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What is the difference between continuing education and professional development
14 Jun 2021

What is the difference between continuing education and professional development

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Engineering is a field that requires constant learning and development. Engineers are always looking for ways to improve their skills and one way to do so is through continuing education. Professional development, on the other hand, focuses more on broadening perspectives with regards to engineering practices by exposing engineers to new ideas and technologies. So what’s the difference between continuing education and professional development? Continuing education refers mainly to courses in engineering topics such as electronics or software programming while professional development can refer also encompass non-engineering topics such as leadership or project management techniques.

The best strategy for any engineer when it comes time for your next career move is not only knowing how you want your future career path will look like but ensuring you have a plan of action ready too. Knowing

Engineers are required to have a license in order to practice. But what is the difference between continuing education and professional development? This blog post explores that question, as well as the factors that go into each type of training. We’ll also discuss some other types of engineering-related courses you can take beyond these two.

What is Continuing Education

Continuing education is a general term that refers to any type of training or course you can take if you’re an engineer. This includes both professional development and continuing education courses, which we’ll discuss in more detail below. The National Society of Professional Engineers defines it as “activities designed specifically for practicing engineers.” Continuing engineering education should be applied knowledge: merely taking classes isn’t enough- instead, the learning needs to be applied back into your work environment so that it’s relevant and practical.

One example of this would be attending a conference where new developments are presented by experts on the topic; then keeping up with those updates through blogs and other media channels. A good way to get started is by finding out what types of conferences are being held and what courses they offer. Many engineers report that the quality of training offered at conferences is very high and the content is helpful to developing their technical competence.

What Do We Mean by Professional Development

Professional development is a process for developing individual skills and capacities to help an engineer gain more knowledge, improve their performance in a given area of expertise, or move up the ladder.

Professional development typically takes place outside of normal work hours- but it’s important that this time doesn’t come at the cost of other aspects like family life, leisure time or sleep. Engineers should always be aware that professional development is there to serve them- not vice versa!

It can take many forms, including training courses offered by trade associations; mentoring from senior engineers with different specialties; workshops on various topics such as project management methodology or leadership strategies; and self-directed research into new areas related to engineering practice.

The importance of ongoing learning in today’s world

Engineering is a technical profession that requires continuous learning in order to stay up-to-date with technology, engineering theory and best practices. Engineers must also keep their knowledge of any applicable regulations current or risk losing credibility when interacting with other professionals.

The importance of ongoing education has been well documented by professional organizations like the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

“Continuing Education is a key part of lifelong learning which can be accomplished through formal training programs, courses taken at trade associations meetings, peer mentoring from senior engineers, workshops on various topics such as project management methodology or leadership strategies.”

What are some ways that you can learn outside of your field to help you grow professionally

There are many ways that engineers can continue to learn outside of their field. One way is through trade associations and workshops where you might not only gain knowledge, but also a network that spans across the engineering industry. Another option would be online courses – these provide an efficient opportunity for continuing education with flexible hours and minimal travel cost while still giving the ability to interact with other professionals in your field as well as instructors.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) provides free webinars on various topics related to civil engineering like project management methodology or leadership strategies. These conferences may offer CEUs so they are more than just educational opportunities; they’re professional development activities too! The key is getting involved when possible because it will help lead to new discoveries and improved skills.

You can find ASCE webinars for free at asce.org/webinar-archive

What Are the Key Differences

The difference between continuing education and professional development is that CEs are general topics about engineering not related to any specific course. Professional development on the other hand, relates to different courses like project management methodology or leadership strategies. The key is getting involved when possible because it will help lead to new discoveries and improved skills.

If you’re interested in a specific topic but don’t want the hassle of finding an appropriate online class then consider attending a conference instead! Conferences may offer CEUs so they are more than just educational opportunities; they’re professional development activities too! There’s always something going on somewhere – all you have to do is register. and show up.

In the end, it’s never too late to start taking advantage of all professional development opportunities out there and stay ahead of your competition! Whether you’re an engineer just starting their career or a seasoned professional looking for new ways to hone their skills, come find something that interests you below and get involved today!

Content Focus

Continuing education tends to focus on improving one’s resume by gaining new credentials from an accredited institution. Professional development improves employee performance without requiring additional qualifications from outside sources.

The content of these two types of learning varies. Continuing education may emphasize the mastery of new skills, acquiring managerial or leadership abilities, developing self-awareness and combating boredom. Professional Development focuses on maximizing strengths by improving people’s performance with their current job tasks and helping them to adapt to a changing workplace.

Continuing education tends to focus on gaining credentials from an accredited institution. In contrast, professional development improves employee performance without requiring additional qualifications from outside source.

The content for both topics vary in that continuing education emphasizes mastering new skills while professional development focuses on optimizing strengths by increasing employees’ productivity within their current work environment.

Professional development is all about getting better at your day-to-day job responsibilities through skill sessions and focused training. Continuing education is about gaining credentials.

Professional development includes learning how to increase productivity, finding ways to innovate in your work and taking time for you and your family’s well-being. Continuing education may include enrolling in a certification program or obtaining an advanced degree – not improving the skills you have already mastered at work.

Both topics are important but serve different purposes: Professional development focuses on what employees can do better while continuing education helps them gain new knowledge as needed by their company or profession with no personal benefit required from the employee other than time spent completing online courses.

Conclusion

In today’s world, we are constantly learning and growing. Whether it is in our professional or personal lives, the need for ongoing education has never been more important than now. When you’re looking to advance your career opportunities at work, one of the first things that you should do is assess what type of training programs your company offers. If they don’t offer any continuing education courses or professional development initiatives then it may be time to explore other options outside of your organization. You can find out everything from how much a program costs to what topics will be covered by visiting their website or contacting them directly about this information.  What type of training does your company offer?

5 Responses

  1. Layne Jacobs

    Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.

  2. Natalia Jordan

    Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated

  3. Humberto Huffman

    Great information shared.. really enjoyed reading this post thank you author for sharing this post .. appreciated

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