Professional Development When Conferences Aren't Your Thing
"The only skill that will be important in the 21st century is the skill of learning new skills. Everything else will become obsolete over time." - Peter Drucker
When people think of professional development, they often picture large conferences, networking events, or formal training sessions. While these traditional strategies are valuable, I have to confess: they aren’t my cup of tea. I’ve attended my share of conferences, and even as an extrovert, I often find myself retreating. There’s something about the forced networking and overly structured interactions that just doesn’t click for me. So, over the years, I’ve explored alternative approaches to professional development that feel more natural and authentic.
Traditional Approaches: Important, but Not for Me
Let’s start by acknowledging that traditional professional development strategies—membership in professional associations, conference attendance, webinars, and networking events—are tried and true. They provide structured opportunities to meet industry experts, learn new trends, and build connections. For many, these methods work well, and I’d never discourage someone from pursuing them. However, for me, even the best conferences often feel a bit contrived, and traditional networking events can seem force. It’s a personal preference, and if you feel the same way, I’m here to share a few alternative approaches that might resonate more with you.
Audiobooks and Podcasts: My Go-To Sources of Inspiration
One of my favorite ways to learn and grow is through listening to audiobooks and podcasts. They’re flexible, fit into my schedule, and allow me to explore topics at my own pace. Some of my go-to podcasts for professional development include Work Life by Adam Grant, Gallup’s Called to Coach, The Enneagram Journey by Suzanne Stabile, and Your Enneagram Coach the Podcast. These podcasts offer deep dives into leadership, personal growth, and understanding personality in the workplace.
I also love following podcasters who discuss the ins and outs of building and running organizations. Hearing firsthand about their challenges and successes in organizational development and leadership provides insight I can apply to my own work. Whatever your area of interest—be it leadership, productivity, or a niche skill—there’s very likely a podcast (or 20) for it. Take a few minutes to search your favorite podcast app, and you’ll uncover a wealth of resources you might not have known existed.
Specialized Skill Development
Sometimes, the most impactful professional development comes in small, consistent efforts to build specific skills. In one of my previous teams, we created a concept called “Tech Time” in our weekly staff meetings. Every week, one of us would share a quick tip—anything from keyboard shortcuts to Canva hacks. It was low pressure but incredibly useful. We also used LinkedIn Learning to improve our Excel skills, watching 5-7 minute videos together during meetings and following along with the prompts on our own computers to get hands-on practice. These small, focused bursts of learning not only helped us develop technical skills but also fostered a shared culture of growth.
Exploring Opportunities Outside Your Field
Another team shared my lack of enthusiasm for conferences, but we wanted to have a shared experience as a team, so we took a leap and attended the SXSW EDU conference even though we weren’t quite their target audience. Our primary goal wasn’t to learn content from the sessions (though we did gain valuable insights there too!) but to observe their approach to organizing such a large-scale event, which was relevant to our team. We paid close attention to their wayfinding signage, technology integration, and even how they managed registration. It was refreshing and inspiring to step outside our typical professional association and learn from a different field. Sometimes, attending a conference in a completely unrelated area can spark creativity and introduce fresh perspectives you wouldn’t find in your usual circles.
Rethinking Networking
I’ll admit—I’ve never been a fan of traditional networking. It often feels like speed dating for professionals, and I’ve always found it a bit disingenuous. But networking doesn’t have to be forced. Depending on where you are in your career, it can take different forms. If traditional networking events don’t appeal to you, try finding communities online that share your interests or looking for smaller, local meetups. Try reconnecting with former colleagues you really clicked with, which takes time and effort, but might feel more natural. For remote workers or those looking to network outside your immediate community, virtual networking groups or professional social media platforms can be great resources. You can even rent shared workspaces for the day occasionally to meet new people or find regional professional groups on MeetUp.
Coaching and Personality Assessments: Investing in Yourself
One of the most impactful aspects of my own professional development has been through coaching and completing personality assessments. I’m a certified coach in both CliftonStrengths and the Enneagram. These certifications didn’t only happen through formal professional development; much of my growth came from self-guided learning before and in between these programs. Exploring these tools not only helped me understand myself better but also shaped some of the work I do now, coaching teams and individuals through transform.forward.
If traditional professional development strategies don’t resonate with you, know that there are plenty of other ways to learn, grow, and thrive in your career. Whether it’s listening to podcasts, developing specific skills, or exploring new fields, the key is finding what works best for you. If you’re looking for guidance on your professional journey or are curious about coaching, reach out to us. We’d love to help you pursue growth!
