How can you combine business travel with professional development opportunities?

2 Use your downtime

Business travel often involves some downtime, such as waiting at the airport, commuting between locations, or relaxing in your hotel room. You can use this time to catch up on some reading, listen to podcasts, watch videos, or take online courses that can help you develop your skills and knowledge. For example, you could read a book on how to manage your time and energy, listen to a podcast on how to deal with difficult clients, watch a video on how to create effective presentations, or take an online course on how to master Excel. You can also use this time to review your notes, reflect on your goals, and track your progress.

3 Network and connect

Business travel can also be a great opportunity to network and connect with other professionals in your field or industry. You can use social media, online platforms, or apps to find and contact people who share your interests, challenges, or aspirations. You can also attend events, conferences, or trade shows that are relevant to your work and meet new contacts, potential mentors, or collaborators. For example, you could use LinkedIn to find and message other administrative assistants who work in similar organizations, attend a conference on how to optimize your workflow, or visit a trade show to learn about the latest products and services.

4 Showcase your value

Finally, business travel can also be a way to showcase your value and skills to your employer and colleagues. You can do this by being proactive, organized, and reliable during your trips. You can also share your insights, feedback, and recommendations based on what you learned and experienced during your travel. For example, you could write a report on how to improve your travel policies and procedures, share a tip on how to use a new tool or technique, or suggest a new idea or project based on a best practice or trend you observed.

Business travel can be more than just a routine task. It can be a chance to learn new things, network with other professionals, and showcase your value. By following these tips, you can combine business travel with professional development opportunities and enhance your skills and career prospects.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?