The High Price of Professional Development

Home / Archives / Back Issues 1992 /

At the risk of angering the woman who said that she would scream if she heard the words "professional development" just one more time, I am going to do just that -- namely, talk about professional development. But, I'm going to talk about it in terms of the professional development opportunities that the STC provides.

Early in the new year it is interesting to reflect on the value that the chapters of Region 1 have delivered and will be delivering to members. Based on feedback from members or planning sessions, a number of chapters have decided to concentrate heavily on program events. It has been interesting to read overviews of these programs and events in the various Region 1 chapter newsletters.

Let's make some interesting comparisons between commercial professional development products and what the STC offers. In this age of highly-priced commercial seminars and highly-paid consultants, it is not uncommon to pay up to $400 per day for courses and over $1000 per day for a consultant. On top of this, the student may be away from the project for three or four days, and incur travel and living expenses (now a hot item in many companies).

Looking at chapter events you will see some excellent professional development opportunities right on your doorstep. Many chapters present seminars and workshops on a wide range of topics such as video production, graphic design, project management, career management -- the list goes on. For members, most of the events are free of charge; other events are very modestly priced. Even non-members get a terrific deal. STC has also taken student budgets into account by offering discounted prices.

Although we obviously do not intend to put training specialists and consultants out of business, I think you will agree that there is tremendous professional development value in our chapter programs. After all, where else could you get such top-notch programs for a bargain-basement price?

And, if you're looking for yet another bargain, what about the technical artwork and publications competitions? For a modest fee (often in the $20 range), you can get your entry evaluated by two or more professional judges. In addition, if you win big at the local level, your entry is automatically forwarded to the STC International Technical Publications Competition. Awards from this competition are announced at the annual International Technical Communications Conference.

So in these recessionary times, it makes good sense to consider your local STC chapter as an excellent source of professional development activities.