In this debut episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell dives deep into the essentials of launching a successful learning and development career. Get ready to explore the fundamentals of L&D, uncover the must-have skills for career success, and learn how to stay ahead of industry trends. With practical tips and personal anecdotes, Candice provides a roadmap to help you transform your 9 to 5 into a job you love. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice to energize and inspire your career journey.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Understanding Learning and Development: Candice explains that learning and development (L&D) is about enhancing employee skills and knowledge to benefit both individuals and organizations, emphasizing its strategic importance in keeping businesses competitive and employees capable.
• Essential Skills for L&D Professionals: Key skills include effective communication, analytical abilities, creativity and innovation, project management, and technical proficiency. Mastery in these areas is crucial for success in the L&D field.
• Educational and Certification Pathways: Pursuing relevant degrees, such as in HR, organizational development, or instructional design, along with obtaining workplace certificates from accredited bodies like SHRM, ATD, AIHR, and HRCI, can significantly boost your career in L&D.
• Building Experience and Networking: Actively seek out projects, such as developing an onboarding program, to gain practical experience. Additionally, connecting with other L&D professionals through platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable support and guidance.
• Future Trends in L&D: Candice highlights four critical trends shaping the future of L&D: the integration of AI, the rise of talent marketplaces, the normalization of global workplaces, and the necessity for change agility. These trends underscore the evolving landscape of L&D and the importance of staying adaptable and informed.

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Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd