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let’s talk... Hit the Books By: Emily Green Outside Consultant & Contributing Writer


degree temperatures, no doubt realizing that there are no holidays for over two months, September also comes with reminder of school. We’re surrounded by commercials for office supply stores, dorm room furnishings, and reminders that crisp apples (perfect for the teachers) are in season.


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But why should we let the kids have all the fun?


It’s time for us to educate ourselves. We’re responsible for our education and career growth - and our companies can help us achieve more. If you’re an HR Professional, chances are you’re responsible for developing a continuing education or training plan for your organization. But even if you’re not responsible for the company’s plan, you can still create one for yourself.


With the economic “fun” (sarcasm) our country has been dealing with the last three years, more and more people are going back to school, bolstering their degrees, taking classes and getting certified in areas they had never even thought about.


Why the sudden uptick in education and training? You don’t need me to


abor Day is the “traditional” end of summer. While some of us are still baking in 90+


tell you that unemployment is high and companies are being more scrupulous with spending money and hiring. How do job-seekers differentiate themselves from all the others on the market? Talk to anyone that’s been laid off recently and they will tell you that one of the keys to repositioning yourself after a job loss is to proactively increase your skill sets through on- going education and professional development.


For those who are currently employed, it’s time to evaluate our own learning gaps. This can be done a variety of ways:


1. Look at your resume. Be hon- est with yourself - if you were a hiring manager, would you hire YOU? Are the skills you list marketable – relevant, up-to- date, and applicable? Do you feel like anything is missing? (Plus, it never hurts to look at your resume every so often and update it with new accom- plishments and projects while they’re top of mind!)


2. Talk to your peers. Are you constantly asking your next door neighbor how to use Ex- cel? Are you suddenly in a leadership position, but you’re not sure how to truly “lead”? What skills do your peers pos- sess that you wish you had? Compare yourself, get some


PEOPLE


candid feedback from those you trust, and think about what classes or programs you could take to increase your expertise.


3. Talk to your manager. Your manager likely holds the purse- strings to your department’s education budget – and the keys for you to unlock greater career success. During your review (hopefully you have an employee review process in place), work with them to cre- ate a plan to bolster your skills. Ask them to speak candidly about areas of improvement. If they don’t have a plan for you, investigate resources that offer training. Advocate for yourself and your growth. Appeal to them by seeking skills both you and your manager desire so you can increase the success of their department, which will reflect on them. (That means, if you’re in HR you probably don’t want to ask them to send you to martial arts training – no matter how poor the morale may be at your office!)


I’d like to know: What classes or skills are you looking to take this fall? Write me at newsletter@ employersgroup.com and let me know your plan!


As for me, I’ve signed up to become SPHR certified during the next Employers Group training session, beginning in January. I know it will help me be a better manager today and in the future. Until then, I have time to shop the Back to School sales and crunch on some apples.


September 2010 CA Employer


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