Stronger employees, stronger workplaces: The value of professional development

Sponsored by LSU Online

As industries evolve, investing in employee professional development helps organizations build stronger teams and prepare future leaders while giving individuals opportunities to grow their skills and advance their careers. A March 2026 Forbes article citing Gallup research notes that roughly one in two employees is open to a new job, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

LSU Professional Development helps address this need with programs that support workforce development, leadership growth and individual career advancement.

For employers, professional development begins with identifying the skills employees need to succeed, whether that means improving communication, strengthening project management skills or preparing supervisors to lead teams effectively. LSU Professional Development offers in-person and online courses, certificate programs, as well as customized, on-site training to help organizations meet their workforce goals.

Through custom training, organizations can work with LSU to develop programs around specific challenges, timelines and budgets. Topics may include management and leadership, sales, project management, strategic communication and safety, with expert instructors bringing industry knowledge into the learning experience. On-site training options also allow employees to train at their workplace, reducing the need for travel and time away from their jobs.

Professional development isn’t just for employers investing in their teams. Individuals can also pursue flexible learning opportunities to build new skills, prepare for greater responsibilities or explore a different career path.

Two new recently launched online certificate programs illustrate the range of skills professionals can develop. The Turfgrass Management Certificate, developed in partnership with the LSU AgCenter, provides a practical foundation in turfgrass management, covering topics such as turfgrass identification, soil fertility, equipment calibration and pest management. The program serves individuals working in areas such as golf courses, sports fields, landscaping and turf production, as well as those looking to enter the field.

The Business Finance Fundamentals Certificate equips working professionals with practical financial skills they can apply across a variety of roles and industries. Participants learn how to interpret and communicate financial information, understand budgets and cash flow, evaluate performance measures and use financial insights to make informed decisions. The program is designed for professionals looking to strengthen their financial knowledge, build skills for leadership roles or take on greater responsibilities involving budgets, resources and business operations.

From courses and certificate programs to customized organizational training, LSU Professional Development offers opportunities for continued education at different stages of a career. By investing in professional development, individuals can prepare for new opportunities while organizations build the skills and leadership needed for long-term success.

Explore available professional development courses, certificate programs and organizational training opportunities at https://ce.lsu.edu/professional-development/.