I am aware these terms are familiar terms. As a matter of fact, they have been used and overused in this hub and virtually everyone knows what they stand for. Nonetheless, we should remind ourselves what their meanings. Skill according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, is ‘the ability to do something that comes from training, experience, or practice’.
What about career?
The business dictionary defines career as “the progress and actions taken by a person throughout a lifetime, especially those related to that person's occupations. A career is often composed of the jobs held, titles earned and work accomplished over a long period of time, rather than just referring to one position.” From this definition and experiences over time, I will want to clarify that contrary to popular notion, career doesn't only refer to people in the formal setting, it cuts across all fields of human circle, so far such work/job is bringing sustainability to the holder. It doesn't also referred to an individual holding the same type of job or occupation for a long period of time. For example, a person doesn't necessarily have to be a primary school for a long period of time before such profession can be regarded as his/her career. In fact, his career can range from working bits in primary sector, secondary, college up to the University.
My own definition of career will be: any occupation that brings sustainability, peace of mind and in which one derives maximum pleasure while at it.
Development is the process by which something grows, becomes larger or advanced. When we bring these terms together, we will arrive at a set of skills through which someone develops and becomes better on a job or occupation.
Now, let us consider the 7 key skills of career development.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me say at this juncture, these skills are not the end themselves but some needed skills to career development. They have been proven and tested by leaders in the industry as skills one cannot do without in career development.
Please be aware, these skills are not arranged in order of importance but they are all needed in our career success.
Skill One:
Reading skill
To be successful in any career in this 21st century be it in the formal, non-formal or informal sectors requires one to read on the skills needed on the job and the new trends. In this era where machines are taking up jobs with stiff competition among professionals, reading new trends in skills to stay on top that boiling water is highly sacrosanct. For example, if you are a mason, you should definitely read about 3D printing, learn how you can position yourself for the new world order.
Skill Two:
Communication skills
A professional wishing to develop, improve and be outstanding must be able to connect listening to speaking and reading to writing.
The ability to listen to professionals, experts and industry leaders through videos, podcasts, audio clips and in live lectures will aid your speaking ability when communicating with colleagues or team members in your own field. Learning from experts by reading them will also assist your writing ability. All these four skills help in your pitching success, networking and interpersonal relationships with others. And this is one of key ways you can be successful as a professional.
Skill Three:
Analytical and research skills
As an entrepreneur, one of the important skills to develop in your career is the ability to analyse situations, people, problem and set of decisions. This skill will help you determine what's best for your career and what decision to take in every situation. When faced with a challenge or taking question, researching to find an appropriate solution or response wouldn't be too bad.
Skill Four:
Networking
Every career needs people to survive so also every professional. You must build your network of people. This you can do through keeping tabs on your friends, business associates, contacts and meeting new people by attending seminars, boot camps, conferences, on-site trainings and meet ups. When you meet people in these places, establish contact and deepen the relationship.
Skill Five:
Interpersonal skill
No man is an island. You must be ready to work with others. You must learn to work in a team and cohabit. Whether with team members, customers and investors, your interpersonal relationship with others will go a long in determining your career development and ultimately, your success.
Skill Six:
Decision making skill
Decisions are taking naturally daily in our lives. This natural order happens in our career likewise. Our ability, as entrepreneurs, social workers, leaders, professionals, to make quick, accurate and decisive decisions will affect positively or otherwise the success of our team which in turns determines our career development. This skill must be taking time to learn, imbibe, develop and internalise for guaranteed achievement.
Skill Seven:
Leadership and management skills
Learning how to lead others to success and managing people and resources are essential skills for every professional. For the fact that, one cannot work in isolation, it has to be with people, team members, learning to lead them from whatever responsibility bestowed on you and manage their affairs shouldn't be looked down upon. While leading and managing these people, their success and progress should not be trampled on to achieve team's success. A balance must be created. It should be a win-win situation. Team wins, members win.
As much as I appreciate your attention, it wouldn't be bad on our own finding out more skills needed for career development.
Thank you