A Planned Approach to Professional Development

In order for universities to be successful in changing environments, it is necessary to continuously develop professional skills that benefit both the employee and the campus community. The User Services department within the UW-Madison Division of Information Technology has successfully connected organizational needs with staff development through a comprehensive professional development planning process. The professional development plan helps individuals focus their action plans on the core competencies valued by the organization. This process also connects employees, particularly emerging leaders, to opportunities that reinforce effective teamwork, collaboration and communication, relationship management, and innovation.

OUTCOMES: Collaboratively design a professional development plan template that focuses on organizational core competencies and strategies for facilitating employee growth and the professional development planning process with staff