They say knowledge is power, but only if you know how to use it. If you’ve completed a professional development course, you’ve gained the PD skills you need to succeed, but how you apply this learning is what really matters. So, what’s the key to turning knowledge gained into real-world results at work? We explore tips on how you can apply your new skills to achieve faster career growth, improved confidence and exceptional results in a professional setting.

Why is it Difficult to Apply Knowledge?

You may struggle with applying your new knowledge at work for several reasons, such as a lack of practical experience, confidence, or simply the ability to adapt theoretical concepts to real-world situations. Learning builds a solid foundation, but translating that knowledge into actionable skills requires practice and problem-solving. The following are common challenges you may experience when trying to apply your PD skills.

Lack of practical experience

When you lack real-world experience, connecting theory learned and applying knowledge to practical tasks can be difficult.

Crises of confidence

Self-doubt can prevent you from taking initiative or making decisions.

Workplace pressure

Time constraints, deadlines, and fast-paced environments may limit opportunities to apply new skills.

Lack of support

If you lack mentorship opportunities, guidance, or constructive feedback, it can be more challenging to apply what you’ve learned.

If you experience any of these challenges, seek feedback from colleagues or others in your industry and actively seek opportunities to apply your skills in smaller, low-risk situations.

How to Learn with Purpose

Learning with purpose means you’ll be ready to apply your knowledge when you graduate. You should establish clear goals before committing to a professional development course. When you know why and how this course will contribute to your career or personal growth, you will be more likely to succeed in applying the knowledge and skills gained.

Tip: Review the course outline and create a personal action plan for each module of your course. The sooner you understand how your learning might apply to your role, the better.

Practice as You Go

Don’t wait to practice your new knowledge until after you’ve completed your course. Instead, every time you learn a new skill, try applying it in real life, whether that’s at work or in your personal life. If you’re studying leadership, for example, practice using assertive communication strategies in meetings. Taking this hands-on approach helps you reinforce concepts, builds your confidence, and ensures you’re developing practical skills.

Tip: Consistency is key. So, make sure you take the time to reflect on your progress after applying a new skill. What worked well, and what could you improve on next time? Keeping a diary is an excellent way to achieve this.

Teach Others Your PD Skills

Teaching someone else is one of the most effective ways to reinforce your learning. If you have colleagues or friends who could benefit from your new knowledge, take the time to teach them. Not only will this make you popular, but it will also deepen your understanding of the material. You’ll solidify your understanding of the subject as you explain concepts in your own words, answer questions, and apply what you’ve learned in different contexts.

Tips: Become a mentor or join professional groups to discuss your new knowledge.

Measure Your Progress

Measuring your progress is crucial to staying motivated and identifying areas for greater focus on your professional development journey. Regularly reflect on what you find easy and what you need to work on to consolidate your learning in the real world. It’s a useful reflective practice that allows you to adjust your learning approach, making it more effective and rewarding.

Tip: Create a checklist or use milestone markers to assess your progress in areas you want to improve, such as leadership, project management or assertive communication.

Embrace Your Mistakes

Real personal and professional development occurs when you apply skills imperfectly but consistently. So, don’t focus on getting it right the first time and don’t be disheartened by mistakes. They’re important learning opportunities!

Tip: Recite the mantra, ‘Mistakes aren’t failures — they’re feedback’, every time you experience a setback.

Create Personal Learning-to-Action Plan

Consider creating a personal learning-to-action plan for your next professional development course to maximise learning. Start by making a list of learning modules you aim to apply and then set realistic timelines for practising these new skills. It’s about identifying opportunities to implement what you’ve learned in real-life situations. This proactive approach reinforces your knowledge and ensures you translate theory into meaningful action.

Tip: Create a structured learning-to-action plan to apply your new skills in the workplace.

Applying PD skills as you progress will enhance your confidence, improve your performance, and lead to meaningful, lasting career development. So avoid relying solely on rote memorisation when working through your professional development course. Instead, take action and practice these PD skills regularly throughout the course to reinforce your understanding.