How to Gain Skills
Do you have the skills that employers want? Not sure? One of the best ways to expand your skills is through education. Make sure that your education connects to occupations that fit your interests and skills. Here are some steps to help you explore the right education for you.
Identify the skills in occupations that interest you.
Using the Occupational Skills (pdf) list your desired occupations and the education needed. List the skills you possess that are required for that occupation. List the skills you need to acquire. Use the School Research Worksheet (pdf) to organize your research on schools.
If you are currently working and looking for a better job:
- What opportunities may be available within your organization?
- What can you do to improve your skills and marketability at your current job?
- Network within your organization.
- Meet people throughout the organization, so you understand the big picture and how all of the parts fit.
- Talk with your supervisor and the Human Resources staff.
- Find a mentor, someone who is doing the job similar to the one you would like.
- Find out what steps that individual took to get to his/her position.
- What education, training, skills, and experience does he/she have that you would need to qualify for a similar position?
- After you have identified your goal, ask your supervisor for more responsibility doing work that can improve the skills that you want to gain.
- Stay current with the technology.
- Take professional development trainings offered at your job.
