Crafting Your Professional Journey in 2024

Hello and welcome to "Learning by Design" – your new career and professional development guide here on NIGP’s blog!  

We're here to navigate the vast ocean of professional and career development opportunities, offering you a compass of resources tailored for your growth. From enlightening chats with industry professionals to sneak peeks of NIGP's newest learning offerings, consider this series of posts your professional GPS. 

But this isn't a one-sided dialogue. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping the future of procurement education. Whether you have suggestions, questions, or would like to see specific topics covered in this series, I invite you to reach out. Email me directly at tslater@nigp.org and let's shape this educational voyage together. 

The start of a new year is a key moment. It nudges us to look back, dream forward, and, most importantly, plot our professional path. Let’s look at the importance of lifelong learning and a learning blueprint for 2024.  

The Imperative of Lifelong Learning 

Change. It’s everywhere, isn’t it? And in this ever-evolving landscape, continuous learning isn’t just a perk—it's the lifeline.  

The 2023 Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum highlights several critical insights for today's professionals and organizations: 

• Analytical and creative thinking are identified as paramount skills for contemporary professionals. 

• Over the next five years, there will be a notable shift in required skills, with complex problem-solving gaining heightened importance. 

• By 2027, a significant 60% of workers will necessitate further training. However, currently, only half have access to adequate training opportunities. 

• Pivotal areas demanding attention include proficiency in AI, big data, and leadership. 

From an organizational viewpoint, two primary challenges emerge: 

• Recognizing skills gaps within the workforce. 

• Facing obstacles in talent acquisition. 

To counteract these challenges: 

• Companies are emphasizing the enhancement of talent progression and promotional processes. 

• Organizations need to invest in learning and training, perceiving not merely as an option but as a crucial workforce strategy. 

In essence, the data underscores the dual importance of technical prowess and soft skills for professionals aiming not just to meet but to surpass expectations in their roles. 

Your 2024 Learning Blueprint 

As the calendar flips, let’s reset our career compass with the following blueprint: 

• Self-Assessment: Dive deep into a SOAR Analysis. Recognize your Strengths, seek Opportunities, define Aspirations, and visualize Results. 

• Goal Setting: Sketch out your ambitions – both short-term and long-term. Dream big; the sky's the limit. 

• Learning Strategies: Whether it's enrolling in workshops or expanding your network, be relentless in your pursuit of knowledge. 

• Implementation and Execution: Time is gold. Allocate it wisely and stay accountable. 

• Continuous Feedback and Adaptation: Celebrate milestones, learn from detours, and pivot when needed. 

• Personal Well-being: Amidst the hustle, remember to breathe. Prioritize balance, self-care, and holistic growth. 

• Review and Reassess: At the close of 2024, reflect, refine, and reset. 

And here's a pro tip: Need a helping hand? Check out NIGP’s Pathways Concierge service. It's a treasure trove, offering expert guidance and personalized planning. 

Conclusion 

Thank you for embarking on this learning journey with us. Stay tuned for next month's edition, where we'll delve deeper into the skills and insights you need to thrive in 2024 and beyond. 

Until then, keep learning, keep growing, and keep shaping the future of public procurement.