Bridging the gap with ongoing learning

Thinking about returning to work in the next 12months?   After a break (and we use this word loosely!) from the workforce, it can be a bit daunting to think about returning to your old job or applying for a new one.  Keeping your knowledge up to date, increasing your competency in key areas or learning new skills while you are at home can help bridge the gap. This requires an investment of time, and we know this isn’t easy.  So we have identified 5 things you can do that take less than 20 minutes each week.

1.    Firstly create a career plan
This is a great time to think about what you really want from your career. Take some time now to consider your  5 or 10 year goal and the steps that you want to take to get there. Reflect on your past career and think about what skills you have developed and what additional skills would benefit you.  Career planning will help focus your learning on key areas that will assist you to reach your goals. 

2.    Keep up with industry changes
It is essential that we recognise the importance of frequently updating our skills and knowledge so that we are not ‘left behind’ in the knowledge movement. To ensure that you are at the leading edge of developments in your field of work, subscribe (or visit your library) to industry magazines and read key articles.  Even one   article a month will help you to keep your knowledge fresh.  Read the weekend paper (usually gives you a weekly summary) to keep up to date with business trends.

3.    Learn new skills or competencies
You can extend or refresh your skillset in short bursts each week. Access your free trial at www.frogfastforward.co.nz and update yourself on job search trends or key career competencies.  Search on the internet for free online computer courses or research particular topics that you want to know more about.

4.    Stay on top of business updates
Ask a colleague or HR to forward you internal newsletters, important memos or business event details so you know what is happening at your employer.

5.    Keep in contact
Make contact with colleagues or friends who are working in your field and email them to see how everything is going. Find out what is happening in the industry from them or help them out by referring them to useful articles or websites you have uncovered.

If you are passionate about your work, then the above will be fun and interesting.  If it feels like a chore, then it might be good timing to start thinking about new opportunities that match your values, preferences and talents and focusing your learning in those areas. Check out www.frogfastforward.co.nz for some ideas on getting started.

For career coaching and assistance in dealing with a variety of career issues contact jo@careeranalysts.co.nz, call +64 9  356 9758, or visit www.careeranalysts.co.nz for our full range of services..