DT #572 Building Professional Skills for Future Success - Mark Perna

Jun 25, 2025

Summary

In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Mark Perna discusses the evolution of career trees into Skill Trees, emphasizing the importance of teaching professional skills to younger generations. He outlines the structure of the skill tree curriculum, which spans from kindergarten through joining the workforce, and highlights the need for a competitive advantage in today's job market. The conversation also explores community engagement and the implementation of these concepts in educational systems.

Takeaways

• Career trees help close the skills gap by providing clarity on career pathways.
• Skill trees introduce 21 essential professional skills for success.
• Teaching life skills early can lead to better outcomes for students.
• The curriculum is designed for different age groups to ensure relevance.
• Community engagement is crucial for the success of educational initiatives.
• Students need to see the relevance of their education to stay motivated.
• Professional skills are as important as academic knowledge in today's workforce.
• The magic of small steps can lead to significant personal growth.
• Collaboration between educators and community leaders enhances program effectiveness.
• The skill tree concept aims to create a holistic approach to youth development.