Occupation

Occupation

Job overview

Through the studies and self-understanding, the best occupation that I am ready to take is the Training and development specialist. Typically, this occupation deals with assistance in administering programs, training employees, and improving the acquired knowledge and skills. However, the duties range from assessing the training needs, holding interviews, consulting mangers, and designing the training modules as well as manuals. Consequently, the occupation is not limited to reviewing training materials, delivering pieces of training and monitoring as well as checking the effectiveness of the training programs. The sector circles selecting and assigning the instructors involved in conducting pieces of training and also monitoring classes, costs as well as enrollment coordination.

The work environment

In 2012, it was found that the Training and development specialists are found in almost all industries and institutions. They hold a position of 228,800 jobs as they spend valuable time not only in the offices but also in the work stations. In most circumstances, the specialists are always busy giving presentations, working with varietals of people, and leading training sessions and activities. Additionally, their work schedule still runs fulltime within the business hours.

Education

The occupation requires a bachelor’s degree and can range from various educational backgrounds. However, the most recommended usually come from training and development, education, human resource, and instructional design. Other fields that are also considered are social sciences, business, and educational psychology. Additionally, the growth of technology also offers chances for computer science and information technology students to take up the occupation.

Work Experience

The majority of occupations require previous work experience, and this is required for the training and development specialist. Apparently, this occupation requires earlier work experience in training and development, teaching, instructional design, and any other area which is related. A majority of employers always go for the candidates with experience forming the basis of the industrial or institutional operation. Additionally, with the increased modernity, candidates with computer knowledge are preferred since eLearning is on the rise.

Advancement

Just like in a majority of fields, this occupation has a chance of advancing and moving to the higher levels. However, this comes after a number of years of work experience as a training and development specialist. Considerably, one can advance to be a human resource manager or a training and development manager.

Interest and personality

According to the Holland Code framework, a training and development specialist should have an interest in persuading and helping people. Assisting the interest area suggests a high focus on serving, teaching, counseling, and addressing the people. Consequently, persuading shows a focus on selling, motivating, and influencing the subjects.

Qualities of a training and development specialist

Analytical skills: About the nature of work, the training and development specialist should be able to evaluate the training needs, programs, methods, materials. Definitely, this helps in choosing the best tool that is necessary for the situation.

Interpersonal skills: Strong interpersonal skills are fundamental for the training and development specialist since he/she meets various people, instructors, experts, and trainees. Again, teamwork is an essential condition for this occupation, and group discussions are part and parcel of nature.

Speaking skills: This occupation involves giving presentations, standing in front of people, convincing and motivating them. Information should be passed in an orderly way since the audience is diversified people. Apparently, this facilitates the learning processes as well as the persuading session.

Instructional skills: This occupation usually serves different people with diverse capabilities. Instructional skills focus on the ability to deliver the best training session. In these sessions, different teaching techniques should be implemented to fit the needs of each diversified group.

Salary Range

In 2012, the annual income of the training and development specialist ranged between $60,000 and $55,000. Again, this amount was dependent on the industry and the place of work (Bolton, Mehran & Shapiro, 2015). According to statistics, the lower bracket earns $31,000 while the higher one makes $93,000.

Summary of payment in the top industries

The Job Outlook

According to the trends, the number of training and development specialists is forecasted to grow by 15% from the year 2012 to the year 2022. This value seems to be higher than that of many occupations. Just like various sectors require continuous learning and innovation, this field also requires the same. New generations come, and the specialists should have the skills and resources to befit the latest and advanced needs. This can be achieved by modifications and use of technology and continuous studies in the sector.

The job prospects

The job prospects are determined to be best for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in specific sectors. A degree in training and development, computer science, human resources, education, and instructional design is required. Additionally, work experience in training and development, as well as other related areas, is required.

Reference

Bolton, P., Mehran, H., & Shapiro, J. (2015). Executive compensation and risk-taking. Review of Finance, 19(6), 2139-2181.