How do you learn best? In what ways do you develop and sharpen your skills? How do you want to grow professionally and creatively? Workforce development is everyone’s business, so these are great questions to ask yourself.

Each year, the Association for Talent Development — the world’s largest learning association dedicated to empowering professionals to develop knowledge and skills — celebrates workplace learning with Employee Learning Week. This year, Employee Learning Week will take place Dec. 2 – 6 and is recognized both internationally and by the Georgia Governor’s Office.

Georgia Tech Human ResourcesWorkplace Learning and Professional Development (WLPD) team knows there are always opportunities to learn. During Employee Learning Week, we’re sharing approaches, methods, and resources for all Georgia Tech employees.

“This year’s Employee Learning Week objective is to shine a light on the many ways our campus community embraces lifelong learning, promotes valuable professional development opportunities, and celebrates those who take charge of their development and growth,” said LaTrese Ferguson, WLPD director.

This year, we are celebrating the learning achievements of a few of our own to promote Georgia Tech’s culture of growth and inspiration. By recognizing the efforts of these featured Yellow Jackets, we not only honor their success but also motivate them and others to continue striving for excellence. Watch the videos on our YouTube page.

Employee Learning Week is an excellent time to reflect on your own professional development over the last 11 months and revisit the goals you set in 2024. It’s a chance to reset and develop a new learning plan for the upcoming year.

Make a Plan

To close out the year and make the most of your professional development and growth in 2025, WLPD has some recommendations for laying out a learning plan:

Determine your WHY: Start by identifying your purpose for learning. Do you want to acquire or enhance a skill, tackle an issue, or make a career change? Do you need to complete a requirement, earn a promotion, obtain a certification, or just have the satisfaction of learning something new? Ask yourself, “Why do I want to participate in a professional development opportunity?”

Identify your HOW: Next, explore the best learning approach for yourself based on your personal preferences, needs, and desires. Ask yourself, “How do I learn best?” There are many methods and modes of learning, so find the ones that work best for you.

Select your WHAT: Now that you have identified your reason for learning and how you like to learn, ask yourself, “What do I want to learn?” Check out the plentiful opportunities available on campus through the Campus Learning Directory.

Leverage your WHO: Research shows that support from others is the best way to ensure the learning you receive through professional developmental opportunities is put into practice. Involving your manager, peers, and/or direct reports is critical to making this happen. Look to engage with others within or outside your department, unit, or School who might also benefit from your experience. Ask yourself, “Who will support me and engage with me?”

Schedule your WHEN: Finally, after laying out your plan, it’s time to set dates and milestones for your learning opportunities. Working with your manager through the Performance Management Cycle is a great way to document this and keep yourself on track throughout the performance year. Employees often do not prioritize the Career Development Goals section of the cycle. To better set yourself up for success, come with your learning goals prepared during the planning phase of the Performance Management Cycle. Ask yourself, “When will I begin my opportunity?”

During Employee Learning Week, take some time to explore your personal learning goals, think about what is important to you, and establish what you want to achieve in the coming year.

If you need assistance or want to learn more about what Workplace Learning and Professional Development has to offer, contact training@gatech.edu.