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Never stop learning – the importance of continuing professional development for language professionals

Writer's picture: Priory TranslationsPriory Translations

Whether you’re starting 2025 with your professional diary fully booked, or one of your resolutions is to develop your business further, there are plenty of good reasons why now is a good idea to look for some opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD).

 

 

Why?

There are many reasons why CPD is a good idea, not least that it keeps you ahead of the game, and it's interesting!

 

One of the main aims of CPD is to remain up to date with developments in your industry, both in the language sector and in your fields of specialisation. In the UK, all the major professional associations recognise the importance of continuous learning: the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) recommends that members complete at least 30 hours of CPD per year, while the Chartered Institute of Linguists requires Chartered Linguists to provide a record of recent CPD activities and a plan for future learning in order to renew their membership. Whether or not you are a member of a professional body and regardless of your membership status, taking the time to learn about the latest developments in your fields of professional interest will help you to stay on top of what's going on and how you can best serve your clients.

 

From a personal point of view there are also enormous benefits. For a variety of reasons, our school days are often said to be the best days of our lives. That isn't just because we spend a lot of time in the playground: it's also because we are constantly learning, challenging our brains and encountering new ideas. They also say that knowledge is power, and at a time when technological developments and world events have led to a rapid transformation of the language industry, learning new skills or developing your understanding can increase your confidence in how to navigate the changing professional landscape.

 

How?

The last decade has seen a significant increase in the number of online learning opportunities. For translators and interpreters, many professional associations now regularly provide virtual CPD sessions and hybrid conferences, which are often supplemented by events run by affiliated subject or language networks. Membership of many organisations comes with access to a free library of past webinars and the price of live events is often discounted for members.

 

Depending on your area and level of interest, there are online learning platforms which offer modular courses on a wide range of topics. From individual modules on specific subjects to full courses leading to an official qualification, you can choose a course of a length and cost that works for you. Some online courses are also available in several different languages, so you can brush up on your areas of specialism while practising your language skills.

 

Local business associations, trade support organisations and government-funded skills programmes often offer free or low-cost online and in-person training opportunities. These normally focus on business or professional skills, digital development and regulatory compliance, but different councils and organisations may offer additional types of support so it could be well worth looking into what’s available in your area.

 

Offline, you could also consider subscribing to (and reading!) industry publications. Magazines issued by professional organisations are a great way to learn about new developments while also engaging with the professional community and discovering events for learning or networking (or both). While events such as seminars, conferences and networking opportunities can take more time than other types of CPD, they also offer the chance to talk to other professionals in your industry, to learn from each other and to immerse yourself in a constructive and supportive learning atmosphere.

 

There is an almost endless variety of ways to complete CPD depending on your industry and personal preferences. It is particularly helpful to take a structured approach: work out what gaps you have in your knowledge, research the most suitable training activity for you, plan when you are going to do it, and record it once it is completed. This will make sure that you keep the time free and keep track of what you have learnt. Some professional organisations will provide a form or online tracker so you can log your work, and will send you a certificate or electronic badge showing the number of hours you have completed. These are a great way to show your clients that you understand their industry and can help you to stand out as someone who is committed to their profession.

 

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