Taking Your Career and Your Life to the Next Level with Professional Development in Silverdale

Have the recent fluctuations in the economy have you reconsidering your career? Are you worried about your job? Is it possible to do fulfilling work and make more money? The answer is yes, but only if you are willing to embrace a growth mindset and seek professional development in Silverdale, Washington.

But professional development in Silverdale does not have to mean just reading a book and expecting to put the principles into practice at work, only to give up in two weeks when no one notices. Professional development can take many forms and expand to affect every area of your life. Are you ready to take the first step?

What it Takes to Make a Difference

It is essential to acknowledge that it takes both education and skills to move forward in a career. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to obtain a master’s degree – this is dependent on the job you have chosen. You should be aware of what the market or the industry requires for the career you are leaning toward.

Experience

Experience is invaluable. If you worked a job in high school, you might be able to segue that experience into starting in that chosen field. For example, people who may have worked with their father doing construction and roofing have an excellent chance of being hired at a construction company. A preschool may seriously consider a candidate who volunteers at their local church every Sunday in the kids’ department.

If you are considering starting a new career, volunteer in some arena of that market or industry to gain experience. Want to work for a publisher one day? Are there companies in your town that need an editor? Where can you offer your services for free for the experience or grow a portfolio?

Training

Many companies offer on-the-job training. For example, pharmacy technician trainees can work under a licensed pharmacist for experience in some states, then take a certification exam after accruing a certain number of hours to become a certified pharmacy technician. This allows the tech to earn money while training and receive a raise after certification. Other companies do this with forklift operators and in various industries.

Do any of those companies offer on-the-job training with the career you have in mind? Are you in a position where you can earn a lower amount for a year or two while gaining training and experience? Another bonus: while training on the job, you have an opportunity to become indispensable and prove that you are a worthy candidate.

Education

Some professions require an academic education and a degree before being considered for the position. Check with your chosen field to learn about the requirements. However, do not fret if you are not in a place where you can financially swing classes.

Many corporations offer tuition assistance if you take classes that will allow you to move up in the company. A company may be looking for people with degrees in Business Administration and Management, Communication, or Information Technology (among many others).

For example, a communications company might hire you as a Customer Service Representative. You may have worked at the job for a few years while using the company’s tuition assistance to earn a degree in Information Technology. Soon, a new IT position opens in the company, perfect for someone with your unique qualifications and excellent track record.

Continuing Education

Employers and prospective employers are impressed with workers who seek Continuing Education (CE). Some professions require CE hours to maintain licensing, such as licensed pharmacists. But at no point should we feel comfortable with our careers that we stop learning. There is always something new to learn, especially in fast-moving fields like technology and medicine.

To make a good impression, consider volunteering for CE lessons and conferences. Learn whatever you can about the industry. Even if continuing education is not a requirement, your employer will take notice of a knowledgeable employee. Those that bring value to the marketplace are promoted quickly in a company.

Crucial Skills to Level Up Your Career (and Life)

Skills are critical to growing professionally. You can hold a Doctorate, but if you are flaky on the job or lack communication skills, you may find yourself stuck. The good news is that you can learn new skills that will become invaluable for your future.

Communication

Communication is vital in many professions. Even if you work quietly in an office alone, how you interact with your superiors will either gain you favor or leave you wanting. Not everyone has the same personality, and being able to “speak the language” with others will not only show that you are relatable, but it will also win you favor, making it easier for you to form relationships with people.

Customers, clients, and employers want to deal with those who value them and are interested in what they have to say. Learning to ask the right questions and recognize the best way to get your message across will go far in any industry. You can learn new communication skills in online courses or through a counselor who specializes in professional development.

Working with Diligence and Integrity

Training, education, experience, and communication skills can only take you so far. What you do when no one is watching will determine your value. Do you show up for work late, half-do your work, and skip out at five till the hour every day? Wondering why the boss still hasn’t approved your next raise or passed you by on that promotion?

Working with an air of excellence and diligence will carry you far. Employers notice when you go the extra mile and care about the business and the customers. Even when your employer is not in the building, working hard shows that you are willing to take the initiative and place your heart in your work.

This diligence will not only show up at your day job but will seep into every area of your life. If you choose to skate through the life God’s given you; then you cannot complain when situations do not pan out the way you thought. Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 15:58, “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”

By working with diligence and integrity in all things as if you are working “unto the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23-24), God will reward you. He promises in His word to “remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”

God sees us even when no one can. If you are stealing time, materials, or money from your job, He knows. But it is not too late to repent and begin diligently doing your job as if you are working for God Himself.

When it comes to professional (and personal) development, strengthening your character will carry you further than talent, skills, or education ever will. These are all essential attributes of professional development in Silverdale, but allowing God to mold your character into a new Christ-like creature will set you up for not only this life but the one to come.

Following God’s Guidance is Key: Professional Development in Silverdale, WA

“Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” (Proverbs 15:22) The book of Proverbs instructs us to seek advice before jumping in too fast. Career and job advice are no exception. If you are unsure about how to proceed, pray to God and seek His face, asking Him what His will is for your life in this season. Remember that God orchestrates our lives in seasons. He may have something completely new waiting for you.

If you need help in this area, reach out to a Christian counselor in Silverdale, Washington who can offer advice and assist you with your professional development in Silverdale, Washington by following God’s direction for your life.