What Type Of Person Thrives In The Professional Development Field According To A Professional Development Manager At University Of San Diego
To thrive as a professional development manager, being "very people oriented" is crucial, as the role involves working with individuals at various career stages and understanding "what's driving them or what's scaring them." Developing empathy and tailoring advice to each person's unique circumstances, rather than applying a formulaic approach, is what sets successful professionals apart in this field.
People-Oriented, Empathy, Relationship Building, Communication, Understanding
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Konnor McMillen
Professional Development Manager
University of San Diego
San Diego State University
University of California- Santa Barbara
Psychology
Education
Education
Honors Student, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Being people-oriented is crucial, as the role involves working with diverse individuals at various career stages, requiring adaptability and understanding.
2. Empathy is essential for understanding individuals' motivations and fears, enabling the building of strong relationships and tailored guidance.
3. Thriving in this industry requires moving beyond a formulaic approach and catering advice to the specific needs and circumstances of each person.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
To thrive as a professional development manager, you have to be very people-oriented. A significant part of the job is working with many different people at various points in their careers.
For example, someone might be late into their career and have been laid off. Or, someone might be a few years into their career and decide they no longer want to continue in that path and wish to transfer out. Being a "people person" truly helps in these situations.
Empathy is also crucial. Being able to put yourself in someone else's shoes and understand their motivations or fears allows you to use that soft skill to build relationships. It takes a lot of understanding, which not everyone grasps.
Some people think the process is formulaic: if someone is looking for a job, you tell them one thing, or if they are interviewing, you tell them another. However, it's really tailored to the individual you're meeting with. That's something I've found helps me thrive in the industry, and I've noticed it with others who do well too.