Keep Advancing Your Career

Successful people keep learning. At every step, think about how to expand your skills. You’ll impress employers. And, you’ll feel more confident.

Expand your skills while in school.
Getting good grades is not enough to impress most employers. Get involved in activities to expand your skills now. When you graduate, you'll be better prepared to look for jobs.

• Look into student and professional groups.
• Connect your assignments to your career.
• Get experience. Participate in career activities. Your school’s career center may have ideas for you to get experience. Ask about where you can be an intern or volunteer. Find out more about where you can find internship or volunteer experiences by visiting the Youth Portal. Then select “Volunteering and Internships” for more information.
• Update your career plan with these tasks. See Career Plan Worksheet (pdf).

Expand your skills while you are working.
Learn about the gaps in your skills, knowledge, or credentials.

• Talk with your supervisor about how to expand your skills.
• Request work projects that improve your skills.
• Join a professional or trade group. Learn more about networking in Find a Job.
• Get a mentor. Or seek advice from experienced workers in your field.
• Stay current with the technology used in your field.
• Take training offered at your job.
• Update your career plan with these tasks. See Career Plan Worksheet (pdf).

Stay current in your field.
All workers should look at their skills and improve them.

• Explore the job market to learn about trends that affect your field. You can check out your local library for these trends.
• Learn from others working in your field through networking. Learn more about networking in Find a Job.
• Use online social networks. You can learn about trends and meet people in your field.
• Update your career plan with these tasks. See Career Plan Worksheet (pdf).