No matter what field you’re in, it’s likely the industry is constantly changing. That’s the reality of today’s work environment.
It’s easy to get comfortable in a single position. But once you’re back out on the job hunt – or looking to be – you may find yourself a little lost. It’s easier to get that competitive edge back than you may think.
Here’s how to keep yourself relevant in your career field:
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in the professional world for three years or 30. You should always be looking for ways to expand your professional skills.
Seek out industry events and conferences, which can sometimes teach you more than you learn with formal schooling. Join a local professional association, which can connect you with other professionals in your area as well as professional development courses.
Professional development like this can help you stay up to speed as the industry changes.
You should never be passive in your field. Subscribe to an industry newsletter so you know the latest happenings. Build connections with others in your field – whether through a professional association or at an industry conference.
You don’t need to wait to network until you’re looking for a job. New business relationships can clue you into a whole world of wisdom and ideas.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Continuing to seek ways to challenge yourself is the best way you can grow. Try volunteering a few hours a week at a community organization. You’ll feel good about yourself, be challenged with new tasks, and build new skills you can bring back to the workplace. Volunteering can also help you build new networking contacts. You never know when you’ll need them!
Another way to step out of your comfort zone is to make a point to seek out new leadership opportunities. Leadership roles can help you build confidence, communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to handle greater responsibility. Those skills will translate into a future role– no matter what it ends up being!
It’s easy to feel like you don’t have the time for professional development, but it’s important to keep it up. As you continue to make your professional development a priority, making time for it gets easier and easier.
When it’s time for you to seek out a new job, don’t forget about Greater St. Cloud JobSpot. JobSpot has resume resources, networking and interview tips, and thousands of job postings in the greater St. Cloud area.