If you are lucky, your organization has one or more full-time trainers who handle the process of collecting and sharing skill update and development resources. An organized trainer stores all documents, websites and physical training aids in a central location and can easily find these resources upon request. Getting your hands on many kinds of job-related information is just a matter of asking the trainer.

It's never too soon to consult your company trainer about updating your skills and developing yourself for a specific promotion. In some organizations, it will take years for some positions to become available. Whatever your situation, get ready for anything.

The Difference Between Skill Updates and Developing for New Opportunities

As a busy professional, you want to prioritize the professional development activities that you ask your boss to join. Ask yourself this question. Is this a training opportunity that will help me perform my current job better or help me prepare for a promotion? If you plan on remaining with your current employer for any length of time, both types of professional development activities are worthwhile. They challenge you to learn new information and skills and apply them in your job. Some may even force you to grow more in a week than you did in a year in your current position.

The Need for Continuous Learning

The people who tend to excel in nearly every industry have a personal commitment to continuous learning. They constantly look for ways to acquire new information and skills. They think critically about their jobs and go to the most knowledgeable people in the organization when they need help with a problem.

Don't be afraid to ask for the skill update and development resources that you need to be the best.