For a career to thrive it is important to include acquiring new skills and sharpening old ones in long-term planning. Full time employees find themselves at a loss and bored at a job where they feel that they’ve learned everything. Burnout can be insidious and depression will have settled in before warning bells sounds.

Skill improvement and the acquisition of new ones can ward off the two Bs – boredom and burnout. How does one go about learning new skills when one is a full-time employee? The first step is to look at your job and find the imbedded tasks therein. For example, to become an indispensable researcher, you must be computer savvy and discerning in getting the information from print sources a well as web sites. Citation requirements must be met when using the work of others.

Next, volunteer to help at challenging tasks such as project management/implementation where you can learn from peers and are part of the decision-making. Close observation of teamwork and proximity to the process will enhance time management skills. Another way is work shadowing. To start, inquire from the human resource manager on the policies relative to it.

Then look at available short-term training, workshops, and conferences in the area. There may be courses in the skill you want to learn. Also remember to visit the local college or university to see if the institutions have relevant courses.

The right blend of competence and skills are needed in continuous employment. Some competencies are common across a wide range of jobs such as proficiency in the use of Excel. Become a member of one or two professional organizations to stay on top of trends and new developments.

Initiating a conversation with a supervisor or manager about skill acquisition is beneficial for both company and employee. Career progress largely depends on an employees’ desire to include learning in the long-term.

Written by Yoli P.- The Help