3 Ways To Advance Your Skills While Not Working Your Dream Job
These days, it’s all too common for job seekers to take a job that isn’t in their industry. The ever-increasing competitive job market certainly doesn’t help. But you’ve got bills to pay, food to eat, and possibly a family to support.
Although it’s tough to stay happy at a job you don’t necessarily want, you know the position is taking care of your financial needs at the moment. But how can you advance your skills for a future career growth or job opportunities? If you’re worried you might not be getting the experience you need, here are three ways to keep fortifying your professional talents.
Actively Seek Ways To Use Your Skills At Work
Whether you’re a writer working in sales or a business major working at a bank, there’s always some way of using the skills you’ve studied and practiced—wherever you go. You just have to actively seek it out.
For instance, if you’re looking to be a reporter someday, but your current job involves office administration, find a way to make up writing projects to help strengthen your craft. Perhaps you could write a summary of the company on the company website, blog about the company, or even try to connect with other vendors via social media. There are always ways to hone the skills you’ve already gained.
Ask The Boss To Give You More Responsibilities
Taking on tougher tasks will help challenge you in the work field, and asking your employer for more responsibilities shows that you’re not afraid of a challenge. It also helps you stand out from the other employees in all of the right ways.
It’s a win-win, you get to put your skills into practice and your employer has less work to think about. Besides, even if your current job isn’t in your professional industry, not excelling at a job doesn’t exactly make you look like a professional.
Start A Blog And Utilize Social Media
Even if you’re not into blogging, tweeting, or posting on other people’s walls, learning how to market your company will help you learn more about who you’re working for. The more you know about your employer’s business, the easier it will be for you to figure out how you can continue to be a valuable asset to that company.
Since it’s more common for employees to job hop these days, the last thing you want is to become expendable. So, if you’re currently working at a job that isn’t in your professional field, remember, making your job work for your skills can help advance them, make the job more enjoyable, and eventually grow your career.
By: Belen Chacon and Aaron Sanborn