How to Boost Your Skills Remotely

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

How to Boost Your Skills Remotely

TResources to move forward when it feels like everything is uncertain. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the entire world to a standstill. That includes what has traditionally constituted professional development, with businesses cutting non-essential travel, flights being cancelled, and conventions and conferences have been called off or postponed.

This time can be used effectively to keep professional skills sharp for when the world returns to normal. “If you’re not earning, use the time to be learning,” Becky Frankiewicz, President of ManpowerGroup North America, recently said in an interview with Cheddar. “The economy will come back and you can position yourself now to ensure that you have the right skills and capabilities.”

Here are options for virtual learning that you can do anywhere, anytime.

Webinars and Online Training:

Many planned conferences that have been forced to cancel in-person events have provided alternatives through webinars and virtual forums, and at reduced prices or no cost.

Even if you weren’t planning on attending any upcoming conferences, the amount of affordable and accessible webinars that provide star power and high talent is worth thinking about.

Online learning courses are another option to choose, such as LinkedIn Learning and Percipico. Currently, we are offering 60 days of free access to Percipio, for those interested in online learning.

Listen to Podcasts:

In podcasts you’ll find authors talking about their latest books, researchers expounding on their discoveries and experts discussing methods to improve any professional field.

Search on Youtube or Spotify for keywords that you want to learn for work, such as public speaking tips, advice for management or productivity hacks. To make sure you’re hearing from an authority, look for podcasts that are hosted by someone with credentials that you trust.

Virtual Networking:

Coffee meets don’t need to end just because you can’t physically meet for coffee. In fact, you have more possibilities to reach more people if you choose virtual coffee meetings with people across the country or world. Reach out to people you admire to ask questions, learn from someone more experienced, and keep your networking skills on point with virtual coffee.

Reread Classic Business Books:

Physical libraries and bookstores are closed, but not many of us went to those anyway. Some online stores have begun shipping so you can order new business books online or access them on an e-reader.

You can also use this time to re-read (or finish) older business books that you have on your shelves. Consider what you have learned in the past, and if you need to brush up on anything else.

With the rapid pace of change, it can feel like surviving the daily battle is enough. But that means there’s never been a greater need to pursue continuous professional education. There has also never been a better time to learn for those who want to learn and keep growing.