Five Ways to Keep Learning to Move Up

If you want a promotion, it is imperative that you develop new skills on a regular basis. Personal development is a very important part of career advancement, so consider taking classes or enrolling in training programs to develop the skills you need to land the job you want. The following tips are just five of the ways you can enhance your personal development and improve your chances of landing a coveted administrative position.

1. Increasing the amount of responsibility you have can help you learn new skills and make it easier to move up in your organization. It also helps you prove that you can handle important tasks with minimal supervision. Convince your boss to give you more responsibility by going above and beyond on current work assignments and taking initiative to come up with solutions to administrative or clerical problems in your department.
2. Volunteering for leadership roles is another way to enhance your resumé and take an active role in your personal development. If you have the opportunity to delegate work to others or lead a project team, volunteer to do so. You will learn valuable skills that can help you excel in management positions later in your career.
3. Enrolling in a training program or class is a good way to make personal development a priority. If your company offers such programs, you may even be able to learn additional skills at no cost. Consider taking courses in office procedures, customer service, office productivity software, and office management to enhance your resumé and make it more likely that your boss will consider you for a promotion.
4. If you have already completed a number of administrative courses, consider pursuing a professional certification. As you study for your certification, you will enhance your personal development and gain the knowledge and skills you need to advance your career.
5. Job shadowing is another way to develop the skills you will need to move up in your company. Shadowing involves following experienced professionals through their workday and observing how they handle routine tasks and solve problems. When it's time for your performance appraisal, the fact that you took the time to shadow someone could work in your favor. In addition to possibly helping you qualify for a promotion or an increase in your compensation, job shadowing is also a great personal development tool, as it allows you to observe different people and further define your desired career path.

The administrative field has many opportunities for career advancement, but you must be willing to work hard to learn the skills you need to excel. Enrolling in training programs, obtaining professional certifications, volunteering for leadership positions, shadowing experienced professionals, and increasing the amount of responsibility you have in your current job can help you enhance your personal development and obtain your desired administrative position.

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