“Professional development” refers to formal processes such as attending a course, conference, seminar, workshop, or participating in specific focused work assignments. It also occurs in informal contexts such as discussions among work colleagues, independent reading and research, observations of a colleague's work, or other learning from a peer. It contributes to career development, which also includes career paths and plans, learning plans, mentoring, and internships.
University of Manitoba - Professional and Career Development
Watch the video: Professional and career development - Faculty of Human Ecology
What we're hearing from you:
The following feedback comes directly from University of Manitoba employees. All feedback will be used to establish a framework and larger all-staff survey, which will in turn inform an action plan.
Best practices
“…It is a fantastic learning and discovery environment. I am privileged to work with dedicated academic and support staff who come together to create a great place of learning and development for students. Academic staff are (sic) on the cutting edge of their respective disciplines, and it is amazing to be part of the changes that will determine the future of our province, country and our world…”
“I particularly enjoy the University culture that encourages learning, both formally through courses and workshops, and informally through our colleagues.”
“It is a great environment to work in. I can grow professionally and personally, as many opportunities are available.”
“It has given me the opportunity for growth in my skills and to obtain new skills I would not be able to easily acquire, working on the outside. The breadth of experience is unlike anything you could have in a position in the public workforce.”
“The University provides various career development opportunities, the pay is great and I enjoy the opportunity to work with students to help them in their education.”
What can we do better?
“As a supervisor, what I would like to see started is timely training for new employees, eg. AURORA. At this (Bannatyne) campus our facilities are smaller…so, maybe more frequent courses at Bannatyne campus; training every 2 weeks. Some people have been waiting for a very long time…e.g. VISA training program…ideally, as soon as the person is hired, need the training to start…VIP; payroll system…”
“I needed to learn computer on my own. In my evaluations I was told that I was weak in computer…when I want to take classes I was also told ‘no’…so, I am fixing the problem myself…I am shocked by this…we have student vibrancy…we expect faculty to remain vibrant…but staff are not respected in the same way…support staff are encouraged to take classes but there is no follow through…”
“As a department head, what I would strongly recommend is a standardized mentoring program across all faculties…and especially a mentoring program focused on mid-career faculty”
“As a supervisor, I would really appreciate a mentoring program…so much I can learn from others…”
“…a campus wide mentoring program to assist individuals to get to know & consult experienced academics about their careers. I experienced a wonderful program designed to encourage more women into management roles in academia in Australia, it included lectures from brilliant women academics, a mentoring program and developed a community of support”
“Differing opinions – professional development opportunities vary from department to department…seems like more academics have more opportunities…we do not have a U of M framework…people who evaluate jobs do not have the skills to evaluate”
“We need to open up the doors to take more courses…right now it is simply too job related…if I wanted to venture out to another job…that required specific computer related skills, we should be given that opportunity…I to see us being supported with cyber learning – it should not matter if this is not directly job related…this will improve our career opportunities…it is learning and fulfilling…can only increase your skills and enable you to be better”