Enlightened Employers' Continuing Education Policies

An enlightened continuing education policy maintains an environment conducive to professional development. The successful application of such a policy requires a sharing of responsibility between the employer and his engineer employee. The individual must direct his own initiative and motivation toward professional advancement. The enlightened employer provides encouragement, resources, development opportunity, and recognition. Case studies describing the specifics of professional development support practiced by three organizations of modest size are presented. The essential elements of an effective policy are identified.