Jaycees to Jobs: Developing the Job Skills You Need

Whether you're looking for a job (or looking for a promotion) in the nonprofit sector or in the for-profit realm, having the right skill sets is key. But what if you don't have any (or enough) job experience in an area - such as fundraising, management, or marketing - that is required for the job you want? How will you ever get the experience you need to move up or change careers?

One way to gain "transferable skills" is to volunteer with an organization that will allow you to learn and then try out the skills you need. Transferable skills are those skills you learn from your college courses, volunteer work, hobbies, sports, etc. and that can be used on the job.

Here is a good list of the skills you may want to develop further to take your next career step. Many of these skills can be developed by volunteering with the Alexandria Jaycees - such as public speaking, event planning, interpersonal relations, management, communications, and research & planning. You can gain these skills by working with one of our vice presidents or directors on specific projects/events as well as by serving on the board of directors (which requires your active participation in projects). If you're interested in doing any of this, contact me and I'll be happy to share more or help you develop a plan for making your Jaycee experience helpful in your job search.

Of course, once you identify and develop your transferable skills, you need to work them into your job search or career advancement plan. Here's a simple outline of the steps to take to communicate your skills to prospective employers.