Ten Ways To Acquire Marketable Skills

If you are over 50 and wondering if you are competive in today's marketplace, you are not alone. It can seem like an uphill battle. Since teaching the PlusProject, an AARP Foundation grant project, I have worked with 100 men and women over the age of 50 who are climbing that same mountain. Learning to look past the age bias, changing attitudes about jobs vs experience, and understanding how to make old look new again is a focus of the Plus Project. The class syllabus works with a range of subjects from customer service, communications, conflict resolution, marketing, and computer skills. Bringing students up to date, current in the technology and needs of the changing marketplace and helping them find their place in it is what the Plus Project is all about.

Here are ten ways you can acquire marketable skills that are relevant to today's workforce for the next 10 years.

 1)     project managers will be in high demand to work across industries, cultures and languages. Although one can manage, leadership is not an assumed skill. Volunteer for opportunities within your company to gain  experience and broaden network and transferable skills.

2)    t-shape skills give an edge to job prospects. The T-shape skill has a high level of expertise adding broad skills on top. Not viewed as a generalist but adjacent skills, ones that complement your expertise. Examples of this would be a receptionist that serves as project manager, or a teacher who writes curriculum.

3)    Exercise entrepreneurial skills. In a tough economy, it can be the perfect time to start your own business. Make a business plan to see the potential of an idea you may have brewing or a longtime dream or idea waiting for the right time.

4)    Networking is a necessary requirement for any job. It is who you know. Make friends with those in higher places puts you in a position of being recommended when an opening arises.

5)    Global domination may be the new business model but it also creates opportunities for working from virtual locations, as businesses look to claim a piece of the world market. Be flexible. Can you relocate?

6)    New tech is ever present and ever changing. Keep current by following trends and don't be afraid to try. Be comfortable with Google docs and analytics, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest. Take tutorials offered at companies or local colleges. Try YouTube videos or other online tutorials.

7)    Back to school is a fine way to increase or brush up on skills. Take stock, first, of what jobs you are interested in and the skills that will put you in good stead.

8)    Create networks through LinkedIn. Use categories to shape this network - those who are industry leaders or influential in the industry, colleagues, and people you meet who might be helpful in some area down the line.

9)    Get comfortable working with young people. Mentors, problem solvers, advisors are positions that maintain relevance in the field and continued relationships and opportunities.

10) Lateral moves can be better than moving up the ladder. Gaining new skills, showing flexibility and widening your network can be more valuable in the marketplace.

The changes in the marketplace demand flexibility from the employee. It also creates a greater focus on skills and opportunities to learn and experience new areas in technology. It can be exciting as well as terrifying, but boomers have always been up for a challenge.

Images: Flickr image by _Tristan_