Many workers may find themselves unemployed or underemployed in the current economy. When this happens, these workers may consider going back to school or pursuing additional training in order to update skills to expand opportunities. Even if you are not unemployed and consider yourself relatively stable in your current position, updating your skills through continuing education or training can help you to become more marketable and remain competitive. Here’s why you should consider updating your skills to remain viable in the current job market:

New Research

Methods are always changing. New strategies are found to be more effective. Innovative techniques are found to drive success. In order to remain valuable to your current employer or to remain competitive for future employers, it is important to keep abreast of these new strategies and innovations. For example, social networking and search-engine optimization have become critical components of marketing strategies for most companies. Learning about these new techniques can keep your skills current and marketable.

New Technology

Technology is always changing. Computers that were state-of-the-art only a few years ago may now be considered slow or obsolete. Software that was cutting edge when you started your job may no longer even be used in your line of work. As technology becomes more and more intertwined in our everyday lives and the various functions of business, it becomes ever more important to stay up-to-date on how to use the latest technology. iPads and smart phones aren’t just for texting and playing games. These and other devices are becoming powerful tools for business, and knowing their importance and how to properly leverage them is key to your advancement in the work place.

Diversification

Employers are continuing to downsize, and as the workforce diminishes, employees are being asked to do more. Those workers who are able to offer a wider range of skills are more valuable to employers and are less likely to face layoffs. Additional skills can include those that complement your current resume — such as learning new programs used in your field — or can expand your abilities — such as learning a second language. The more you are able to offer an employer, the more valuable you are as an employee.

Learning new skills is critical to remaining competitive in today’s job market. Whether you are learning about new research and strategies, adding knowledge of new programs or technology to your resume, or simply diversifying your skills, you are making yourself more marketable, both to leverage job security with your current employer and to expand your opportunities when you are ready to start looking for a new job.

About the author:
Amanda Tradwick is a grant researcher and writer for CollegeGrants.org. She has a Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Delaware, and has recently finished research on pell grants

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