Every person, no matter what profession, needs to update their skills. You can be a social worker, lawyer, accountant for 5, 10, 15 years and things change during that time. We all need to update out ‘Tool Kit’ as I call it.
While I received my MSW 15 years ago, I have never stopped learning and upgrading my skills. Sure, sometimes I do not have time as life gets in the way, but this year I have made it one of my top priorities. I have re-evaluated my professional interests, I have zeroed in on what is important to me and how I want to succeed professionally. All professions should do this, but it is even more important in some ways in the helping professions.
What is your passion? What niche or area is your true calling? What interests you most?
How can you upgrade your skills? These are the questions you need to ask yourself at the same time you ask yourself, “How can I best assist my clients?” “Should I try something different?” Do not be afraid to upgrade and do not be afraid to try something new.
SJS note – Great advice that we all should heed.
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I totally agree being out of graduate school for over 11 years it is imperative that we learn and grow. I enhance my skills by attending various conferences some of my favorite are Institute of Violence, Abuse, & Trauma International Conference, Blogher, Acts Movement, ADEC and Parents of Bereaved Parents.
I love attending conferences meeting new people and learning new information.
I am passionate about empowering teenage girls http://www.facebook.com/PricelessProject and grief and loss.
Thanks for the great article!
Ruby
http://www.facebook.com/PricelessProject
http://PricelessCampaign.org
Ruby, Thank you for sharing! I will attend a 1 day conference on NLP this weekend and know I will get quite a bit out of it…..
I also plan to ‘attend’ some conferences and upgrade my skills online which is a wonderful way to do it from the home or office environment. It allows us to learn and participate in conferences, courses, programs in England, the States and elswhere!