It can be all too easy to put personal professional development to one side when you are busy. But everyone, regardless of where they are in their career, should take a breath and consider where they can build their skills.
Across communications we are always helping clients identifytheir strengths to make the most of them as well as weaknesses so they can be addressed. We always do not though go through that same process with ourselves. If we do then we can better prepare for the career ahead.
If often takes a change in circumstances for us to appreciate what we do not know or understand very well. It has taken a General Election, for many to think about what they do and don’t know about the Labour Party. For many involved in public affairs, frankly anyone under their mid-30s, they will never have worked under a Labour government.
But equally, a change in role or being given additional responsibilities can be the trigger for seeking out support.
I run several courses for the PRCA including the Diploma in Public Affairs Management. Those signing up to the course are often newer entrants to the profession but also include more experienced people who want to check they are ‘doing things correctly’ and more senior communications professionals who are unexpectedly given responsibility for political engagement.
All those who take part appreciate the ability to consume the course content in their own time. Some prefer to work their way through the videos, podcasts and reading as quickly as possible (typically around 5 to 6 months). Others prefer a slower pace (more like a year). But everyone can choose what is best for them, so it fits around their work and personal commitments.
The structure of the course, broken down into a number of lessons, means there is no strict order to work in. If you want to work through Lesson Four first because you think it is most relevant or interesting, then that is fine. The website used for the course means you can see how much of a lesson you have worked through which really helps when balancing work, life and learning.
There is an assignment at the end of the Diploma as well but it is not meant to be scary! It is a way for us what has been learned during the course. As the course leader, I try to make myself as available as possible throughout the Diploma for participants to chat through issues and, particularly, how they should tackle the assignment.
We have had some great feedback on the Diploma, and it is good to know that participants have found it of practical use in their day-to-day roles. That is something that I have always tried to emphasise in the course. There is some theory, but the emphasis is on being as practical as possible.
Whatever the reason for thinking about training, whether that is an external ‘shock’ or personal reflection, the PRCA has a wide range of courses available. But I’d certainly look at the Diploma in Public Affairs Management!