To develop a strong competitive edge in your career, it is crucial to have a dynamic skill set. As a job seeker or employee, you need to satisfy new skill requirements to earn a job in your chosen career or to progress in your current profession. The struggle begins in knowing which skills help move your career up the next level. To simplify things, these skills as usually a combination of technical and interpersonal abilities that help you perform the job.

As companies adapt to fast-paced changes in the working environment, they also try to keep up with the latest ideas, technologies, and processes. Thus, they highly value potential employees or workers who can contribute both hard and soft skills.

Here are ways to effectively expand your skillset and become a high-value target to employers.

BE WELL-INFORMED. Know more about the industry you are part of, or you belong to. This will help you focus on the skills you really need. Stay up to date on industry news, trends, and challenges to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to fill in the gaps. Be innovative to make an impact.

A good understanding of industry-specific subject matters will help you interact with confidence with the people in your field. This will help you easily connect with your contacts through a common ground.

INVEST IN A MEANINGFUL HOBBY. Find time for activities outside work such as hobbies, sports, and even part-time jobs. This will provide soft skill experiences by highlighting the other aspect of your personality while keeping you motivated and active. Some studies show that employers are attracted to candidates who have skill-based volunteer experience on their resumé since it proves that they have leadership skills.

MAXIMIZE LEARNING. One notable benefit of digital transformation is that development tools are now more accessible. This means you can acquire or improve your skills at the comfort of your home. If you just look hard enough you’ll stumble upon free online courses. You can also explore career-related courses by attending online workshops, and seminars. Of course, don’t forget to take advantage of company trainings.

With the increasing demand for a new workforce model, companies provide opportunities for skills learning and development. Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc. (Sun Life Grepa) is one of those companies that puts a strong focus on ensuring their workforce with future-ready skills through various professional enhancement programs.

“The world of work is changing fast. Offering our employees training and skill building in different fields will keep them prepare for the future and will also keep them engaged that helps boost employee retention,” says Pinky Moreno, Head of Human Resources Management and Development Group of Sun Life Grepa.

Your skillset determines your qualifications for a role. Effectively expanding your skills to enhance your career profile will make you an invaluable talent. Use these strategies to help you identify the dynamic skills you need for personal career advancement.

Set your sights on a company that invests in their employees by developing future-proof skills. Join the Sun Life Grepa team and become Partners Beyond a Lifetime.