1) Collaborate. Thanks to the internet and social media, it is easier than ever to collaborate on projects with others in your industry or field of expertise. The result can be a new product or service that can benefit your career and lend credibility to your resume.
2) Give your knowledge away. I know it sounds crazy, but sharing your knowledge in the form of a blog, ezine, magazine article, or Twitter page is another new way to brand yourself as a subject matter expert. Just be sure that the information you share is your own and not the intellectual property of your employer.
3) Volunteer. Giving away your time can pay off in spades! You will be able to learn new skills and hone the skills you already have. Most associations, church, youth, and civic groups are always in need of volunteers and are usually quite willing to teach you the basic skills necessary for your volunteer position.
4) Keep an updated catalogue of your accomplishments. Include all new projects you complete and skill sets you acquire on the job or through volunteering. Review your catalogue at least once per quarter and make sure you don’t overlook anything, including those volunteer efforts. It’s easy to overlook those skills or discount their value in the business world. But roles such as little league coach, scout leader, producer of a church play, or programs director for an association require many business skills. If possible, ask for a job description when you take on the role and a letter of recommendation once you complete the assignment. Place it immediately in your skills catalogue.
5) Ask to cross-train in other departments. Don’t immerse yourself so deeply in your own department that you fail to recognize the efforts of your coworkers in other departments. Ask your boss if you can spend a small amount of time learning the basic responsibilities of your colleagues. Offer to help others learn your job as well. You will not only develop new skills, you’ll view the company from a different perspective, and you may find ways to improve the interaction between yourself and your coworkers.
