4 Professional Development Ideas

Professional development is a key skill for any employee to learn. Whether it's advancing in the ranks at your current job or taking your talents elsewhere, it's important to never to be satisfied staying in one position.

While it's always preferable to advance within your current organization, sometimes that's not in the cards. The current job market is incredibly competitive which means you will have to present yourself as a unique talent should you decide it's time to start somewhere new.

During the Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits in National Harbor, Md., William F. Bartolini, associate vice president for development at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., offered advice on how to make yourself look unique to employers.

• Find Your Passion: Sit down and figure out what your best attributes are. Test your list with a trusted friend along with a trusted co-worker.
• Create A List: Use the list to describe your accomplishments, challenges you’ve faced and experiences you want to have.
• Elevator Speech: Prepare a short speech that encapsulates your experiences and advantages. These types of speeches should last 30 seconds. Make them brief.
• Where Will You Go?: Outline what the ins and outs to your work are. Do you want to be involved in fundraising or do a little of everything? Do you want to work in a small shop or big shop? These are all questions you should be asking yourself.