Your professional development matters
LEARNING IS a continuous experience and an adventure that makes us better at what we strive to be. It is important to continue a journey of professional development and a critical necessity we believe all professionals should consider. Professionals will not only develop themselves personally but will contribute to their profession, their workplace or people they serve if they continue to learn.
Some organisations require professionals to engage in continuous l earning to improve their competencies. At the Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC), we take this very seriously, which is why we are always looking out for professional exams to proctor. Many Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals sit professional exams weekly at our approved test centres. Our mission is to provide access to examinations and provide the applicable accompanying support services aimed at the highest level of integrity.
If you do decide to take this route, it is a personal responsibility that you have undertaken to keep your skills and knowledge current to ensure you deliver quality work.
Surveys have shown that there is a strong correlation between learning and sustained employment. Having an openness to continuous learning tells an employer that you are adaptable and highly motivated. In a very competitive environment, it is essential that we stay on the cutting edge and strive to add value through our personal development.
FULFILLING A GREATER DESIRE
Figuring out how to achieve our personal and professional goals is a start to fulfilling a greater desire. Maslow (1970) suggests that all individuals have an i n-built need for personal development, which occurs through a process called self-actualisation.
Consider the following process:
• Develop a personal vision for yourself and where you see yourself in five years
• Implement a plan or roadmap for how you want to develop yourself professionally
• Put your plans into motion and start
• Document your progress
• Review your personal development plan as often as possible, so you are reminded of your goal and make any necessary adjustments as you go along.
OEC offers candidates the opportunity to sit professional examinations that are internationally recognised. We are an approved Pearson VUE, Kryterion, IELTS and Prometric (CFA & SELT) test centre. We also proctor the foundation and advance level of ACCA. Individuals can also request permission from their universities abroad to sit their examinations at OEC, providing that the required documentation is submitted to the institution for approval.