ABSTRACT
Professional development opportunities are an integral piece in the employment life cycle needed to maintain and improve job satisfaction. Development opportunities are used to encourage employees to gain experience and knowledge to increase performance-based metrics that are beneficial to individuals and organizations alike. The present study is a systematic review of research that explores the relationship between professional development opportunities and job satisfaction. We also address the impact of job satisfaction on employee retention, in an effort to contribute to organizations as they face the hurdles presented by the 'Turnover Tsunami'. Actionable steps are provided as a framework to the field to increase knowledge on influential factors of job satisfaction while simultaneously outlining organizational professional development deficits. It is recommended that leaders develop and implement strategic professional development opportunities that assess individuals' progress in their related fields.
Keywords
Professional Development, Career Development, Job Satisfaction, Turnover