By James R. Lint
Faculty Member, School of Business, American Military University
For most of us, having a job is critical to our finances, independence, and peace of mind. It is even a rite of passage for young people to be able to make it on their own.
Probably the first factor to consider would be your current employment status. Being employed makes it much easier to jump to a better job. If you are not employed, you have to think about why employers aren’t hiring you. It could be due to your lack of marketable job skills.
Conduct an Honest Assessment of Your Job Skills
Do you have the skills to get hired in the job you desire? Do you have the skills to acquire a higher-level job?
Be sure your expectations are realistic. Some people will want a great job paying $150,000 a year, while they live in a city with a population of 700. However, those high-paying, high-skilled and high-responsibility jobs are in larger cities.
To have a good career, be willing to move to new locations. Often, your new employer pays for that move.
How to Acquire Marketable Skills
If your marketable skills are low and not competitive in the marketplace, determine how to improve them. There are many possibilities.
Government Service
One way is to pick up new skills is through the military or the Peace Corps. The government has many ways where you can get skills while you earn a paycheck.
For example, the military offers you an opportunity to get supervisory experience. These leadership roles could be adapted for a manager’s job later on in the civilian world.
Business Internships
An internship is a great way to get your foot in the employer’s door and prove your eagerness to learn job-related skills. Internships are also a way for the companies to scout for candidates to hire in the future.
Many businesses have internship programs. Often, college staff will assist you in getting a summer intern job. At any time of year, you can also compete for internships online, so you don’t have to depend on a school.
[See also: “What You Need to Know About Virtual Internships.”]
Volunteer Activities
Consider taking a volunteer job. In an April 2016 Forbes article, “How Volunteerism Can Help Kickstart Your Career,” contributor Jules Schroeder stated, “Beyond being a personally gratifying and rewarding experience, volunteer work can do wonders for your resume. It’s a testament to your character and helps you build a new skill set.”
There are many online sites to search for volunteer jobs such as VolunteerMatch or Idealist. Both have large job banks for both volunteers looking for jobs and employers posting jobs.
Nonprofit organizations are a career field many people fail to explore. These organizations are good for short-term or long-term jobs and help you increase your experience.
Nonprofits have both paid and unpaid jobs. Sometimes, it’s worth taking an unpaid job to build your resume.
Continuing Education
College offers a way to improve your skill set and get skills desired in your career field. Although studying “Art of the 10th Century” may sound tempting, it may not give you the marketable skills you need for today’s marketplace. Look for a school that offers courses that provide a solid contribution to your skill set.
Consider online colleges, too. If you’re pressed for time, online colleges provide you with more flexibility than traditional brick-and-mortar colleges. Accredited online colleges offer many bachelors and master’s degrees.
If you’re concerned about being able to afford college, there are many ways to get into college with financial assistance. Student loans and grants are plentiful; check with your school’s financial aid office to learn about financial aid options.
Also, many employers such as the military, financial institutions and corporations offer tuition assistance. It is often surprising how many people do not take advantage of these educational opportunities.
For example, banks in large cities often offer tuition assistance to part-time employees who attend college. This way, banks get quality employees and improve employee retention.
Similarly, corporations such as Walmart offer some paid positions at multiple levels where employees have access to professional training or college tuition assistance. Check on your current or potential employer’s website to see if they offer these benefits.
Get Advice from Career Coaches about Your Marketable Skills
There are a lot of avenues to explore as you’re assessing your marketable skills. Universities have career coaches who are skilled in guiding you to new career options and solutions. The university’s Career Services staff conduct resume reviews and prepare you for interviews in addition to giving you necessary and up-to-date advice about the skills employers seek.
More Marketable Skills May Lead to a More Satisfying Career
Building your marketable skills can improve your chances of being hired at a better job with a better paycheck. By taking advantage of volunteering opportunities, internships or other methods of improving your skills, you’ll be more prepared for the demands of the job market.
About the Author
James R. Lint recently retired as the (GG-15) civilian director for intelligence and security, G2, U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command. He is an adjunct professor at AMU. Additionally, James started the Lint Center for National Security Studies, a nonprofit charity that recently awarded its 43rd scholarship for national security students and professionals. He has 38 years of experience in military intelligence within the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, contractor and civil service.
James was also elected as the 2015 national vice president for the Military Intelligence Corps Association. In 2016, he was accepted as a member of the Military Writers Guild. He has served in the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis and at the Department of Energy’s S&S Security Office. James had an active military career in the Marine Corps for seven years and also served 14 years in the Army. His military assignments include South Korea, Germany and Cuba in addition to numerous CONUS locations. James has authored a book published in 2013, “Leadership and Management Lessons Learned,” and a new book in 2016 “8 Eyes on Korea, A Travel Perspective of Seoul, Korea.”
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