I would like to build up my future resume (hopefully not needing to use it, though) and make myself more valuable to my current employer.

15 Comments

1. Desiree WolfeDecember 27,2021 at 2:17PM UTC

   Look into free resources from the library, or websites like udemy or coursera with inexpensive and even free classes.

2. AnonymousDecember 27,2021 at 2:38PM UTC

   I have two recommendations: (1) find a cadre of mentors, including lateral mentors. Make friends with people in different departments in your company, including (and especially) at your level, ask them what it was like starting out, if they are enjoying their job, what they did to prepare for the role. People love talking about themselves, so ask questions and listen. BTW time talking with IT is never wasted, even if you ultimately decide not to pursue this route. Very few of us do not rely on technology in the workplace so an understanding of IT and a good relationship with the department always pays dividends.

   (2)Podcasts are my go-to for on-the-fly learning. It is not "formal" but there are plenty of great podcasts to which you can listen while doing other things. It's great for soft skills because it's always good to know what is going on in the world and have a stash of trivia, people like working with interesting people. There are also tons of work-related podcasts (I am a fan of HBR Idea Cast) that can help you grow skills related to the workplace, no one is fireproof but if people like working with you and you add value to the company then it makes you harder to dismiss and maybe you can even grow in your role.

3. Kate VonDerheideDecember 28,2021 at 1:38PM UTC

   If you want to build on your existing skills, I heartily recommend something like https://www.edx.org. It's a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), a coalition of universities around the world who offer courses online that you can audit for free or pay a small fee for (you would get a certificate of completion with the fee based option).

   From psychology, to Java script, to finance, to engineering, to leadership... there are courses for just about any topic you can imagine. I've taken courses both because they were topics I was interested in (The Science of Happiness) as well as for professional advancement.

   The reason I recommend this to you is because this is probably the most accessible way to gain more knowledge. Evidence that someone is hungry to learn ALWAYS looks good on a resume, so even if you don't have the level of experience (and trust me, often that's a wishlist more than a requirement), the fact that you went out and sought that knowledge on your own speaks volumes.

4. Maggie StoneDecember 28,2021 at 1:59PM UTC

   Some of the others have suggested some great free options, but there are loans and grants for vocational training too. However, make sure it is something you are excited about before you invest time and money.

5. Cynthia Armistead NewmanDecember 28,2021 at 2:00PM UTC

   If you're interested in IT, look into the newish Google certificate programs. They offer scholarships. And if you've any interest in coding, FreeCodeCamp has many completely free courses.

6. AnonymousDecember 28,2021 at 2:18PM UTC

   She said she has less stamina for the day to day of IT and is seeking other entry level options

7. AnonymousJanuary 7,2022 at 11:26AM UTC

   I am still glad to expand my knowledge, especially in computers.

   I didn't quite realize that my post could be read two different ways. Anyone who responds to it in either way they thought I meant it is still on track because I am glad to broaden my horizons.

   IT is teaching me skills that come in handy in surprising ways. Logic, problem-solving, interpersonal communication, explaining things in simpler terms to "lay people" without computer knowledge, persistence...

   There may be a job for me in IT that doesn't involve direct customer support but it may be hard to get there without working my way up, perhaps.

   I want to learn IT but also find other ways to make myself valuable to my current and future employers.

   Thank you to all who have responded!

8. Cynthia Armistead NewmanJanuary 7,2022 at 10:00PM UTC

   FWIW, I work in customer support. No standing or lifting (I have trouble with both) and, at this point in my career, I don't usually have direct customer contact (I'm a support engineer, so tier three support).

   Earlier on I worked primarily on the phone or via email. You might consider trying it. Apple hires a lot of remote employees for their support operations and they look for aptitude and customer service skills/attitude more than anything else. When they hired me I hadn't touched a Mac in more than 20 years and had never touched an iPhone. They taught me all the technical information I needed to know and I was a tier two advisor in short order.

   Good luck to you!

9. KarunaDecember 28,2021 at 2:33PM UTC

   I second the recommendations by the anonymous contributor here. Since I recently pivoted careers, I began my journey similar to the steps suggested and even volunteered on projects in these areas for a couple of years to determine if it was something I liked. Securing certifications may be more handy in technical and specialized fields but didn’t add value in my transition and I was even told that in my interviews so be sure to check before you invest time and money in pursuing certifications and courses!

   Also making a list of all your transferable skills is key. This is the hardest part that people have is translating their applicable skills across a range of fields.

   Dont let the ask of 3-5 years experience discourage you from applying if it is a dream role. Sometimes it is a matter of conveying your expertise, industry knowledge, and transferable skills too, plus interviewing skills that can get you the job.

   It’s always a good thing to stay current and relevant with things changing rapidly! Good luck.

10. Keri WilsonDecember 28,2021 at 3:25PM UTC

    Look for needs and fill them. You'll meet people, help them out, add value, and learn new skills. Practically my entire career has unfolded down a pretty fabulous road because I've volunteered for, helped on, been asked to help on, or simply taken on projects, initiatives, or pieces of projects that no one else wanted. Start with your own department and your boss - what do they need? Where are the pain points and frustrations? Can you step in and help out with anything? Show an interest in the monthly financials, the processes for this and that, the data (or lack of data) and where it's stored. Get involved and learn as much as you can about your company and what the people at your company do - including HR, Accounting, and Legal. Get involved. Be visible. The learning opportunities could be right in your own backyard.

11. Cecile PittsDecember 28,2021 at 3:46PM UTC

    There are great suggestions for increasing skill in the comments made. To pad a resume, consider being a regular presence in a professional association. This can be done via internet. Join, read, comment , find out how it works…. Look for ways to stand out: attend classes, virtual conferences, submit short articles or apply for period awards . It all helps, it allows you to learn, it extends your contacts list, adds to your accomplishments.

12. Brittany Butkiewicz GonzalezDecember 28,2021 at 3:50PM UTC

    I feel like Customer Care would be a great fit for you. It is helping customers with questions or issues they may have. I know my company semi-regularly is looking for them. They are entry level at my company and often times people start there and then grow into other roles.

13. GirlBossanova934974December 28,2021 at 5:56PM UTC

    There are 2 free ways to go. 1) Professional societies and/or associations. 2) Youtube channels and LinkedIn. There are a ton of free Youtube channels out there offering all sorts of weekly livestream shows that hand out loads of free information and training. I listen to 5-6 of them each and every week. A lot of the stuff is cutting edge and/or stuff which is too new to get into any textbook. All you need do is push the Subscribe button and make sure you attend. A lot of the time, there are guest speakers who will show you an entire network of experts. Many of them want to have you pay for various classes which they offer but that is strictly up to you.

14. Lindy SpencerDecember 28,2021 at 11:08PM UTC

    Great suggestions posted already. There are many FREE courses offered online, like muse.com, lifewire.com, Someone already suggested edx.org. If there is anyway to scrap up around $100 (sometimes less) to get a printable certificate at the finish of the online course - frame it and hang it as well as adding it to your resume. Even if you audit these courses for free, add them to your resume. Ask you director if they would pay for a course. Even if you get a "no" answer it demonstrates you willingness to better yourself and your interest in your career

15. Liz MilneJanuary 5,2022 at 7:58AM UTC

    I found a bunch of free courses to do during lockdown: some are now paid, but many are relatively cheap: Reed, LinkedIn Learning, and Google Digital Garage all spring to mind. I also paid £10 for a sign language course from Janets that I've not had time to get started with, but I own it, so it'll keep. Then set aside half an hour to an hour for working through them, and soon you'll have a fantastic looking CV: mine was improved enough to score me a bursary against my postgrad university tuition, which was a huge help to me!