Career Management in a Minute offers proven professional tips and techniques on managing and advancing professional careers.

Maintaining the Competitive Edge

Just as technology makes it easier for us to collect and garner information, keeping up with technology is almost becoming a full-time job. The same concept holds true for maintaining one’s professional and competitive edge. The value we bring to our employer is our ability to continually add value to the organization…to be an organizational asset. While employers will send their employees to certain training when required, it is the responsibility of the employee to ensure he or she is keeping current with his or her discipline. Bottom line, employees are accountable for their own professional development. With the corporate pressures of today, maximizing one’s time for professional development is a challenge, to say the least. More importantly, transferring the knowledge gained into practical application is even more challenging. Studies show that pragmatic learning and application appear to be most effective for conscientious and busy professionals. Change is constant and continual learning is mandatory. Remember, performance is the price of admission for everyone. Being viewed as an organizational asset is priceless. The following tips below will help you maintain your competitive edge.
 Take advantage of learning opportunities. Seek out opportunities to explore new technology and business advances that make you a more competitive individual. Relevant and applicable learning is critically important.

 Be strategic in your approach to learning. Utilize a variety of learning methods. Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom. Team projects, task forces, and organizational committees are perfect learning venues.

 Create time in your schedule to embrace the power of continual learning. Just like you make time to go to the spa or take in a round of golf, ensure that learning is also on the agenda. Make a commitment and take action.

 Harness the power of learning. Having a desire to learn is important to maintaining the competitive advantage. The key to being an effective professional is constant learning and retooling.
La Shawn Samuel is the author of Preparing for Success in Corporate America – College Guide. For questions and other tips on advancing your career, please email her at lashawnsamuel.cox.net. Books may be purchased via www.authorhouse.com and all major on-line bookstores.