Professional Development and Goal Setting

Professional Development and Goal Setting

Andre R. Thurman

Ohio Christian University

Professional Development and Goal Setting

Once I made the conscious decision to further my education, I seemingly hit the ground running!

I have been out of school for many years and was a bit reluctant to get back to my education.  There were several factors that led to this decision. Sitting at my desk, tossing around the idea of doing God’s work, requires me to obtain a degree as a Minister.  There was no getting around this.  I have been interested in becoming a Pastor for as long as I can remember.  This desire is as natural as breathing.  It’s presence is strong and demanding.  So, I began to write down a plan.  Comprising a list of things to do in preparation for earning a degree in Pastoral Ministry. I called a good friend and shared my interest with him.  He was as always encouraging! He suggested I set some professional goals.  This is sure to be keys to success in completing your education.  Allowing me to propel myself further into my career.  There were specific steps I was forced to take when setting goals.  I was forced to get serious about my commitment, life and career.  I began this process by enrolling in Ohio Christian University. I developed a plan to become better organized in my personal, home life.  This step was key to moving forward.  I had o put things into perspective, prioritize family, work and social life.  Which these were not in order of importance.  I set aside time for work, by not bringing it home with me.  All that I was unable to complete at the office was left there.  Once I reached home, I set aside time with my children and spouse.  After the time allotted for them was over, I continued to my studies.  Healthy decision making, goal setting, time management, completing and submitting quality work is crucial to my success.  These goals were put in place because they will aid with my degree completion.  Which this will allow me to become a certified licensed Pastor/Minister.  My successful development in Ohio Christian University will allow me the platform I need to continue my work in mediation, conflict resolution and family counseling. 

I have learned from “Jane Cramm & Anna Nieber (2011) team functioning is pivotal in professional goal setting and development.  Professional development skills are very important when climbing the ladder of success.  One cannot exist without the other.  Personal development is considered the most valuable component in career fields such as health care providers, a setting also serves as a portfolio.  Giving direction, a step by step pathway towards completing your goals.  They assist in determining what I need as a pastor and counselor.  Setting goals helps me to achieve my desired outcome, a degree in Pastoral Ministry.  (Boreen 2000) says Professional development goals are true pathways and serve in ways to which one can gain valuable skills for success.  It is suggested that enrolling in a professional development course has been an improvement for those who are focused on their careers and want success.  During my research of goal setting (Professional Learning Communities, 1997) that joining communities can serve as a catalyst to obtaining professional growth through goal setting.  There was a great technique I was introduced to through a course assignment given to me at Ohio Christian University call Pomodoro Technique. This technique merely required me to create columns , list them by task, set as in process, doing and completed.  Such a simple technique, yet is working better than any tool I’ve ever used.  This has helped me with time management, and prioritizing.