Developing Skills Outside of Work
For example, you could volunteer to lead a local community group, such as Girl Guide's, Scout's, PTA, WI, Fitness Club etc...depending on your interests.
To complement the training and practical activity, you could also use one of our coaches to act as a sounding board to discuss your challenges, ideas, and reflect on the journey you are experiencing to refine and further improve your skills.
Business Development and Sales - If you are looking to develop your experience in business development and sales to lead the growth of a company you could attend a course on sales or sign up to an e-course and look to participate in a suitable activity.
For example, you could volunteer to help a budding entrepreneur to develop their business, you could start your own part-time business or you could become a self-employed sales agent for a product company like Virgin Cosmetics, Avon or Ann Summers.
Figuring Out can organise a work placement for you with a budding entrepreneur who would welcome the support, or our Striding Out Business Coaches we also help you develop your own business. www.stridingout.co.uk
Developing Skills in a New Industry - If you want to apply your skills to a completely new industry it's best to get some knowledge and experience of the industry you are looking to move too.
You should sign up to industry specific networking events, seminars or conferences that take place and research the latest trends and movements in the market place. You could undertake your own research study on the area of your interest and promote your findings to raise your profile and credibility in the industry. Alternatively you could approach companies and ask them whether there are any short term assignments you could undertake either paid or voluntary, which will help to get a foot in the door.
Figuring Out can support you during this process to reflect on your findings and experiences through career coaching and work placement brokerage.
By Heather Wilkinson, Career and Business Coach
