Things move quickly these days. That asymmetrical fringe you thought looked great in 2007 is now banished to the depths of your hidden Facebook photos. The same goes for your career – the skills and knowledge that have carried you up to this point might be close to running out of steam. So, how are you going to build some new momentum for taking your career forward in your current role, or potentially to find a new role elsewhere?

Do you need to start working 12 hours a day, seven days a week to get noticed or is there another way? Thankfully, the answer is yes – it’s called formal professional development and it’s one of the wisest investments you can make in your career for many reasons.

Preparing for the future of work

Consider this - 40% of today’s jobs in Australia will disappear in the next 20 years. How are you preparing for this reality and what are the professional development options that will set you up for the jobs of the future?

As we head further into the age of digital disruption and rapid automation, it’s clear you’ll need possess a broader range of transferable skills. Although technology and automation threaten to permanently alter the employment market, there are some occupations that carry a low risk of being replaced by technology. The irreplaceable jobs will be those requiring a high level of human interaction, so an investment in soft skills courses such as emotional intelligence and communication will be incredibly valuable for your future prospects.

Earning more money

It’s no secret that wage growth is has flatlined. AIM research revealed that wage growth is at 3.1% p.a, its lowest rate in 12 years! If you want to increase your earning potential, your best bet is to secure yourself a promotion but that’s easier said than done, right?

All the experts agree that undertaking further professional development is the ultimate way to demonstrate to your manager or future employers that you’re still looking for ways to build on your knowledge and skills. When HR teams are looking for high-performing professionals to fill senior positions, one of the key attributes they’re looking for is a commitment to lifelong learning. Listing the dates of your most recently completed courses or qualifications on your resume shows you’re not willing to just rest on your laurels!

Becoming the star player

Some people are perfectly content to stay where they are in their career, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You love your role, your colleagues, and the organisation you work for so there’s no need to waste time investing in your career, is there?

Unfortunately, today’s hypercompetitive economy means that organisations are always looking for more efficient ways to run their business. In these situations, your manager may be asked to make hard choices about cutting staff budgets so you want to make sure you’re seen as an invaluable irreplaceable asset to your team. While you might specialise in one key area, could you and your team benefit from you completing a qualification in project management, accounting or marketing?

Regardless of your own reason for investing in your own professional development, there’s countless ways it can positively affect your career. This time of year may be a bit quieter, so now is a good time to upskill. Make the call now and find out more about AIM’s Short Courses and Qualifications.