Advocating for Professional Development at EA Ignite

Are you wondering how to ask for funding for professional development opportunities, such as attending EA Ignite or another in-person training event? You’re not alone. Many administrative professionals face this challenge, and we've gathered insights on how to make a compelling case for investing in your growth.

In a recent episode of The Admin Edge podcast, Rachel Rice, Director of Administrative Coordination at the Corporation for Supportive Housing, shared her experience getting buy-in from leadership to attend the Administrative Professionals Conference (APC). Her story highlights the power of persistence and aligning professional development with organizational priorities.

Rachel explained how she built her case over time, starting by attending solo and eventually securing approval for her entire team to attend the conference as a team-building event. Her key to success? Demonstrating how professional development for her team aligned with the organization's strategic goals—like fostering "thriving" and improving "quality."

One of her top pieces of advice: "Do your homework." Rachel emphasizes the importance of understanding what’s important to senior leadership and tying professional development to their strategic objectives. By being an active participant in policy and strategy discussions, admins can gather insights to align their needs with broader organizational goals.

Tips for Securing Professional Development Approval:

1. Align with Strategic Goals: Show how your development contributes to company priorities.
2. Present ROI: Explain how new skills will benefit the organization and its operations.
3. Be Persistent: It may take time, but consistent advocacy can lead to success.

Rachel’s experience is a powerful example of how professionals can advocate for themselves and their teams, making the case for the critical role they play in organizational success.

Looking to advance your skills and bring value back to your team? EA Ignite Spring 2025 is now open for registration, and it’s the perfect opportunity to level up your career.

Stay tuned for more insights from administrative professionals like Rachel and start preparing your case for why you should attend EA Ignite or other professional development opportunities!

This article was provided by our event organizer, American Society of Administrative Professionals - read the full, original article here.