| 1. Networking - Build a network of other | | | | earning potential by becoming a licensed |
| people who are influential in your career | | | | professional in one of these fields. |
| field. Professional organizations, chambers | | | | |
| of commerce, and networking groups are great | | | | 4. Get Certified - When employers are looking |
| resources for meeting people who are leaders | | | | at hiring highly skilled professionals, they |
| in your field and community. As you cultivate | | | | want to be sure that the candidates they |
| mutually beneficial relationships with your | | | | choose do in fact have the skills to do the |
| networking contacts, you'll likely learn | | | | job. Earning a recognized certification in |
| about new job opportunities before they are | | | | your field is one of the best ways to prove |
| announced to the general public. | | | | your skills to prospective employers. |
| | | | |
| 2. Computer Skills - Having strong computer | | | | 5. Earn a Degree - One of the best ways to |
| skills is a key to success in just about any | | | | help yourself move up in your career is by |
| career field. People who keep up with the | | | | increasing and validating your knowledge base |
| latest software applications and operating | | | | with a degree. In many types of jobs, your |
| systems often have a competitive advantage | | | | pay rate is directly related to the highest |
| when it comes to being considered for | | | | level of education you have completed. |
| promotions and getting new jobs. Even if you | | | | |
| are very busy, there are a number of options | | | | Working toward an advanced degree in your |
| for inexpensive and convenient online | | | | field can demonstrate to your current and |
| training programs that can help you stay on | | | | future employers that you are committed to |
| top of the latest advances in computer | | | | long term career success. If you already |
| technology. | | | | have an undergraduate degree, a graduate |
| | | | degree can have a positive impact on your |
| 3. Professional Licensure - In many fields, | | | | earning potential. |
| there is a huge salary difference between | | | | |
| licensed and unlicensed professionals. Say, | | | | The power to boost your ability to make more |
| for example that you work in the office of an | | | | money is in your hands. The better connected |
| apartment complex. Because of your work | | | | you are and the more able you are to |
| experience, you might very likely have the | | | | demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and |
| skills needed to be a real estate agent or | | | | commitment to employers, the more control you |
| home inspector, and you could boost your | | | | will have over your future career success. |