The majority of your skills are either taught in college or on the job. You begin using your skills like leading, teaching, operating, speaking, and even producing products, and learn how to get better at them over time. Some of the skills are transferable to higher positions. A police officer still needs to know basic police procedure when he becomes a detective, or a chief. The basic skills are a big help to you in earning promotions. Besides these basic skills, how else can you continually develop your career skills?
Join Associations and Trade Groups
By taking the time to join, and participate in, associations and trade groups you will be connecting with other people in your career. This is valuable to learn new techniques, receive trade publications, and even create great long lasting friendships.
Take On Different Jobs
One way to continue to learn skills, is to take on jobs that you don't normally do. If you are looking to advance in your career, then you will have to know other parts of the job. You will have to be able to oversee, and lead, others. Volunteer for these jobs, and ask if there is something that you can help others with. Not only does this create a favorable view in the eyes of your supervisor, but you are benefiting from it as well.
Take Classes At A College Or University
In today's age, this is not as daunting as it once was. You can take night classes, classes on the weekend, and even attend college online in your spare time. Learning more about your field will help you develop the expertise you need to move further along your chosen career.
Earn Professional Accreditation
A lot of career professionals have a bunch of letters after their names. This could be M.D., CIMA, R.E.A, or even C.P.A. These letters are distinguishing; meaning that they have gone on to further their education to the point where the formal educational process is completed. It involves a lot of hard work and will help in advancing in your career. Also, these degrees show how committed and knowledgeable the person is.
Workshops, Seminars, and Conferences
Use these mediums to help you learn more about advances in your field, new products, new strategies and techniques, and even new up and coming people to watch out for. Use these as places to learn, and build your network of colleagues. There is usually a lot of information at these events, and it is impossible to take it all in at once. However, it is good to pick up on a few things and try to incorporate them into your own skill sets.
