Each career comes with its own set of challenges, and everyone who wants to excel in their field would have to have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their daily duties. And along with the technical skills required, there are a few skills that anyone should learn to further themselves in whatever industry and career they want to pursue.
More so, most companies today are looking for hardworking and passionate individuals who are eager to learn and grow. And with that in mind, here’s a list of skills worth learning, especially if you’re looking to gain an edge in your chosen field or career.
Speaking A Foreign Language
Depending on the nature of the company and the job position available, some companies may prefer to employ someone who can speak different languages, such as Japanese. Online courses, like those from Taiyo, can make it possible for individuals to learn a new language quickly.
Software Applications
In a digital age where technology and the internet play a role and contribution to how most businesses operate, employees can no longer afford not to have sufficient computer knowledge and then stay up-to-date on the current trends. They should know how the most basic applications most likely used in the workplace, however, someone with advanced skills in this area would have the edge over other candidates for the same position. A willingness to continuously learn new skills and technologies is important to keep up with the fast-paced changes in the job market.
Some common software applications that employees may be expected to know include:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Email clients (Outlook, Gmail, etc.)
- Internet browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
- Communication and collaboration tools (Slack, Zoom, etc.)
- Project management software (Asana, Trello, etc.)
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)
- Time tracking and invoicing software (Toggl, Freshbooks, etc.)
- Graphic design and image editing software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
- Social media management platforms (Hootsuite, Buffer, etc.)
Presentation Skills
Anyone who knows their way around visual aids and graphics and has above-average presentation skills is likely to leave a good impression, whether presenting an idea to the boss or a client. It takes some effort to put together and give an electronic presentation, which is a skill that anyone can learn with some assistance and practice.
Analyzing Data
Modern businesses are very data-driven, and the skill it takes to analyze information is not something everyone has. To get the edge over other applicants, consider taking a course to improve in this area.
Some basic software applications for analyzing data include:
- Microsoft Excel: This is a widely used tool for organizing and analyzing data. It can be used for simple tasks such as sorting and filtering data, as well as more advanced tasks such as creating pivot tables and charts.
- Google Sheets: This is a cloud-based alternative to Excel that is also commonly used for data analysis.
- R: This is a programming language and environment for statistical computing and graphics. It is widely used by statisticians and data scientists for data analysis and visualization.
- Python: This is a general-purpose programming language that is also commonly used for data analysis. It has a number of powerful libraries and frameworks for working with data, such as pandas, numpy, and matplotlib.
- SQL: This is a programming language used for managing and querying databases. It is widely used for data analysis, particularly when working with large datasets.
- Tableau: This is a data visualization tool that allows users to create interactive and visually appealing charts and dashboards. It can be used to explore and analyze data from a variety of sources.
- Power BI: This is a data visualization tool from Microsoft that allows users to connect, visualize and share data from various sources. It’s very similar to Tableau but it’s more integrated in the Microsoft ecosystem.
- SAS: SAS is a software suite of applications for data management, advanced analytics, multivariate analysis, business intelligence, criminal investigation, and predictive analytics. This software is widely used in the industry, particularly in finance and healthcare.
Excellent Negotiation Skills
Negotiations are usually part of any business procedure. Clients who want better deals or staff members who wish for more company benefits would profit from an experienced negotiator to mediate the situation. For this reason, a team member that knows how to negotiate can be more valuable to a company.
Project Management Skills
A skill in project management can go a long way since you can ensure that company workflow and processes are on track through planning and timeous action. Aside from overseeing things to ensure compliance with the timetable, an employee who has good project management skills can also see to it that activities are being done correctly and efficiently.
Businesses highly value this skill, especially when they require a high work output from their employees.
Marketing And Advertising Skills
An individual doesn’t have to be in the marketing department to have and use these skills, and unfortunately, some believe this misconception. But to note, it can be helpful in all business settings when the employees understand the importance of the marketing and advertising aspect. They can contribute ideas and offer insights, which can lead to meaningful discussions during meetings.
Can Perform Administrative Duties
It doesn’t matter which career path one chooses to follow; there will always be some administrative duties that one needs to perform. Writing notes, answering telephones, communicating feedback, and many more are considered administrative and are essential for any candidate. And so, being able to perform such duties can go a long way and show commitment and dedication to potential employers.
Good Written Language Skills
More and more communication and collaboration occur through online or digital platforms, which means that team members would have to communicate more in writing. For that reason, it is preferred for an excellent applicant to have good written skills to impress.
People Management Abilities
Another admirable skill is the ability to manage others. Taking the lead and encouraging the workforce to achieve their daily targets would bring more profits for the company and leave employees feeling satisfied with their efforts.
Teamwork Skills
Being able to work well with others is important for achieving common goals and for creating a positive work environment. In addition, being able to adapt to new situations, diverse work environments, and new technologies is important for staying current in your field and for being able to take on new challenges.
Customer Care Experience
Customers who have a more than satisfactory experience with the company they are dealing with are more likely to return for more products or other services. Caring for customers happens in any setting in any career; hence, having good people skills and knowing how to connect with customers can help set you apart from other employees.
Skillfully Bringing It All Together
When it comes to any field or career, having the right skills can help propel you to success. The good thing is there’s no limit when it comes to learning; one can study and learn as much as they want. And more so, skills improvement doesn’t happen overnight, so take every opportunity to practice and learn new skills to make for a more skilled team member with an edge in any career.