Importance of Career Development

If there's another employee at your current employer who can do your job, that means you can be replaced with that employee. However, if you have extra talents that can make your employer value you and need you to stay, this could potentially make your career last longer. It also can increase the ability to get a raise. Extra classes, various skills and loyalty to the company can make all the difference.

Career Enhancement

Research programs that can be taken to enhance your career. For example, if you are a web editor who is a whiz with technology, consider playing around with a Quark or Photoshop course to learn how to create layouts or some other computer program. If the company decides to take on a new Website look or print look, it helps if you already know how to use these programs.

Education

Find courses that will teach you how to do other tasks at work. Sometimes your employer will pay for these courses, and other times the employer won't. If you feel like it's necessary, shell out the money.

Identification

Pay attention to the other positions at your company in case there is downsizing or a merge. If you don't know what other employees do on different floors or in different departments, you may not know who is your competition.

Significance

Ask your boss what other tasks she'd like you to take on. Although some of your talents may be useless at this company, no one except your boss knows the tasks that are necessary.

Potential

Evaluating your resume can make an employer realize just how much of an asset you are to the company. Regularly update your resume when you have acquired a new skill, especially during annual evaluations when raises come around.

Time Frame

Set a goal of how long it will take you to learn a particular craft. Go to the library and read about it. Make sure to stay on track to learn it.

Networking

Attend conferences and meetings with other companies to find out different ways for your employer to profit. Sometimes a connection the employee meets can build clientele for the employer.