Page 28 - Gi March 2019 - Flipbook

CPD ON A PERFECT PLANNING
PREVENTS POOR
PERFORMANCE

PLANNING AND KEEPING
track of your CPD is simple with
SHOESTRING IGEM’s online mycareerpath
tool. It is designed to help you
plan and record any activity that
contributes to your professional
competence, whether that’s
mentoring colleagues, learning
new techniques, attending training
courses, your involvement with a
professional body, or anything else
Undertaking and recording your CPD activities doesn’t need to that contributes to the maintenance
be time-consuming or arduous. In fact, many of the activities or development of your knowledge.
you do as part of your daily work are classed as CPD. Gi Editor Using mycareerpath puts your
Sharon Baker-Hallam looks at some cheap and easy ways complete records in one place
so they can be simply and easily
to stay on top of your professional development sent to IGEM, if you are asked to
do so. You could even send your
hen you think of Continuing remember is to plan, record and complete records to your employer
Professional Development, reflect on these activities, so you can as part of your appraisal as the
what immediately comes demonstrate your commitment to tool automatically converts your
to mind? Many of you may lifelong learning and professionalism. record into a PDF.
W imagine some form of formal
learning – for example a training course Cheap and easy CPD you can undertake
in a classroom setting. You may also on a daily basis: Conferences and meetings
be thinking of the time and expense Informal learning All of IGEM’s conferences are free
you need to devote to undertaking Informal learning includes reading to members. Most Section activities
those activities; factoring in transport, books, journals, manuals, etc., and are also free of charge and include
expenses and pricey textbooks. familiarisation with the operation tours and visits, focused technical
of technological aids, computer presentations and themed showcase
Reading a book, studying a programmes and equipment. This events. As long as the content relates to
manual, even reading this even includes on-the-job learning and furthers the development of your
professional career, it counts as CPD.
that takes place because of workplace
very journal all add to your requirements, or private study. This
professional development. kind of learning is at your discretion,
The key thing to remember is so it’s up to you how much
to plan, record and reflect on time and money you
commit to it.
these activities, so you can
demonstrate your commitment
to lifelong learning and
professionalism

However, while formal learning does
have a role to play in any individual’s
professional development, it is not the
only way to achieve valuable knowledge
that will build your competence and
experience and be a useful addition to
your CPD record.
Informal, casual learning, either
at your desk, while out and about
or at home, is just as worthwhile
as intense study in a more
formal setting. Reading a
book, studying a manual, even
reading this very journal
all add to your professional
development. The key thing to

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