9 skills to develop for success in any career
Are you wondering what skills you need to really make an impact and succeed in any career? Some skills are career-specific, but many apply universally to any career you want to pursue.
This November for Canada Career Month (and Global Careers Month) with its theme “Amplify,” Athabasca University’s Counselling Services team is sharing some valuable information and resources to help you to amplify your skills and connections, and land that dream job!
The month of November is a great time to think about your skills, and how they will apply to the pursuit of your dream career down the road.
While there are some skills that really are specific to one career or another, there are other skills that every employer is going to be looking for in every industry—so it’s important to keep working on developing those skills and keeping them sharp!
The following 9 skills are ones that every employer in every industry is going to value.
1. Creativity and innovation
Things change quickly at work, so we sometimes need to think from a new or different perspective. Employers are looking for people who can think outside the box and come up with creative and innovative solutions that help the organization move forward. Stand out with your creative and innovative thinking skills!
2. Problem solving
Every day at work we are required to solve problems, whether it is providing good customer service, identifying the information needed to do your job, or learning a new computer system. If you can solve problems quickly and efficiently, that will help you advance in your career.
3. Reading
Regardless of the job we all need the ability to read and comprehend. For instance, we may need to read a technical manual, an email from a colleague, or written instructions from a supervisor. Reading and comprehension may be especially challenging if English is not your first language. To advance in your career, you may wish to strengthen your reading and comprehension skills.
Technology is constantly evolving and affecting all areas of work, making it necessary to stay current on the latest technical platform. It is not always comfortable or easy to learn a platform, and strong digital skills will help you advance in your career.
4. Digital
Are you proficient in a digital environment? Technology is constantly evolving and affecting all areas of work, making it necessary to stay current on the latest technical platform. It is not always comfortable or easy to learn a platform, and strong digital skills will help you advance in your career.
5. Collaboration
Many jobs require us to work in teams to get things done. Having good collaboration skills is necessary for any level of your career, whether you are at the beginning or you’re advancing into a leadership position, we can all benefit from strengthening our collaboration skills.
6. Adaptability
Let’s face it, we live in a world that is constantly changing. The more quickly you can adopt change and adjust your work processes, the easier it will be for you to advance in your career by accepting change.
7. Writing
Writing may not be a key component of many careers, but nearly every job will have tasks that require you to communicate your ideas to coworkers through writing, whether it’s a large-scale report or a simple email to a colleague. Doing this well can get you noticed.
8. Numeracy
Having numeracy skills may not seem relevant to your job today, but eventually we will all be asked to apply numeracy skills in our job. For instance, we may be required to read and understand a statistical analysis in a research report or add up a restaurant bill. All employers need employees to have numeracy skills.
Good communication skills are important for conveying your ideas to others and working with others to solve problems.
9. Communication
Good communication skills will get you noticed in your current role and help you advance into future roles. Good communication skills are important for conveying your ideas to others and working with others to solve problems.
Learn more about developing your skills
You can learn more and watch a brief video on the Government of Canada jobs training website, and start by assessing your skills with resources like a skills quiz from the Government of Alberta or assessment and training tools from the Government of Canada.
What is your strongest skill, and what is your weakest skill? You can amplify your strongest skills or strengthen your weakest skill by taking a course or exploring other professional development opportunities.
Your skills are the foundation of your education plan. Once you clarify which skills you enjoy most and identify a career path where you can make the best use of your skills, you are ready to start developing your education plan.
Related articles
Watch for more helpful career-development advice throughout the month of November for Canada Career Month:
- Week 1: 3 ways to leverage past experience into a new career
- Week 2: 9 skills to develop for success in any career
- Week 3: What’s in a personal brand?
- Week 4: 3 ways to amplify your personal brand and get a job
If you would like more information about career planning, please contact Counselling Services at counselling@athabascau.ca.
