Focuses on the training and development needs of admin professionals and features topics such as hard skills (software competencies, writing, communication, filing) and soft skills (teamwork, time management, leadership).
Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/950331
APRIL 2018 6 Setting yourself apart from the pack Upskilling for administrative professionals By Arnold Villeneuve In today's competitive job market, it is important to continuously improve and expand your skillset to not only keep up with current technolo- gies, but to set yourself apart from the pack as well. But what skill do you choose to learn? What training is right for you? When building a professional development path for yourself, consider this: Microsoft technologies still reign supreme. With more than 1.2 billion people using Microsoft Office worldwide (source: Microsoft.com), Microsoft technologies aren't going anywhere any time soon. Improving your Micro - soft Office skills can increase the value you bring to your organization. Expand your breadth of skills with Adobe or web development knowledge. As technology advances, the role of the administrative professional evolves too. Many top-tier administra- tive professionals are learning how to use design and layout tools like Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator, according to staffing firm Robert Half. Web development skills, particularly HTML, can help you with tasks related to updating websites, using content management platforms like Word- press, or creating customized email templates. Project management skills are versatile and in high demand. With project manage- ment set to be one of the most in-demand jobs in Canada for 2018 (source: Randstad, a staffing firm) Canada is primed for a project management tal- ent shortage. When you take the time to invest in your project management skills, you can increase productivity and transparency, as well as the over- all value of your skillset. Prove your expertise with certifications. According to Microsoft, 91 per cent of hiring managers consider certifica- tion as part of their hiring criteria. The right certification validates your ex- pertise and can help you demonstrate new-found skills. Earning a certifica- tion in topics like project management and leadership, as well as in technolo- gies like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud, can complement the traditional administrative skillset. Blended is best – don't rely solely on self-paced learning. From in-class to on-demand, there are a lot of training options out there. While self-paced options like Lynda. com and even YouTube videos can get you started with learning new skills, research has shown that combining self-paced training with the structure and reinforcement of live training methods (classroom training, coach - ing, etc.) can improve the learning outcomes for someone trying to learn a new skill. In a competitive job market, it's important to find ways to differentiate your skillset, and there's no short- age of topic areas to choose from. No matter which new skill you choose to add to your resume, remember that branching out into areas where your interests intersect with market needs maximizes the ROI you'll get on your investment in yourself. Learn more at: www.LearningTree. ca. Credit: Sarawut Aiemsinsuk (Shutterstock) Arnold Villeneuve has over 25 years in the computer technology and services industry working with standalone and networked microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframe systems. He has been an author and Instructor with Learning Tree International since 1993, where he has developed seven courses for instructor-led, computer-based training, and e-learning initiatives. Learning Tree offers practical, real-world training in today's most in-demand skills, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, project management, leadership and professional development. Visit www.LearningTree.ca for more information.