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What was your most helpful Professional Development tool?

Veteran

Brandon Tull Wichita , KS

Whether it was a book, a YouTube video, TED talk or course work, what have you found to be your most helpful professional development tool?

I would like to use this to help further my development as I continue my military career yet prepare myself when the opportunity arises to meet the civilian sector.

-Brandon

28 May 2014 5 replies Career Advancement

Answers

Advisor

Craig Bush Boston , MA

Honestly, the best advice (tool) I ever got transitioning out of the military was given to me by Orion International. They taught me how to interview and write a resume that made business sense given my military background.

If you can get into one of their sessions, do it. Made all the difference.

Advisor

Stephanie Arnold Lake Odessa , MI

Hi Brandon,

I think it's great that you are considering various professional development tools to help you prepare for your transition into the civilian sector!

Some things that helped (and continue to help) include:
- Obtaining my Master's degree
- Joining professional groups in my area. I've been a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) as well as a local chapter of SHRM for many years and it has given me an opportunity to connect with other professionals in my field.
- LinkedIn is helpful, but only as helpful as you make it. I.e., making sure you have a complete profile, login frequently, join relevant groups and comment on topics often.
- ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve). I've found some great mentors and have been able to do some volunteer work, too!

I hope that helps! Keep asking great questions!

- Stephanie

Advisor

Wayne Watson Oklahoma City , OK

Negotiation Training...Sets you apart to be trained...

Advisor

Alex Wilson Stewartstown , PA

My most useful tools have been LinkedIn, TED talks, and reading a plethora of books on leadership and doing business. Along with the books are many blogs from the authors such as Michael Hyatt, Seth Godin, Daniel Pink, Timothy Ferris, and more.

LinkedIn doesn't need much explaining. Great place to connect, stay in touch, and do research on businesses and people.

TED talks have expanded my mind in many different ways. They don't have to be technical or focus on leadership. Every topic is valuable in some way, even one on bioluminescence in fish.

The books... Lots of them. All have offered a new way of thinking, fresh ideas, or just wake me up out of the doldrums.
Four Hour Work Week
Break all the Rules
Remote
Tribes
Drive!
Nuts!
Make it So
Screw Business as Usual
It's Your Ship

The list goes on. One of these days I will finish my reading list report which has all the books plus a review on what I gathered from each one read.

Advisor

Phil C. Fort Worth , TX

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