¶ … Human Resources or Learning and Development Practitioner In today's competitive business environment, it is more and more important for an individual to take responsibility for their own growth and development in the workplace. CPD is a combination of approaches, ideas and techniques that help one manage their own learning and growth. The focus of CPD is firmly on the benefits that professional development can bring one in the real world. Perhaps the most important message is that one size doesn't fit all. Wherever one is in their career now, and whatever they want to achieve, their CPD should be uniquely theirs (What is CPD, 2012).

Pre-qualification education and Initial Professional Development cannot provide all the knowledge and skills that one needs for their entire career. Most professionals will want to specialize or move into senior or managerial positions during their careers, as well as needing to develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the context of changing markets, technologies and legislation. Continued employment is a key reason for individuals to engage in CPD. Industry and the job market are continually evolving, and individuals need to be up-to-date and flexible to maximize their chance of continual employment. For many individuals engagement in CPD is a requirement to maintain membership of one or more Professional Institutions -- membership which is important to their professional standing. For sole practitioners it is vital that they maintain their competence in order to remain self-reliant and provide a professional...

The CPD activities which an individual engages in are likely to be influenced by a combination of opportunities, interests, ambitions and needs. Opportunities and needs are likely to be influenced by both employers and Professional Institutions, which in turn may be influenced by client and broader industry expectations (Continuing Professional Development, n.d).
Professional Areas

There are several professional areas of interest that are important for one to concentrate on when developing a professional growth plan. The first is that of insights, strategies and solutions. This area is one in which a person develops actionable insights and solutions, prioritised and customized around a deep understanding of business, background and organisational understanding (CIPD's HR Profession Map, 2012). It is important to understand how business works and especially how the business works that one is in. This helps one to better lay a foundational plan as to what they want to do within a company and then figure out what they have to do to achieve their goals (CIPD's HR Profession Map, 2012).

Another area to look at is that of Leading and Managing the Human Resource Function. "Those who work in this field provide active, insight-led leadership. They own, shape and drive themselves, others and activity in the organisation. Although not everyone will have a role where they lead others, it is still important that they develop and grow" (CIPD's HR Profession Map, 2012).

A third area that must be paid attention to is that…