As I surfed the internet to find out what exactly a professional development plan (PDP) is, I found a recurring theme. PDPs are made by professionals to decide: what we want out of life, why we want it, and how we're going to get it. The purpose of this plan is to realize what our goals are in all aspects of our life, and to then follow them with action. A PDP should start by asking oneself what their purpose in life is. Many of us are probably not (and may never be) at a stage in our life where we are able to answer that question. Therefore, we may ask instead, "What are my dreams?" "What inspires me?" "What are my values and beliefs?"
A PDP for this course should address goals that are both short and long term, specific and broad. These goals may cover any life area such as career, finances, physical well-being, social, or even personal. In addition, it may be helpful to write about what our ideal self is like. While making this plan, it is important to understand one's own personal strengths and successes, and just as importantly, our weaknesses and mistakes. Each of these attributes and experiences has created who we are today. Becoming in tune with all of this information will hopefully push us to take steps that are essential for moving forward in our professional and personal lives. In this PDP, the most crucial part will be carrying out the actions that we plan to take, because this will determine who we become tomorrow.
