6 steps to upgrade your skills

Is your career up for the challenges of a tough job market and the rapid pace of technology? Even if your answer is a resounding “yes!” experts agree that ongoing professional development should be part of your career plans no matter what stage you’re at. Keeping your skills current can help you stay competitive and make sure you’ll be an asset to any employer.

Easier said than done? Here are some practical ways to stay sharp.

Do your research first

Not sure where to start? First, take stock of the skills and experience you already have. Update your resume, brainstorm and use a skills inventory (like these lists from OWL Purdue and Service Canada) ) to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Next, find out what skills and qualifications would give you an edge in your field or help you land that dream job. Consider: what experience and expertise will make you an asset to your current or future employer?

Where can you find this information? Ask around: talk to your colleagues and supervisors, nose around in online communities and review job postings to get an idea of current requirements. Look for professional organizations in your field, and use social networking sites like LinkedIn to connect with others. Ask people what skills and experiences helped them meet their career goals.

When in doubt, certain skills are always in demand — like computers, languages (such as French and Chinese), marketing and management (both projects and people). Strong communication skills like writing and public speaking are also must-haves in today’s information age.

Ask at work

True, your company usually provides training for job essentials like new technology or procedures, but it may also offer additional training opportunities — if you ask. Trade shows, conferences, workshops, mentoring programs and executive training programs all offer ways to connect with others and sharpen your qualifications. Talk to your supervisor about your goals and find out how the company can help. For example, many employers will cover your tuition costs if your college or university course applies to your job.

If you want help from your employer, approach it as a business case. Demonstrate how your learning will contribute to your duties, department and the company. For instance, will you be able to increase sales or efficiency? Train others? Fill a need or skills gap in your team, like project management? In other words, show how the company will benefit, not you.

Take a class or workshop

From seminars and workshops to full courses and programs, there are many ways to embrace life-long learning. Once you know what skills you’d like to target, it’s time to start hunting for options. Where can you find relevant options? Try:

– Your college or university’s career or alumni services department.

– Local arts and recreation guide.

– Local colleges and universities, including both regular courses and continuing education offerings.

– Professional or industry organizations.

– Employment services or job finding clubs.

When evaluating your options, it’s important to consider whether or not you need official credit or certification. Depending on your area, you may need proof you’ve completed a line of study in addition to demonstrating your skills through a goal or accomplishment (like having a certificate in web design to back up your portfolio of websites.)

Learn online

Whether for credit or more informal, online learning is a convenient way to brush up on your skills according to your own pace, schedule and budget. There are many options available from free lectures, videos and podcasts to professional accreditation and university credit courses. Listen to lectures online and download free materials, or participate in student communities to practice skills like corresponding in a foreign language.

Where should you look? For informal learning, try sites like the BBC’s Learning website, MIT Open Courseware, Academic Earth and iTunes U.

If you’re hunting for online college and university courses, there are a few tools you can use instead of searching individual institutions, like the Canadian Virtual University, Distance Ed Canada, Ontario Learn and EDInfo. (For more details, see Back to school for grown-ups and 12 tips for online learning success.)

In addition, many companies offer webinars (web-based seminars, that is) as part of their sales and marketing strategies. Webinars are a great way to learn about new products and services as well as current trends — right from your desktop. If you’re job-hunting, they’re also a good way to get to know a potential employer.

Volunteer

In addition to giving back, unpaid work offers has many advantages — like developing transferable skills, tackling new projects and taking on more responsibility. For instance, develop your teaching skills by running a workshop at your church or supervise others by coaching a team. Develop your marketing and sales skills by assisting with fundraising campaigns, or work on your organization’s social media strategy. Not only will you acquire the skills, you’ll also have proof of your accomplishments and references to speak on your behalf.

Volunteering can also fill the gaps on a resume due to a job loss, leave of absence or retirement — not to mention another tool to add to your networking arsenal. After all, you never know where the next lead will come from.

Follow the experts

While you might not put reading blogs, news or social media on your resume, keeping up with industry trends is a good way to stay sharp. Look for experts in your industry (like technology or healthcare, for example) as well as in your profession (like graphic design or sales). Learn the lingo and keep tabs on the trends by signing up for RSS Feeds and newsletters.

Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers — online communities and social networking sites exist to connect people with similar interests and goals. Many people are happy to share their expertise and offer advice, and taking them out to lunch is often a worthwhile investment.

Life-long learning doesn’t have to be difficult or intimidating, but it will take some time and commitment. Targeting the gaps and taking advantages of the many opportunities out there can help you stay in the game.

ON THE WEB

For more information about training and upgrading your skills, visit Service Canada: Training, Career and Worker Information.

Sources: Job Bank Canada, CareerBuilder.com

What skills and experiences did you find the most valuable? Share them in the comments.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ayzek

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