Part of having the right strategy to build your career will include building relevant skills and qualifications. Throughout my career I have found that certain skills are the foundation of success. As I train my intern at my full-time job, I try to communicate the importance of the followng career skills to be successful:
Communication
Communication is one of the most important skills you should master — no matter your career path. This includes effectively communicating via writing, speaking and listening. Whether you are building your own business or applying for a job, you will need to be able to speak clearly and concisely and articulate your ideas effectively if you want to be successful. You also must actively listen to others, so you can collaborate and build strong relationships.
Teamwork
Regardless of whether you work from home, work in a large corporation, or set up your own business, you will need to have strong collaboration skills. You will have to collaborate with other members of staff to complete work to a high standard and, in some cases, resolve conflicts. Working with others is a key skill for a successful career.
Initiative
Learn to take initiative. Show that you are proactive in assessing situations that arise, working independently, making good decisions, moving things forward, overcoming challenges, and taking responsibility. Initiative enables you to develop as a leader as you work hard without much direction.
Organization and attentiveness
Attention to detail is a crucial skill to have, because it will directly impact the output and the quality of your work. Almost every job description you find will seek a person who is detail-oriented. It is also an essential skill if you are running your own business, since you are responsible for the results, which will impact customer perceptions and your profits.
Dependability
Dependability can be more important than actual talent in some cases, because if you do not follow through, it does not matter how good you are at your work. Showing you are commited and dependable goes a long way.
Further education
While there are many transferable skills that you can take from other jobs, some careers will require you to have specific skills that come from further studies and can’t be obtained any other way. One example is the Google Project Management course I took recently. Or something like pursuing an advanced degree, like an MBA, Chief School Business Official Specialization course. Courses like these prepare you to be a thought leader and allow you to advance in your career.
Skills are an important part of building a successful career. They show business partners and employers that you are worth investing in and that you are capable of doing a good job.
