Blog 11

           This chapter reminded me of CFA Institute, which is the company that I worked for before I moved to Pennsylvania a little over two years ago. I worked in one of the lowest positions as a contact center, or call center, employee. Even though it was a job that many people could do, a college degree was required. If I did not work for this company, I would assume that the turn over rate would be high for this position. It wasn’t. CFA Institute provided all employees with numerous training opportunities as well as opportunities to move up in the company. Every employee was valued and offered travel opportunities to gain new experiences, free exams and literature that the company offered, and money towards related educational training. There was also an extensive yearly review that allowed each employee to be told his or her strengths as well as areas for improvement. This evaluation system allowed people to improve the quality of work that they are engaging in so that they can become better employees. The retention rate and employee satisfaction are very high and I believe that it is because of the numerous opportunities offered and encouraged in the organization.

            Offering career development programs in businesses is very important. Speaking from first hand experience, it makes employees feel valued. I still feel loyal to CFA Institute and would recommend it to friends. When employees believe there is a chance to move up in their company, they will be more likely to stay in a position where they are not satisfied in order to change positions later. It also helps people understand what areas in the business that will be the best fit for them. Finding employees that offer the company a high level of satisfactoriness will improve the quality of work within the company. A quality career development program could allow employers more opportunities to hire within the company. This will save HR time and money and allows the company to hire someone for a position who already had a proven track record of being a great worker. It was noted in Brown’s (2008) chapter that providing career training could save the business money in the long run. Even though it may be a high up front expense, it could be work it to businesses in the long run.

            In class, we discussed that many people have chosen not to go to college and have moved up in their company. It would be wise for individuals who do not want to go to college to work for a company that provides career training. This will allow further career exploration for people who did not go to college as well as give them an opportunity for upward mobility.

Brown, D. (2012).  Career information, career counseling, and career development

            (10^th ed.). New York: Pearson Education, Inc.