Working World

While some experts are saying the recession has hit the bottom and things should start to improve soon, we’re not out of the woods yet. Layoffs are still happening and companies often need to downsize to meet new budgetary goals.     

To make sure you’re not one of the expendable ones, keep your skills sharp and add some new ones; it will give you an edge when the VIPs are making decisions. Then, even if you are handed a pink slip, you’ll be more qualified to hit the job hunting trail than ever before, and able to compete more effectively for the fewer available jobs. Send a memo to your supervisor outlining your efforts (courses taken, certificates earned) and make him/her aware of your improved qualifications.

Educate Yourself

Take an advanced course in your own field. Find out from your boss what specialized knowledge would be most useful around your office or workplace, then study to become an expert and fill that niche.

You could also broaden your knowledge base by taking some courses in a completely different area — again, with the guidance of your supervisor — in order to become more versatile and able to take on more tasks. If you are an accountant, for instance, perhaps business writing could round out your skills in a useful way. Many classes can now be taken online, making it easier than ever to get smarter in your spare time.  

Foreign Language Skills

Being bilingual is a key to success in a multicultural environment such as Los Angeles. One UCLA professor has estimated there are more than 200 identified languages spoken in L.A. County.

Depending upon what your company does and who its customers are, being bilingual can give you a distinct advantage over co-workers who are not. Begin learning a second language, or work on becoming fluent if you already have the rudiments of one. In addition to better job security, studies indicate bilingual candidates can earn between two percent and 10 percent more money than their monolingual counterparts.

Leader of the Pack

If you have an interest in a leadership position with your company, consider brushing up on your negotiating or public speaking skills. Many management courses are offered in negotiating. Some, such as those offered by the American Management Association, can be pricey, so find out if your employer is willing to pay for such training (perhaps in return for your commitment to stay a certain length of time). Or you can read books on the subject on your own, such as the classic You Can Negotiate Anything by Herb Cohen.

As far as public speaking, it is often said to be the most dreaded activity and most universal fear of people around the globe. But that just makes those who can do it even more rare and special. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization that teaches people how to be comfortable in front of an audience. Small local groups meet weekly to learn and practice public speaking skills in a supportive and constructive environment. Find a club near you.      

Step Up

Don’t be just a face in the crowd. Volunteer for assignments that will develop your talents and get you noticed for your community spirit, team building, writing or organizational skills. Be the fire/earthquake safety monitor, edit a company newsletter or take charge of organizing the holiday party. If your company supports a charity, get involved in a high-visibility way. Sure, it’s a lot of extra (unpaid) work, but better too much than too little. When you work over and above the call of duty, the higher-ups often take notice; and that will lessen your chances of being let go.   

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Helpful Tips

Thanks to the Internet, you don’t have to pony up hundreds of dollars to learn a new language. Check out these cost-free alternatives to cracking open a book:

BBC Languages
Whether you’re looking to master essential phrases in multiple languages or honing in on one foreign tongue, this site is full of multimedia materials to help you along the way. Take an audio course in Greek or sign up for a 12-week beginner’s course in Italian. It’s up to you!

LiveMocha
For the group learners, you can be part of an online learning community that is currently more than two million strong. Each language has 160 hours of lessons, plus tips from native speakers. The downside: It only teaches languages that use the Latin writing system.

Podcasts
http://odeo.com/categories/27-Education
www.podcastdirectory.com/category/Education

Databases like Odeo and The Podcast Directory, or even the education category in iTunes, can aid your attempt to embrace a new culture. These are especially helpful for auditory learners.

Suzanne Ridgway is a freelance writer and regular columnist/contributor for Working World and Working Nurse magazines. Suzanne also writes grant proposals for nonprofit organizations.