Personal and professional growth requires an investment in yourself and your skills. If you want to keep improving on the job, here are three tips to help keep you at the top of your class – even after graduating.
Keep Reading
Reading is, in large part, how we learn about the latest technologies and techniques that are influencing the market long after we have left the academic realm. For a cheap but powerful way to stay up to speed on what’s happening in your industry, make sure you are doing your reading. Read industry news and periodicals. Read blogs from other professionals and industry experts. Read guidance on how to learn new skills and technologies that will make you better at your job. These are the things that will put you ahead of the competition and help you land your next job.
Join Professional Organizations
Nobody works in a vacuum these days. Networking with other professionals is an important task that you need to make time for. By joining professional organizations that are targeted toward professionals of your skills and expertise, you are surrounding yourself with the people and opportunities that will make a difference in your career. Participating in discussions and events (both online and in person) will help you make a name for yourself among your colleagues, and many offer lectures and training to keep members up-to-date on what’s new in your profession.
Consider joining groups such as the Association of Energy Services Professionals, or the Young Professionals in Energy organization. The Association of Energy Engineers is a good option if you are an engineer in the industry. For localized groups, check out the relevant associations and organizations particular to your country or region as such communities often provide the most convenient in-person networking opportunities to your local search. Online groups on networking sites like LinkedIn are another great way to connect with colleagues and future employers while learning about the latest industry news and events.
Take a Course
There are so many ways to continue your professional education while employed that there is hardly an excuse not to in this day and age, between online courses, free massively open online courses (MOOCs), evening classes and certificate programs, you can surely find the continuing education option that works best for your schedule and budget. Furthermore, many employers actually incentivize employees to continue their education with subsidized education or flexible schedules. Given the wide range of options, however, it is important to make sure that you are investing your time and money wisely in a reputable program that will support your unique learning style and provide you with the information and skills you need to move your career forward.
Work with a Leader in Power Generation Recruitment
For more advice on how you can keep improving on the job, reach out to the energy recruitment team at Energy Services Group International. We are committed to helping professionals become all that they can be.
