Professional Development for Individuals

1. Leadership Skills

One of the most important skills you can have is leadership. It’s one thing to be a great worker, supervisor, or manager; however, true leaders empower others to succeed as well. Learning how to be a better leader will take your career to the next level. You’ll learn how to motivate people, keep them on track, and get results. This will also help you build trust and respect from your coworkers and colleagues. Improving your leadership skills will enable you to get more done with less effort and have an easier time getting promoted, advancing your career, or taking on new projects.

2. Social Media Marketing

Social media is a great way to build your brand and attract more clients/customers. In today’s world, social media is pervasive so it’s important to be educated on how to use it effectively. Begin by learning the basics of social media marketing  – what platforms to use (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), how to get started (e.g., setting up your profile, scheduling posts, creating content). Consider how to use social media marketing within your organization strategically to meet your goals. 

3. Microsoft Suite of Programs

Microsoft suite of programs includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook. These have been the backbone of most organizations but most companies and/or their workers aren’t fully utilizing the functionality. Familiarize yourself with the full potential by going beyond the basics either through Microsoft’s own supports or independent trainers.

For example, Excel is one of the most important tools you can learn when it comes to running a business or growing an organization. It’s used by everyone from accountants to data analysts. It’s not just for spreadsheets and simple calculations, it can do much more than that. 

4. Project Management

Project management is an important skill for anyone looking to grow their business or organization.  As projects grow in complexity, it can be difficult to keep track of all the moving elements. Knowing how to manage your projects, track progress, meet deadlines, and keep everything organized is a vital skill to keep teams moving forward together.

5. Communication Skills

Knowing how to communicate effectively and professionally with your colleagues, supervisors, and clients/customers is an asset. This might include verbal communication in-person, over the phone, or online, or written communication through email or messaging. Further, non-verbal communication plays an important role in any communication process. Develop your communication skills and learn how to talk to anyone confidently, express your own ideas, and understand the perspectives of others.

6. Business Writing

As you advance your career, you might be tasked with writing a wide variety documents – e.g., reports, status updates, proposals, contracts, memos, or presentation materials. Writing as clearly, concisely, and accurately as possible is a key to effective business writing. At times, these documents might also need to be persuasive in nature.

7. Data Analysis and Business Strategy

Understanding how to analyze data and make strategic decisions for your business is helpful so you know exactly what it is you’re reading. You’ll learn how to use the information from your reports, sales figures and customer feedback in order to improve your business.

8. Business Etiquette

Especially in the service industry, business etiquette is a vital skill. These are the skills you need in order to succeed in business and they include things like how to shake hands, greet your potential clients/customers, and make small talk. Essentially these all tie into making a good impression and that can vary across countries and circumstances. Learning the nuance of business etiquette will ensure communication can proceed smoothly.

9. Negotiation Skills

Basic negotiation is used in a variety of settings where the stakes are relatively low (e.g., extending the deadline to submit an assignment); however, in business, the stakes are higher (e.g., lost contracts/opportunities). Develop your negotiation skills to avoid costly mistakes or miscalculations, and secure the best outcomes for your business. 

10. Public Speaking

Public speaking is more than just speaking clearly and confidently in front of groups. It involves being clear and concise with your messaging as well as effectively planning to deliver an engaging presentation. Depending on the setting, this might include the integration of thoughtful multimedia or activities. 

11. Finance and Accounting

Knowing the basics of finance and accounting are important skills for everyone, especially those looking to advance their career. This can include learning how to read financial statements and balance sheets, interpret financial ratios, and how to create and maintain an accounting system. Some accounting software you might consider learning more about is Quickbooks.

12. Time Management

Time management is important for anyone looking to advance or manage their own career. Determining your priorities and organizing your tasks with calendars/reminders is only the beginning. Time management also involves managing your energy and workspace – consider when and where you are most productive and replicate those conditions.

13. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is as important to success at work as it is to success at school and in life. Emotional intelligence involves being able to identify and manage your emotions in positive ways. It also involved recognizing and responding to emotion in others. This skill can be developed through practice and can serve to improve communication, teamwork, and productivity by avoiding conflicts and miscommunications. 

14. Change Management

Managing change, whether that be planned or unplanned, can be tricky sometimes. Effectively supporting organizations and people through the transition process is a great skill to have in any role; however, for those considering moving into management roles or advancing their career, it’s essential. You may be tasked with implementing changes in policy, procedure, or strategic direction.