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Unit 16 :
Professional development
Advanced
Vocabulary
Repeat these sentences with your teacher first.
1. core(adj.)
the basic and most important part of something
2. up to date(adj.)
modern, recent, or containing the latest information
3. seminars(n.)
an occasion when a teacher or expert and a group of people meet to study and discuss something
4. workshops(n.)
a room or building where things are made or repaired using machines and/or tools
5. techniques(n.)
a way of doing an activity that needs skill
6. industry(n.)
the companies and activities involved in the process of producing goods for sale, especially in a factory or special area
7. trends(n.)
a general development or change in a situation or in the way that people are behaving
8. mentors(n.)
a person who gives a younger or less experienced person help and advice over a period of time, especially at work or school
9. invest(v.)
to put money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit or get an advantage
Dialogue
Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.
Peter
Heather
Peter, I find professional development is so important for my job.
Same! Times are changing. The core skills you learn in university aren’t enough.
Exactly. How do you stay up to date with your job? Do you attend seminars?
Yeah, those and workshops. They’re great ways to develop new skills and techniques.
True. I mainly do self-studying. I’m always reading about industry developments and trends.
That’s smart. Online courses are also a convenient way to stay ahead.
My company actually offers free training programs with mentors. But it’s expected that you do them on your own time.
Interesting. Yeah, companies should invest in their employees more. It’s a win-win.
I agree. But to be honest, I learn so much on the job.
Yeah, me too. Sometimes the office is the best classroom.
Article
Read the article with your teacher.
Ways to maximize your professional development
1. Hone a learning mindset
Having a positive attitude towards professional development is vital. Set aside time to learn on a regular basis.
2. Read regularly
Read widely, not only about current events but also subjects that can broaden your horizons, such as history.
3. Write regularly
Writing has multiple benefits for leaders. It can help you master the content, improve your critical thinking skills, and enhance communication with your various audiences.
4. Gather feedback
You should actively solicit feedback from your employees, your board, and anyone else in a position to provide valuable input. Institute an anonymous feedback mechanism for your employees or engage with a third-party gatherer.
5. Find mentors
Develop relationships with people who have been in your shoes. Find someone who will give you honest, unvarnished input.
6. Cultivate peer relationships
You should develop relationships with as many people in your industry as possible. This is important for keeping up with developments and gaining new perspectives and ideas.
Source: Inc., “10 ways to maximize your professional development”
Discussion：
Answer the following questions to your teacher.
1.What are the benefits of professional development?
2.What is professional development for you?
Let’s practice
Choose the correct answer.
1.The seminars will keep you up to ____ with the latest industry trends.
A.date
B.late
C.line
D.day
2.If you want to learn about the newest ____, you can complete the e-Learning course ____ your own time.
capability / for / on / employees / techniques
3. By strategically ____ in employees, you’ll be able to keep all the best candidates.
A.attracting
B.updating
C.investing
D.spending
4. ____ we can achieve a win-win by offering workshops and seminars.
A.It’s believed that
B.It’s no good that
C.It’s about time that
D.It is a pity that
