile, did you enjoy the experience? Did you grumble and drag your butt to the event, then check your watch every 20-30 minutes - while praying that the speaker would not call on you...and hoping to be home by 4pm? Well there is a very good reason to reconsider your opinion of professional development activities (seminars, workshops, conferences, lectures, retreats, etc.). They don't have to be dull and torturous, they just need to peak your interest! So instead of being told by your employer that you have been registered for yet another seminar such as, Teamwork - Cheerleading for the Disgruntled and Underpaid Cubicle Dweller, try turning the tables on your employer. Get pro-active and seek out a seminar/workshop that you truly find appealing - something that will challenge you, expand your knowledge base and broaden your skills.
Think of it this way, ask your employer to pay for or reimburse you for a seminar you select, one that just might motivate you, and the bonus is that you get a nice change of environment for the work day. Even if your employer won't pay for the event, you should pay for it out of your pocket, if the topic is something you are really excited about. If you can walk out of a one day event with even 1 or 2 practical ideas to put into play, then the event was beneficial. A few other bonuses include the opportunity to demonstrate to your employer that you are engaging in professional development activities (a talking point for that annual performance review), a chance to network with peers who share your attraction to the seminar topic, plus you have new content for your resume (always add relevant activities to your resume under the heading of Professional Development). So find a seminar that looks really promising and sign up ASAP. Here is a nice link to search for seminars of interest: http://www.findaseminar.com/
Think of it this way, ask your employer to pay for or reimburse you for a seminar you select, one that just might motivate you, and the bonus is that you get a nice change of environment for the work day. Even if your employer won't pay for the event, you should pay for it out of your pocket, if the topic is something you are really excited about. If you can walk out of a one day event with even 1 or 2 practical ideas to put into play, then the event was beneficial. A few other bonuses include the opportunity to demonstrate to your employer that you are engaging in professional development activities (a talking point for that annual performance review), a chance to network with peers who share your attraction to the seminar topic, plus you have new content for your resume (always add relevant activities to your resume under the heading of Professional Development). So find a seminar that looks really promising and sign up ASAP. Here is a nice link to search for seminars of interest: http://www.findaseminar.com/
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