by Norman Halls, contributor
Grads and present employees take notice!
What is it? The act or practice to diversify one’s career, in manufacturing to expand the variety of products, investing in a variety of securities, selling a variety of merchandise, etc., so that a failure in or an economic slump affecting one will not be disastrous. You mention the term diversification, most will relate it to business. But, individually, everyone should be on guard as to any variations in procedures that are happening where they are employed and can be recognize. Look for signs of change in the company, such as new processes, new equipment, management and cut of hours.
Think positive as to where you want to be in the next few years. You have to believe in yourself, be creative, be inventive, be a fighter, be alert, and be on your toes. “If we spend all out time working, traveling to work, planning to work, thinking about work, or communicating about work, then we will see ourselves as workers and nothing more. As long as work is going well, we can survive that way.” Peter Bergman, Diversify Your Self – Harvard Business Review. “But when we lose our jobs or our jobs are threatened – and whose isn’t these days? – then our very existence is in question. Establishing your identity through work alone can restrict your sense of self, and make you vulnerable to depression, loss of self-worth, and loss of purpose when the work is threatened.” According to Professor Paul Rosenfield at Columbia University.
This is the time for YOU to diversify your career. “What are the behaviors you need to do more of to succeed in your strategies?” asked David Astorino in APA Diversifying can enhance career satisfaction. You don’t need to reinvent yourself, just take the expertise you have and build on them. If you observe other employee doing an assignment that you do not recognize, make an inquiry. Ask around to find out what skills you need. You may have to take some courses. There are a number of on-line courses. You can change the way you market yourself. DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE CHANGES HAPPEN. Start learning and up-grading your skills as soon as you get employed.
Businesses are always looking to diversify, the technique reduces risks in the financial investments the company has made and to maximize a greater return. Bill Radin wrote in Career Strategy: It Pays to Diversify “When employers look for talent, they typically settle for people with proficiency to perform certain tasks. But what they really want – especially in today’s hyper-competitive market – is an adaptable breed of cat, whose broad-based set of skills crosses over into a variety of disciplines.” Radin continued “By gaining knowledge in areas that were formerly considered the domain of ‘somebody else,’ you’ll increase your overall market value. The more you can offer a multiple spectrum of knowledge – rather than a single color of skills – the less likely you’ll be to paint yourself into a corner.” That corner may have a door. Stay alert! “Many companies find value in employees who have a diverse skill set. Employers are often willing and eager to help workers who lack specific skills or who may have fallen behind the skills expectations for the workplace.” Wrote Damarious Page in How to Develop a More Diverse Skill Set in the Workplace.
Volunteer experience can give you a chance to learn new skills. As a person that is employed and spends time volunteering with different people, you can get a perspective of how others succeed in different tasks. With the experience you can get cross-trained. The work could bring you in contact with various committees, special projects with varied responsibilities and experiences. You can diversify your experience, and not get stuck in the same old job. There are a number of service organizations that give a person good experiences. I know the Jaycees have a number of events that promote Leadership, Personal Dynamics, Communication, Marketing and program promotion. You get involved in one program and you put together a business plan. The experience can give a person the skills he/she may never have otherwise. Such as speaking in public, running a meeting, planning programs and supervising other members at the event.
“Why diversification matters. You don’t have an option: We don’t mean to get all hard-line on you, but continued learning is no longer optional. Blame it on the 2008 economic collapse, ever-advancing technology, or the rise of startup culture, but these days change is the new norm in business, whether that means embracing new technologies that change how you create your product or new social networks that you use to promote it. Your work will improve: The more skills you have in your toolbox, the easier you’ll find it is to innovate and create. Even if you don’t do the bulk of your company’s writing, learning about storytelling will make you better at design and marketing. Learning how to give a presentation will make you better at blogging and in one-on-one meetings with clients. Whether you’re an employee or business owner, you need to be flexible and adaptable. Embrace those ideas, and the results will show in your work.” The Importance of Diversifying Your Skill Set by Kristin Moses
Build your skill strength: There’s probably a lot of diversity in you already. The next question is: How can you develop higher skills so you can adequately challenge yourself? What vehicle would work best to advance your career? Developing your skills begins with assessing which skills are important for your desired career development. Fostering an attitude of appreciation for lifelong learning is the key to workplace success. Continuously learning and developing one’s skills requires identifying the skills needed.
