Turning Professional Development into Professional Commitment

Having recently returned from our Winter Session of the William J. Angell Surety School, I was struck by how motivated and focused the students were who arrived in Houston this January. I am always impressed with the students attending our programs, but this group was interestingly different – no morning stragglers, no jeans and T-shirts, and no nonsense. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of opportunities for socializing and networking – but at the end of the day these students were there to learn everything they could and make the most of their time at the school!

Having worked in professional development in the banking industry during the recession in the 1980’s, I recall a similar phenomenon. People attending educational programs during those times were serious, focused, and professional. Tough times call for a more serious approach and that’s where we are today.

As the economy languishes those who not only survive, but prosper bring their “A game”. I think what this says for our industry is that the young producers and underwriters learning their trade in this climate will be some of the most focused and successful future leaders our industry has ever produced. The surety professionals who stay on top of their game and go the extra mile to help their clients today will reap the benefits tomorrow – both personally and professionally.

We are working hard to meet the educational needs or our membership and be a true partner in developing the industry’s future leaders. To that end, this year we will offer three workshops in addition to our winter and summer Surety Schools. The first, the Federal Contracting Workshop will be held during our “Washington Week” in June. The second, the Sales Workshop for Surety Professionals will be offered in September, and we’ll round out the year with our Contract and Bond Forms Workshop in October. I would characterize our Workshops as the next natural progression after Surety School. We will also offer a continuing education course at the Annual Meeting and at all of the Regional Meetings again this year.

We also realize that learning isn’t a one time event, but a year round, every day process. To meet the ongoing educational needs of our membership, we will offer 22 Virtual Seminars and continue to grow our on-line programming. Our first online continuing education course, Commercial Surety Fundamentals, was so well received that we plan to launch two additional courses in 2012. The first will be Contract Surety Fundamentals, followed by a course on Financial Guarantee Bonds.

And in the true spirit of professional growth and leadership development, our 5-15 Leadership Circle offers members opportunities to learn, network, and participate in the industry on a strategic level. The group, which has grown to 42 members, meets regularly throughout the year with senior industry leaders to discuss market trends, challenges, and opportunities.

I’m excited to meet many more NASBP members, affiliates, and associates at our other educational programs in 2012, and I know I’ll be impressed.

The author of this article is Ann Latham, Managing Director of Professional Development & Education for NASBP.