How can you use your performance review to get more professional development opportunities?

1 Identify your strengths and areas of improvement

Before your performance review, take some time to reflect on your achievements, challenges, and interests. What are the skills that you excel at and enjoy using? What are the skills that you need to work on or update? What are the skills that you are curious about or want to learn more? Write down specific examples of projects or tasks that demonstrate your strengths and areas of improvement, and how they relate to your role and the company's objectives.

2 Research available resources and options

Once you have a clear idea of your skill gaps and goals, look for ways to fill them and achieve them. Do some research on the professional development resources and options that are available to you, both within and outside the company. For example, you may find online courses, webinars, workshops, books, podcasts, or blogs that cover topics relevant to your field. You may also look for mentors, coaches, peers, or communities that can offer guidance, feedback, or support. Make a list of the resources and options that interest you, and how they can benefit your career growth and performance.

3 Request feedback and suggestions

During your performance review, share your self-assessment and your professional development plan with your manager. Ask for feedback and suggestions on your strengths and areas of improvement, and how they align with the company's expectations and vision. Listen to their perspective and acknowledge their input. Also, ask for their recommendations on the resources and options that you have identified, or if they have any other ideas or opportunities that suit your needs and goals. Show your enthusiasm and willingness to learn and improve, and thank them for their support.

4 Negotiate time and budget

One of the challenges of pursuing professional development is finding the time and budget to do so. Depending on the type and scope of the resources and options that you want to access, you may need to allocate some hours or funds from your work schedule or personal budget. To overcome this obstacle, try to negotiate with your manager on how to make time and budget for your professional development. For example, you may propose to use some of your working hours to complete an online course, or to apply for a reimbursement or subsidy for a workshop fee. Explain how your professional development will benefit not only yourself, but also the company and the team, and how you will balance your workload and deadlines.

5 Follow up and update

After your performance review, follow up with your manager on the action steps and timelines that you have agreed on for your professional development. Keep them updated on your progress and achievements, and ask for feedback or assistance if needed. Also, review and update your professional development plan regularly, and adjust it according to your changing needs and goals. Celebrate your successes and share your learnings with your colleagues and network.