Embracing Lifelong Learning: NIGP’s Educational Offerings for the Year Ahead

Several years ago, we embarked on a mission to reimagine learning at NIGP. Our objective was clear: to transform our approach to learning and credentialing for the thousands of public procurement professionals who have trusted us for nearly 80 years. 

With NIGP Pathways and credentials developed, you can design your own unique learning roadmap. This allows you to gain the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to thrive and advance in your career with confidence. 

The Importance of Lifelong Learning 

Lifelong learning and proactive career planning are more important than ever. Staying current with industry trends, enhancing your skills, and strategically planning your career path are critical to long-term success. Continuous learning and thoughtful career development should be integral parts of your professional journey. That is why NIGP continues to make lifelong learning a priority. 

Our Plans for the Year Ahead 

As we begin our new fiscal year, I want to share our plans for this year in terms of our educational offerings. 

Pathways 

The public procurement role is constantly evolving. To ensure NIGP educational content remains relevant, we regularly engage with our committees and procurement experts, review course evaluations, and conduct industry research. This year, we are focusing on several new offerings: 

• Request for Proposals Specialization Certificate (2 Days): An activity-based learning experience that equips you with the skills to manage financial constraints, schedule effectively, and utilize resources for efficient RFP processes. The pilot course will be released in November 2024 and available in-person (by request) and virtual instructor-led in January 2025. 
   
• NIGP-CPP Prep Course Update: Additional learning activities will be added to the prep courses that focus on the analysis of practice questions — applying real-world procurement knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in preparation for the NIGP-CPP Certification. These updates will be available in the Module A and Module B prep materials in the summer of 2025. 
   
• On-Demand Courses: The Contract Management & Performance Competency Module (8 hours) will be released on-demand in November 2024 and the Introduction to Public Procurement Course (8 hours) will be released as on-demand in June 2025. 
   
• Headliner Events: Join public procurement experts to explore hot topics and industry trends at two exciting virtual events this winter and spring. 
   
• New Certificates: Five new certificates will be released to further your professional development. 
  1. Advanced Procurement Professional Certificate 
  2. Public Procurement Management Certificate 
  3. Specialized Procurement Strategies Certificate 
  4. Foundation of Interpersonal Relationship Management Certificate 
  5. Foundations of Implementation & Organizational Progress Certificate 

Publications 

We are expanding our publications, providing you access to research, best practices, white papers, and more. Key projects include: 

• NIGP Benchmarking Study: After surveying over 700 practitioners, we will release the 2024 NIGP Benchmarking Study this fall with more data than ever. 
   
• New Blogs: Continued growth of our blogs to provide insight and new information for all things procurement. 
   
• Cornerstone of Procurement Textbook: Coming in Spring 2025, the fourth edition of Introduction to Public Procurement will be available. 
   
• Global Best Practices: Enhancing our Global Best Practices to ensure they remain your go-to resource. 

Events 

• Forum 2024: This year we are providing attendees all the great educational and networking content live in-person and virtually. Our focus is on deeper educational opportunities and building strong personal connections. 
   
• Leadership Summit 2025: Join us in Chicago - February 20-22nd if leadership is on your career plan. Now in its third year, this event brings together emerging, chapter and senior leaders. This year’s focus includes Change Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Culture for senior leaders, while the Edge program focuses on emerging leaders. Our chapter leaders will explore the skills required to lead a successful chapter.  
   
• VCON 2025: Join us in April 2025 for a dynamic two-day event with insightful sessions for newcomers in public procurement and management. Content is available live and on-demand. 
   
• Learning Labs: The NIGP Learning Labs Series provides in-depth education on procurement topics. This year, we're introducing the Deeper Dive into Procurement with Federal Funds lab series from October to November 2024 and a refreshed RFP lab series in Spring 2025. 
   
• Webinars: Popular among our members, webinars will continue to provide short learning segments designed for learners at all levels. Free for NIGP members, the webinars include micro-learning modules, Industry Executive Briefings, and a wide range of procurement topics. 

Leadership Development 

• NIGP provides members with a wide range of leadership development opportunities. This year, we are enhancing our Mastermind programs for mid to senior leaders and exploring a management track focusing on budgeting, strategic planning, and working in a political environment. 

Career Assistance Programs 

To assist you with your career needs, NIGP offers several programs that provide advice and guidance along with scholarship opportunities: 

• Pathways Concierge Program: This free service assists in creating customized professional development plans. A subject matter expert guides you through all the resources available and creates an actionable plan. Over 300 professionals have benefited from this service. 
   
• Mentorship Program: An ongoing online program pairing those seeking advice with more experienced NIGP members. 

• Scholarships Program: Thanks to Sourcewell, NIGP will offer $200,000 in scholarships from now through June 2025. Scholarships are available for Pathways learning, attending NIGP Forum, Leadership Summit, or VCON. 

We look forward to working with you this year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at TSlater@nigp.org if you have ideas about topics NIGP should explore and/or would like assistance with developing a career plan.