5 Professional Development Items to Gift for the Holiday Season
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Many of the Christmas gifts we give or receive lack longevity and eventually find themselves tucked away in the back of the closet. It’s easy to give someone a pair of cute socks or a nice blanket, but why not give people a gift that can significantly impact their personal or professional development? So this year, take the initiative to purchase your partner, friend, family member, or co-worker a Christmas present that benefits them in their professional career.
Professional Clothing
Ever landed a new job and felt like you didn’t have enough appropriate clothes for the position? Building a wardrobe that aligns with your profession can take some time! Whether it's business casual or professional business attire, everyone should have a few pieces that can be put together for work or other professional situations. Amazon, Kohl’s, and Target are a few places you can grab some nice slacks, blazers, button-downs, and dress shoes.
Passport Fee
Having a passport opens up the door for international travel, whether personal or for business. Thinking globally and building your curiosity about how your industry manifests in different cultures can only enrich the perspectives you bring to the workplace. Not to mention, workers will be ready to jump on travel opportunities if they arise within their company.
Professional Association Membership Fee
Joining a professional association is a great way to find resources and network with others in the same field. In addition, listing a professional association membership on a resume is very appealing to many job recruiters. If you know someone who needs help finding resources in their career field, find a professional association that is relevant to them and pay their dues this holiday season.
Career Coaching Session
With the ever-changing culture of the hiring process, many job seekers need assistance with revamping their resumes and improving their interview skills. Thankfully, several career coaches help job seekers ace the application process and interviews. Paying for a career coaching session is an excellent gift for someone who is currently looking for a job or a change in career direction.
Career/Industry Magazine Subscription
Lastly, another great professional gift to give someone this holiday season is a career or industry magazine subscription. There is an abundance of paper or online magazines that cover different career industries, such as nursing, engineering, and even freelancing. Giving someone a magazine subscription can help them stay informed about the future of their industry and current developments in their field.
Here’s a list of magazines to check out: