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How would you rate your marketability? Do you have the necessary qualifications to get ahead professionally? It’s easy to get so caught up in the daily grind that you don’t make time to plan for the future. However, by looking for gaps in your skill set on a regular basis and refining your career strategy, you can position yourself for long-term success. And the more knowledgeable you are about workplace trends, the easier it is to accomplish these tasks.
Change is Here … Are You Ready?
Get on the Right Track
Take Your Career to the Next Level
Your Ultimate Goal: Exceed Expectations
A Long-Term Commitment
The constantly evolving, competitive business environment demands a new type of employee –– one who is prepared for anything. And expectations have never been higher. You need to have just the right skills at just the right time. Administrative professionals are expected to do more with less and apply strategic thinking to all of their projects. Do you have what it takes to keep up? Ask yourself:
Knowing what skills and qualifications are in demand and where the jobs are can give you a competitive edge in your career. Trends to take note of include:
· Technical knowledge –– Proficiency alone isn’t enough. You need to be at the forefront of technological change. Just learned your company will be implementing a new software application? Ask to take a class in it before the process begins, so you’ll be ready to help train staff and troubleshoot problems. Also become known as an information navigator –– someone who can quickly locate data and summarize findings. An attractive skill set would include expertise with Microsoft Office, database management software, schedule/project management applications, Internet research and budget tracking.
· Soft skills –– As the saying goes, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” This is particularly true in the administrative field. In your role, you are often the initial contact for key individuals such as prospective clients, investors and job candidates. Your interpersonal skills, level of confidence, problem-solving abilities and attitude are on display constantly –– in person, on the phone or in e-mail and other communication. Shine here and you will stand out for job opportunities and advancement potential.
· Certifications –– Want to show your boss you’re qualified to take on more challenging projects, like designing presentations and tracking budgets? Earning a certification such as Microsoft Office Specialist shows that you’ve got the skills to succeed. It can also boost your earnings potential.
Here are several ways to build your skills and knowledge:
· Get out there. Active participation in professional organizations such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals, American Business Women’s Association and local chambers of commerce can help you stay on top of workplace trends. You may also make new contacts you can tap as resources later for career advice.
· Go back to school. There’s no shortage of options when it comes to professional education. Many universities offer programs for those with full-time jobs and a multitude of organizations provide training sessions and seminars on everything from business communication to strategic planning.
· Find a mentor. What weaknesses could hold you back from career success? Hate public speaking? Difficulty juggling multiple projects? Now think about people in your company whose strengths fall in those areas. One of these individuals would be an ideal choice for a mentor. Ask for real-life examples of what works for them and solicit ongoing feedback on your efforts to improve.
· Read. If you’re like many busy administrative professionals, you have a stack of journals on your desk you plan on getting to “someday.” Well, someday should begin today. Reading through an article or two over your lunch break can boost your knowledge of developments and events shaping your profession and industry. You may learn things that enhance your job performance and contributions, making you indispensable to your boss and others at the firm.
· Look for ways to add value to your employer. Take into account big-picture issues with all of your decisions. What are your company’s larger business goals? Find ways to make a real difference with your work.
Just when you think your skills are up to date, business conditions and technologies change, and your talents can become obsolete. So make time at least once a year to consider where you are, where you’ve been and where you want to be in your career. Commit to lifelong learning and improvement. You’ll stay ahead of the curve and enhance your career prospects.
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