What do you do if you're a busy non-profit program developer trying to fit in continuing education?

1 Identify your goals

Before you enroll in any course or program, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. What are the gaps in your skills or knowledge that you want to fill? What are the outcomes or benefits that you expect from continuing education? How will you measure your progress and success? Having specific and realistic goals will help you choose the most relevant and effective learning opportunities for your needs.

2 Explore your options

There are many ways to access continuing education as a non-profit program developer. You can look for online courses, webinars, podcasts, e-books, or blogs that cover topics related to your field. You can also join professional networks, communities of practice, or peer mentoring groups that offer learning and support. You can also seek out conferences, workshops, or seminars that are hosted by non-profit organizations, associations, or universities. You can also ask your employer or colleagues for recommendations or referrals.

3 Plan your schedule

Once you have selected your preferred learning option, you need to plan your schedule accordingly. How much time can you devote to continuing education each week or month? How will you fit it in your existing work and personal commitments? How will you manage your energy and motivation levels? You may need to adjust your priorities, delegate some tasks, or set boundaries to create some space for learning. You may also need to set reminders, track your progress, or reward yourself for completing milestones.

4 Apply your learning

Continuing education is not only about acquiring new information or skills, but also about applying them to your work. How will you use what you have learned to improve your non-profit program development? How will you share your insights or feedback with your team or stakeholders? How will you evaluate the impact or value of your learning? You may need to document your learning, update your portfolio, or seek opportunities to showcase your achievements.

5 Seek feedback

Continuing education is also a process of reflection and improvement. How will you know if you have met your goals or if you need to adjust them? How will you identify your strengths and areas for development? How will you solicit feedback from others who can help you grow? You may need to ask for feedback from your instructors, peers, mentors, or supervisors. You may also need to give feedback to others who are on the same learning journey as you.

6 Keep learning

Continuing education is not a one-time event, but a lifelong habit. How will you maintain your curiosity and passion for learning? How will you keep up with the latest trends and best practices in your field? How will you challenge yourself to learn new things or explore new perspectives? You may need to set new goals, explore new options, or join new networks. You may also need to celebrate your achievements, acknowledge your challenges, or embrace your failures.

7 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?