Skip to main content

Professional Development

Technology changes constantly.

ISS employees are expected to continue developing the knowledge and skills needed to support current responsibilities and prepare for future College needs.

McLennan Community College's Professional Development Program states that ongoing participation in development activities is expected for all employees and directly connects professional development with the College values of People, Inclusiveness, Integrity, Communication, and Excellence. (Professional Development Program Procedure DK-I)

Professional Development Is Part of the Job

Professional development may include:

  • College Professional and Organizational Development classes
  • PD Day
  • Technical training
  • Vendor training
  • Conferences
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Certifications
  • College courses
  • Industry events
  • Independent study
  • Cross-training
  • Mentoring
  • Participation in professional organizations

Development should help employees remain effective in their current responsibilities and grow in ways that benefit both the employee and the College.

Work With Your Manager

Employees and managers should discuss professional development as part of ongoing performance and career conversations.

Useful questions include:

  • What skills are needed for the employee's current services?
  • Where does the team have a knowledge gap?
  • What future technology is ISS preparing to support?
  • What knowledge would improve backup coverage?
  • What development aligns with the employee's career goals?
  • What training would improve customer service, leadership, security, or technical capability?

Managers should help balance development with operational responsibilities and available resources.

College Professional Development Opportunities

The College's Professional and Organizational Development program provides classes, workshops, certificate programs, PD Days, and other development opportunities for employees.

ISS employees are encouraged to take advantage of relevant College-provided development opportunities.

External Training

External conferences, technical courses, certification programs, vendor training, and similar activities may also provide value.

Employees should coordinate external professional development and seek approval with their manager before registering or making commitments. College approval requirements apply to professional-development activities and expenditures according to DK-I and DK-II.

  • College funds
  • Travel
  • Significant time away from normal duties
  • Contractual commitments
  • Other College resources

College Administrative Procedure DK-II — Professional Training establishes additional requirements when the College makes a significant investment in an employee's training, including the possibility of a Professional Training Agreement. 

Bring Knowledge Back to the Team

Professional development should benefit more than one person whenever practical.

After significant training, consider whether useful knowledge should be shared through:

  • An IT Hub article
  • Updated service documentation
  • Cross-training
  • A short team presentation
  • A demonstration
  • Updated operating procedures
  • Mentoring a Backup Technical Lead
  • Improvements to a service

This helps turn individual development into organizational capability.

Maintain Technical Competence

Employees serving as Technical Leads or Backup Technical Leads should maintain sufficient knowledge of the technologies and services assigned to them.

Service Owners and managers should consider training needs when reviewing service ownership, backup coverage, projects, technology changes, and employee development.

Training We Provide to Others

ISS employees may also provide technology training to the College community.

Training provided by ISS should be accurate, understandable, appropriately documented, and coordinated with the manager when it requires significant preparation or scheduling.

Significant College-facing training may also be included in the Weekly Status Report.

Development and Accountability

Professional development is an opportunity, but it also creates responsibility.

Employees receiving College-supported training should participate actively, complete required work, and apply useful knowledge to their responsibilities.

The College's Professional Development Program exists to improve both individual capability and institutional effectiveness.

Connection to Our Values

People Matter because investing in employees helps them grow and serve others more effectively.

Inclusiveness Matters because development creates more people who can contribute knowledge and ideas.

Communication Matters because sharing what we learn makes the whole team stronger.

Integrity Matters because College resources provided for development should be used responsibly.

Excellence Matters because technology and College needs continue to change, and our skills must continue to grow with them.

Back to top