Knowing how to spend your development budget can be overwhelming. There are so many options, and they all look shiny and new, but which one is actually going to move you in the direction you want to go?
Before you even start looking at the options, get clear on your goals by asking yourself these questions:
- What skill or quality do I need to develop to feel more successful in my job/career?
- Where do I want to be in a years’ time and what do I need to do to get there?
- What support and input do I need to achieve my desired growth?
Once you have clarity on this, you can better assess some of the tools available to you to support your growth. Here are my top 5 recommended ways to spend your development budget in a meaningful way that will move you forward.
1. Technical Skills Development Courses
Your technical skills are probably already pretty hot, but if there’s a tool/software/language you want to feel more proficient in then a technical course might be a good way to invest in yourself. Have a look to see if there is a low cost course you can take on Udemy, or perhaps even something for free on YouTube before splurging your budget on a technical course. It can be easy to stay in your technical comfort zone and restrict development to things you’re already familiar with. While developing your technical skills is important, after completing your studies usually the bigger growth area is in building your transferable skills.
2. Transferable Skills Development Courses
If you have a goal to develop a specific transferable skill then taking a course can be a great approach to go into depth on one topic. If you want flexibility to do a course around your busy schedule, choose one you can do asynchronously. If you know you need more accountability to see it through to the end, choose one with set times you need to show up. Choose something from a reputable provider and/or that you have heard good reviews about and make sure to check the learning objectives and outcomes to decide if it is the right course for you.
3. Industry Specific Conferences
Attending a conference can be a quick-fire way to build your technical and transferable skills as well as build your network at the same time. Conferences can vary wildly in size and scope. Choose one that is as specific as possible to your industry and be sure to look at the planned keynotes and skills sessions in advance of booking to ensure they are aligned with your development goals. While a conference is a great place to gain input and ideas on lots of areas, it won’t be as in depth as some of the other development tools. The greatest value you will gain from a conference is in the networking.
4. Peer Networking and Mentoring Community
Incredible value can be gained from having the right network to support you in your growth. Many communities offer mentoring, workshops, accountability and group coaching, as well as various opportunities to connect with peers. A network can boost your confidence and encourage you to take risks you might not take on your own. Community is so important to me I’m growing my own. Get on the waitlist to hear when we launch.
5. Coaching
Sometimes your development needs are more complex and you require something bespoke to achieve your goals. This is when coaching is a great option. You decide what you focus on and have the dedicated support of your coach to help you navigate your personal challenges. This can be a quicker approach to achieving your goals and developing your self-leadership skills and confidence. You’ll not only be gaining from the work you do within your sessions, but also in-between sessions with personalized homework and accountability with your coach.
Not sure what’s the best way for you to achieve your goals? Let’s chat! Together we can discuss your goals and weigh up your options to find the best fit for you.
