Maximizing Your Career Development with the 70 20 10 Framework

Maximizing Your Career Development with the 70 20 10 Framework

When it comes to career development, most people believe that academic qualifications and work experience alone are enough to build a successful career. However, there is more to developing your career than just working hard and hoping for the best. This is where the 70 20 10 framework comes in.

The 70 20 10 framework is a popular model in the field of career development that suggests that professional growth should be approached with a ratio of 70% experiential learning, 20% social or networking activities, and 10% formal learning. This framework helps individuals enhance their skills, knowledge, and expertise in their respective fields, thus accelerating their career growth.

Let’s break down the 70 20 10 model and understand how it can help you make the most of your career development.

Experiential Learning (70%)

Experiential learning is the practice of learning by doing. This means gaining essential skills and knowledge through on-the-job experiences and assignments. This could involve taking on new projects, learning new skills on the job, or experimenting with new approaches to work challenges.

This type of learning is highly effective for professionals as it allows them to not only learn new skills but also apply those skills in real-world scenarios. It helps individuals gain practical experience and develop their problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and critical thinking.

Social or Networking Activities (20%)

Networking is an essential part of career development, and the 70 20 10 framework acknowledges this by allocating 20% of professional development time towards it. Networking can take many forms, from attending industry events to participating in online forums or professional groups.

Through networking, professionals can expand their knowledge and contacts within their field while also learning from experts in their area. Building relationships with peers, industry mentors, and other experts can lead to partnerships, collaborations, or even new job opportunities.

Formal Learning (10%)

Formal learning involves more structured, classroom-style learning. This could include attending lectures, workshops, training programs, or pursuing additional academic qualifications. Formal learning enables professionals to acquire new knowledge and skills that are not easily acquired on the job or through networking.

While this type of learning is essential for professionals, it should be seen as an addition to experiential and social learning, rather than the primary means of professional growth.

In summary, the 70 20 10 framework encourages you to intentionally allocate your professional development time in a way that complements your on-the-job learning with complementary activities. Maximizing your career development with this approach can help you gain new experiences, build valuable relationships, and acquire the skills and knowledge needed to stay ahead in your career.

To illustrate the effectiveness of the 70 20 10 model, let us consider the example of John, a mid-level marketing manager. John realized that his current job responsibilities were not enabling him to gain new skills and experiences, which limited his opportunities for professional growth. He decided to adopt the 70 20 10 framework, which helped him to acquire new skills, grow his network, and make progress in his career.

Through experiential learning, John began to take on new projects, conduct experiments, and take calculated risks. Social learning, through networking, enabled him to meet new industry experts, attend relevant events, and learn from individuals he met at those events. Formal learning, which accounted for 10% of his professional growth, complemented his experiential and social learning, providing a theoretical understanding of concepts and further building his expertise.

In conclusion, the 70 20 10 framework provides a structured approach to professional development suitable for people who desire to take control of their career growth. By regularly allocating professional development time in a 70 20 10 ratio, individuals can actively pursue career development, gain invaluable experience, build a network of industry peers, and expand their knowledge base.