Invest in yourself to advance in your career

Go beyond being relevant at work. Be ready. When organizational goals evolve, leadership shifts, or innovation demands adaptability, prepared employees are well positioned to move ahead. 

Maybe you are looking to get more out of your job, develop new skills, or sharpen ones you already have. Maybe you’re ready for more opportunities, responsibilities, or visibility within your organization. Perhaps getting a raise is your motivation. Or are you motivated by a desire to give more to your organization? You might have untapped potential that would address a critical need in your workplace. For many, it’s a combination of wanting to get more from and give more to your organization. Taking stock of your current position is the first step. Our post “The Power of Professional Development on Career Progression” can guide you through assessing where you are now and where you would like to be. 

Once you have a clearer picture of how you want to evolve in your role or organization, it’s time to identify the next steps in your professional development. You are already a valued resource and investment. Your organization has invested in you in terms of time, money, and training. Supporting you in your professional development provides a greater return on that investment, and developing and promoting staff from within improves efficiency, effectiveness, and organizational culture. 

Change course through beneficial coursework 

Professional development and continuing education courses are proven to add to or strengthen your skill set — and your appeal as an applicant the next time a promotion is available. Evolving as a professional and deepening your knowledge base sets you up to be competitive in ever-changing environments. These courses also provide opportunities to network and build connections with peers outside of your organization. Such benefits stay with you wherever your career takes you. 

Finding the right program 

When looking for the right development courses, there are two categories to consider: programs that help you develop in the ways you want and programs that develop the skills or experience your organization is looking for. Our advice? Find programs that hit the sweet spot where the two overlap. 

For public service professionals in Kansas and Missouri, our Heartland Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program might be the right fit. In addition to offering a timely and tailored curriculum, the CPM program also comes with the unique benefit of a capstone project that will showcase your ability to contribute to and benefit your organization in critical ways. 

Heartland Certified Public Manager® curriculum 

Based on leading research in leadership and management theory, Heartland CPM curriculum reflects the management skills and seven core competencies needed to successfully manage projects, people, policies, and programs in today’s public sector workplace: 

● Personal and Organizational Integrity 

● Managing Work 

● Leading People 

● Developing Self 

● Systematic Integration 

● Public Service Focus 

● Change Leadership 

Heartland CPM certification benefits 

The benefits of Heartland CPM certification extend beyond your career to shape your organization and wider community. Your capstone project will deliver an innovative solution to an issue you’ve identified within your organization. Heartland CPM graduates unleash the capacity and potential of staff, improve organizational culture, and inspire future leaders from within. Organizations led by Heartland CPM graduates are professional, high performing, and efficient, and they aspire to improve the quality of life for residents in their communities. Read more about the benefits of the CPM program for participants and employers. 

Register now 

Ready to take the next step in your professional development? Registration is open for CPM cohorts that begin in January 2026. Join us in Hays, Kansas; Independence, Kansas; North Kansas City, Missouri; the St. Louis metro area; or online. For more details, visit the CPM website or contact Kate Nygren by email or at 785-864-0237