28 PROFESSIONAL WOMANS MULTICULTURAL MAGAZINE WWW.PROFESSIONALWOMANMAG.COM
CAREERS
W
ant to develop new work skills that will open up more job opportunities? Or upgrade quali- ications in your current career? This can be a great time to update your skills, and it doesnt have to take a lot of time. There are lots of ways to develop skills online and in your community.
Start with a Clear Focus
A practical place to start is by exploring what em- ployers are looking for. 1. Scan job postings for the type of job you want to work in - your targeted field - on the Job Finder. Focus on the skills and qualifications section of job postings and make a note of the most mentioned. 2. Find a professional association in your targeted ield. Go to their website to read about trends. The association is likely to publish articles about new developments, offer webinars, online conferences and training. Associations can also be a great source of contacts to reach out to for recommendations on meaningful credentials in your local area. 3. Visit Certification Finder to search for certifi- cations in your targeted field. Note that certifications marked with a chili pepper (hot certifications) indi- cate those that are frequently mentioned in job post- ings.
Are Your
Skills
Out of Date?
4. Search the Tools & Technology Finder to look up the most common tools or types of technology used in your targeted occupation.
Quick Ways to Gain Skills
Once you've identified the types of skills and knowledge youd like to focus on, there are some very accessible ways to get training quickly. The websites on this list offer classes that are either free or very low cost.
Training websites
! Code Academy offers free online coding instruction for a variety of computer programs. ! Coursera, edX and Academic Earth offer free online college classes through video lecture, quizzes and readings. ! GCF Learn Free emphasizes basic digital and software skills and job search topics. ! Khan Academy offers free online learning in school subjects at levels from middle school through college. ! LINCS Learner Center from the U.S. Department of Education connects you to free online resources to reach your life goals, including job skills, math and English proficiency and more. ! Major universities, such as Stanford, Harvard, MIT and Yale, offer free online courses to the public. Find listings by searching the name of the institution and free online classes. ! The OSHA Outreach Training Program provides workers with basic and more advanced training about common safety and health hazards on the job. ! Language apps provide foreign language instruction in Spanish, Swahili, Japanese, Hindi, Russian, Mandarin and more. Explore popular apps such as: Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu or Memrise.
Community-based training sources
Resources in your local area are another good prospect for immediate training. Some options include: ! Take an online class or find free introductory classes through public libraries or American Job Centers. ! School districts and local not-for-profit organizations often offer free training for the public. Contact those in your area to ask about training.
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