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Professional Growth To decide whether training is the answer to your career block, examine these key issues. First determine your goal. Is it to get a promotion? Move to another industry? Get a raise or a promotion? Stretch yourself intellectually or creatively? Once you know your goal, then ask yourself if training is the only solution. All too often training is taken for the wrong reasons. Training is appropriate when you are weak in a skill. It is not a good option if you already have the skills but lack in some other area like motivation or confidence. If you lack motivation or confidence sometimes training will help validate your worth but it can be an expensive way to get that validation. Instead consider counseling, self help books, or coaching to discover the root cause of your fears. Many industries value experience over education so be cautious when using training to advance yourself in your career or transition into a new role or industry. Sometimes a back door approach is the best answer. Talk to people in the industry or role you want to assume to see which is valued more -education or experience. If experience is valued more, then find a way to get in – even if it means a demotion. Look at the cost of lost salary like a tuition fee. Some jobs do recognize degrees when determining your salary. Consult with your HR representative or your boss to see if obtaining a degree or credential will improve your chances for a raise. If your goal is to stretch yourself creatively or intellectually, you may want to consider workshops or other short training options. Look at continuing education programs at local school boards, colleges and universities for many after-hours options. Training can be a great answer but make sure it is cost-effective and for the right reasons.
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