PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Taking Charge Where has your career taken you? Where do you want it to go? And what do you need to learn to make that happen? Three Members at different stages of their careers share their lifelong learning strategies — and details of their journey so far
confidence to start his own geology training company. “All of the professional develop- ment I’m doing — any training I do — is designed to give me a better chance of getting employment,” he says. In the profiles to follow, you’ll hear more from Dr. Noad and two other APEGA Members — each at a different career stage — to find out why they make con- tinuing professional development a priority and how it’s helping them achieve their career goals.
When it comes to continuing professional development, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Going back to school, taking a workshop, attending a conference, mentoring a colleague or even reading a book are all types of professional development that help build your skills and expand your knowledge. But what’s best for you? You must make sure what and how you learn fits the requirements of APEGA’s Continuing Professional Development program. But it’s up to you to plan and manage your own goals. That’s been the approach taken by Jon Noad, P.Geo., throughout his 30-year- career. “You are responsible for your own destiny,” Dr. Noad says. “There’s nobody holding your hand.” Whether teaching field school workshops in the Rockies or getting a PhD, he’s made a conscious effort to continually expand his education. Doing so has helped him become a better Professional Geoscientist and leader. “By doing that work, you’re definitely opening doors to new opportunities.” That’s especially important in today’s highly competitive job market. Strength- ening your skillset shows employers you’re motivated, engaged, adaptable, and
committed to continual improvement and growth. Dr. Noad knows this all too well. He’s been looking for work since Febru- ary after being laid off from his job as an exploration geologist, and the competition he and others are facing in the current economy is enormous. The last few jobs he’s applied to have had between 600 to 700 applicants. Still, his experience and ongoing training have earned him several inter- views, and provided him the skills and
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