Let’s do some brainstorming on how you can become the most valuable employee your employer has, especially during these trying times of COVID-19. Learn what you can and do what you can. The more valuable you are, the more chances your employer will try and keep you employed. If there are opportunities available within your organization, take advantage of them while you can. While your dream job may not be available for you right now, you can work towards it by using some of these techniques.
Find Opportunities
The easiest and quickest way to learn and expand is to find opportunities. If you see something that needs to be done, and you see that nobody is taking charge, ask permission to assume control. Not only have you found something new to work on to improve your organization, but you also show leadership skills that you are a go-getter and not afraid to learn and improve.
A Chance to Grow
If there is an assignment that is not popular with other colleagues, offer your assistance and make it a project others will be envious of. Learn what you can, make it better, and let others know of your accomplishments. If you are like me, you don’t like to toot your own horn. However, if you do not let others know, as someone else may receive credit for your accomplishment. When you announce your success, don’t be a braggart. You should use tact and finesse when expressing your accomplishments. The more you practice, letting others know your activities, the better you will get at it.
Team Player
When an announcement is made that a project will start, ask to be part of the team. Even if the project is something you are not familiar with, there will be something you can do for and with the team. Being a part of the team is a great way to learn new things (even small parts). The more you know the better you become. Arm yourself with knowledge and experience. You may not have all the answers, but at least you will have familiarity about who may have all the answers.
Educate Yourself
If you do not have secondary education, many organizations have tuition waivers, so you can attend college. Some organizations have reimbursement options, and they will pay the cost of tuition if you receive a passing grade. Secondary education is costly, so take advantage of this opportunity when you have a chance. Even if you have to take just one or two classes at a time, it is worth it.
Continuing Education
Free webinars, podcasts, and online courses are awesome ways to continue your education. This is a great way to boost your knowledge, and it is free! A lot of times you can listen to a tape, session, or episode during a break or during lunch, so not to take time off from work. After your session talk about what you learned. This is a good way to retain the information and to inform others who may be interested in the learned topic.
Volunteer
If you want to learn more about something, volunteering is a great way to learn, grow, and expand. Not only are you helping others, but also adding to your resume of accomplishments. You will meet new acquaintances, learn new skills, and develop new talents. Volunteering is a great way to open new doors to find careers or other opportunities you never thought of.
Exhausted?
You will never run out of things to do if you seek out opportunities and take advantage of them. You will have to be careful, so you will not do too much and burn out. These activities should be fun, exciting, and rewarding. If you see that you are struggling, because there is too much going on, take a step back and enjoy just a few things at a time.
All of the suggestions above are great ways to become an accomplished person to yourself and your employer. Knowledge is power, the more you know, the better off you will be. Good luck on seeking your next opportunities!
Angela Sheppard is a GovLoop Featured Contributor. She started working with the State Attorney’s Office 23 years ago. She first started as the receptionist and then progressed to the Diversion Program Director. While in her current position, she has shown initiative in community outreach activities, advocacy in prevention, and revitalizing programs. While working with the State, she has earned her Public Administration Master Degree, Certification as a Certified Florida Family Mediator, and a Graduate Certificate for Human Resource Policy Management. Angela spends her spare time volunteering as Board Chair with AMIKids, a non-profit school. She enjoys enrichment programs such as GovLoop.com and other educational media.
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