It’s no secret that we live in a competitive world, and the internet has given us more opportunities. Many years ago, people would get a job and stay with the same employer for the duration of their career – but things are different now.
Our society has become more career-minded, and work is no longer just about necessity because people want to feel good about their job and have a sense of purpose.
It’s no secret that career growth opportunities are important because they keep us motivated and inspire us to do our best work. But why are they so important? And how can you make sure that you’re taking advantage of them?
This blog post will discuss the importance of career growth opportunities and how you can make the most of them.
Does Career Growth Really Matter To People?
The short answer to this question is yes, it does.
According to a study by LinkedIn, 94% of employees said they’d stay in their current role if there were more progression opportunities. Total Jobs states that two in three workers quit a job if there’s a lack of development training.
It’s clear that opportunities keep employees engaged, and every business knows that it costs a lot more to attract new talent than to retain the talent it already has.
Luckily, many companies now recognise that their employees want to progress and develop their skills, so if you have the opportunity to do more training, you should absolutely take it!
Let’s take a look at why career growth opportunities are so important.
More Training Equals More Money
It’s no secret that people with more training make more money and the effects of the pandemic left many households in debt.
While many would agree that money doesn’t buy happiness, it does offer security which contributes to emotional wellbeing.
If you’ve ever experienced what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck every month, you’ll know how stressful it is.
However, if you develop your skills and become eligible for promotions, you can secure your financial future.
Increased Job Satisfaction
It’s not just about the money, though; job satisfaction is also a significant factor when it comes to career growth opportunities.
According to a study by Gallup, people engaged in their work are more likely to stay with their employer for three or more years.
People want to feel good about their job and have a sense of purpose, and career growth opportunities offer this.
When you’re given a chance to learn new things and progress in your career, you’re more likely to be satisfied with your job.
Better Opportunities For The Future
Employers want forward-thinking and proactive employees, and career growth opportunities give employees the chance to show their boss that they have these qualities.
If you take advantage of every opportunity given to you, you’re more likely to find work in increasingly competitive environments.
With new technologies constantly emerging, now is the time to skill yourself up and future-proof your career.
While it’s unlikely that AI and even robotics will impact most industries, the ability to adapt your skills and work with emerging technologies will ensure you’re versatile enough to compete with younger employees.
Build Your Confidence
When you face new challenges at work, it’s not just your skills that are being tested – your confidence is also put to the test.
If you can overcome these hurdles and succeed, you’ll feel more confident in your abilities, enhancing your work.
Career growth opportunities help us build our confidence and show us what we’re capable of.
Apply Your Skills To A Career Change
One of the best things about career growth opportunities is that they can help you explore different career paths.
If you’re not sure what you want to do with your life or feel stuck in a rut, then seeking out new opportunities can help you figure out what you’re passionate about.
It’s also a great way to test out different careers without committing to changing jobs.
So, What Can You Do To Make The Most Of Career Growth Opportunities?
Now that we’ve established why career growth opportunities are so important, let’s take a look at some ways that you can make the most of them:
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Skills Training
Employers know that progression opportunities are essential for employees, but it doesn’t mean your boss will always be proactive!
Never be afraid to ask for skills training because it shows that you care about your job and want to contribute more to the company.
Ask For Feedback
When you attend training courses, it’s always good to ask for feedback. It will help you identify areas where you need to improve and show your commitment to skill-building.
Keep A Learning Journal
Learning journals are an excellent way to document what you’ve learned in your previous training and development opportunities and any goals you have for the future.
Be Clear About Your Goals
When you’re clear about your goals, it’s easier for your boss to see how you can progress in your career.
Ensure that you update your resume regularly and keep a list of all the courses and training you’ve completed.
Also, think about how each training session moves you closer to an objective.
The Bottom Line
So there are just a few things that you can do to make the most of career growth opportunities – don’t be afraid to ask for feedback or skills training, and always aim to learn as much as possible.
The future looks bright for passionate employees, and businesses know that progression opportunities are the key to retaining their workforce and becoming a hub for attracting new talent.
Whether it’s first aid training or enhancing your skills as a plumber or electrician, there are plenty of opportunities to broaden your knowledge and diversify your career options.
If you enjoyed reading this post, you might like our other content. We regularly update our blog with the latest skills training industry news, including our 2021 Trade Trends Report.
