If you’re currently in the market for a new job, then you may have realized that this process can take longer than you expected. Whether you are urgently looking for a new job or you have a little bit of time to spare, searching for a job while you are unemployed can be stressful.  

That being said, there are a lot of ways to make the most of your time while you’re unemployed. These strategies can better prepare you for your next job, help set you apart from the competition, and may even reduce the time it takes to land a job.  

If you’re unemployed and looking for your next job, then take a breath, budget wisely, and follow these steps.


## Don’t Give Up—What to Do When Jobless

Although you may be worried that your job hunt is taking too long, it’s important that you don’t get discouraged. Finding the right job is a lengthy process, and it’s common for it to take months before you land your first interview.

Unemployment is often a temporary setback that you face while you’re working towards your long-term career goals. As you prepare yourself for your next job, focus on the improvements that you’re making rather than the temporary circumstances that you’re in.


![A hiring handshake.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Strategies_for_Job_Seekers_Graphic_1_3d24204389.jpg)


## 5 Efficient Strategies for Urgent Job Seekers

It is important to make the most of your time while you are unemployed, especially if you’re urgently looking for a job. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to spare, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to prepare yourself for your next job and help set yourself apart from the competition.

Here are five strategies that can quickly help job seekers while they are on the hunt for a job. 


### 1. Update Your Old Resume

Updating your resume will not only identify your professional qualifications, but it can also make a lasting impression on potential employers. The key components of a strong resume include:



* Your contact information


* A brief professional summary, tailored to the job you’re applying for


* Relevant work experience


* Education history 


* Degrees, certifications, and professional licenses 


* Professional development achievements

There are also ways that you can leverage gaps in your resume to work in your favor. If a potential employer asks about the gaps in your resume, this is a great time to discuss how you used your downtime effectively to make yourself a more qualified candidate.

**For more information, check out our article on [navigating resume gaps.](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/navigating-resume-gaps) The REDC at Yavapai College also has resume experts to help you create the perfect resume to get hired fast. [Check out our career resources](https://www.ycredc.com/career-resources) to get started.**

![Bulleted list of ways to get the most out of your resume](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Strategies_for_Job_Seekers_Graphic_2_e3a2744471.jpg)


### 2. Create a Personal Brand Statement

A personal brand statement lets the professional world know who you are, what you do, and what you stand for. Aligning your online platforms with your personal brand statement will help you stand out from the crowd, network with other professionals, and maybe even catch the attention of potential employers. 

Professional online platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed are popular avenues for employment. By establishing your personal brand statement on these platforms, you can increase your visibility and decide how you want the professional world to perceive you. 

**Want to turn out a great statement? Check out our article about [how to write a personal brand statement](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/how-to-write-a-personal-brand-statement) and why it is important.**


### 3. Research Your Future Career

You should use the time that you’re unemployed to get a firm understanding of what your future career entails. Researching your future career can help you identify additional steps  that can better qualify you for employment and also get you up to speed for when you finally land the job. 


### 4. Research Potential Employers

While online platforms can be a great way to look for job opportunities, know that not all companies use them. By researching and reaching out to different companies, you can gain valuable insights into who may be hiring and what it may take to get hired.

Researching potential employers will also prevent you from getting scammed. Unfortunately, online scammers take advantage of job seekers with fake job postings and job offers. 

**Read our related article to learn how to [verify the credibility of companies](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/how-to-check-the-legitimacy-of-a-business) and avoid job offer scams.**


![A newspaper open to the Jobs Wanted page](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Strategies_for_Job_Seekers_Graphic_3_92945917f6.jpg)


### 5. Use Career Resources Provided by REDC

REDC at Yavapai College offers a long list of [career resources](https://www.ycredc.com/career-resources) to help you establish yourself professionally and make you a qualified candidate for hire. These valuable career resources are completely free, and they are easily accessible online. 

**Whether you need help preparing for an interview, writing a professional resume, or connecting with potential employers, REDC has the resources you need to take the next step in your career. [Learn more about how we can help job seekers](https://www.ycredc.com/job-seekers).**


## Set Yourself Apart With Education and Upskilling

Learning new skills through formal education is a uniquely beneficial strategy that can help you land a job in your dream career. Upskilling your current knowledge will help qualify you for additional jobs and teach you information that can’t be learned anywhere else.

Not only will you gain knowledge through upskilling, but you’ll earn certifications that will strengthen your resume and make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. Upskilling is a key component of professional development that is worth the time and effort that you put into it. 

**Read our related article to learn what [micro-credentials](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/micro) are and how they can help you land your dream job.**

![List of the benefits of upskilling.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Strategies_for_Job_Seekers_Graphic_4_09cf010e67.jpg)


### Take Online Courses at REDC

With the help of [REDC’s online courses](https://careertraining.ed2go.com/redcact/), upskilling has never been easier. These online courses are self-paced, meaning you can take as long as you need to get the education you require.

Whether you want to learn additional skills for your current career path or learn the skills that can propel you into a new career field, REDC offers the courses that can help you land your dream job.

**Read our related article to discover the many [benefits of online courses.](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/benefits-of-online-learning)**


What to Do When Unemployed: Strategies for Job Seekers

Are you currently unemployed? Do you feel like you hit a dead end in your career path? Is your current job not what you anticipated it would be? Are you looking for a career that has better opportunities?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you may be interested in starting a new career path. Your career should align with your interests and help you achieve your personal and professional goals. When you feel like your career is holding you back, then it’s time for a change. 

Whether you are unemployed or stuck in a job you don’t want, getting started in a new career can seem daunting. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help you get started in your dream job. 


![Two women discussing a job application.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/How_to_Start_a_New_Career_Graphic_1_b59825ac30.jpg)


## How to Decide on a New Career—Identifying Your Interests and Strengths

The first step in deciding on a new career is determining what your interests are. Look at your hobbies and figure out why you enjoy them. Do you enjoy reading and writing, creating art, solving puzzles, or being outdoors? 

Once you have a solid idea about your interests, assess your strengths. Think about which jobs and school classes you excelled at. When you have determined what your interests and strengths are, you can then research careers that are compatible with them. 


![List of tips for deciding on a new career.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/How_to_Start_a_New_Career_Graphic_2_13e33d5695.jpg)


## How to Find a New Career—Researching and Networking

After you’ve identified the careers that align with your interests and strengths, it’s time to look for job opportunities. Certain online websites like LinkedIn and Indeed are popular platforms that businesses use to post job openings. 

It’s also a good idea to research companies that are related to the career you’re after. Reaching out to these companies directly can lead to job opportunities, and, at the very least, they can let you know their requirements for employment. 


### Networking to Find a Career

Expanding your network is a great way to meet professionals in your desired career field and make connections that could lead to job opportunities. There are several ways to expand your professional network, some of which include:



* Networking events


* Job fairs


* Social networking sites


* Internships

While online job boards are great places to start looking for a career, you should know that most people are hired through professional networking. In fact, [nearly 85% of jobs are filled via networking](https://worldmetrics.org/networking-statistics/#:~:text=%22-,Nearly%2085%25%20of%20jobs%20are%20filled%20via%20networking.,-%22).

**The Yavapai County Regional Economic Development, or the REDC, can connect job seekers with local businesses through job fairs across Yavapai County. [Check out our events page](https://www.ycredc.com/events) to see what’s happening in your area.**

![A group of coworkers discussing an idea.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/How_to_Start_a_New_Career_Graphic_3_f74f28328a.jpg)


## Factors to Consider Before Starting a New Career

The first thing to consider is whether starting a new career is the right choice for you. Think about whether your current job can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. If not, then it might be time for a change.

Another factor you should consider is whether or not you are qualified for another career. Although a new career may align with your interests and strengths, many jobs require experience, certifications, or degrees. 


### Financial Factors to Consider Before Starting a New Career

Recently, job switchers that moved to a lateral position have seen up to an [8% pay increase on average](https://payinsights.adp.com/). Sometimes, however, starting a new career means starting at an entry level position. 

If your new career requires you to start at an entry level position, then you may experience a pay decrease. This isn’t always the case, and sometimes starting a new career can open up greater opportunities for higher pay than your current career does. 


## 5 Effective Strategies for Starting a New Career

Now that you’ve decided that starting a new career is the right choice for you, it’s time to take action. By using these effective strategies, you can ensure a calculated and smooth transition into your new career. 


### 1. List Out Your Experience and Achievements 

The best way to showcase your professional experience and achievements is with a strong resume. Your resume should be tailored to highlight the skills and experience that will translate to your new career. A strong resume will appeal to potential employers and help set you apart from the competition.

**Need a hand writing a strong resume? The [free career resources at REDC](https://www.ycredc.com/career-resources) can help you craft a resume that can catch the attention of potential employers.**


### 2. Research Potential Careers

Your new career should align with your interests, strengths, and experience. Also, you should identify which career paths can sustain you financially and bring you fulfillment. When researching potential careers, consider what the prerequisites are, if there’s opportunities for growth, and if it’s something you want to do long-term. 


### 3. Narrow Down Your Options

After researching what career paths you're interested in, you should narrow your list down to two or three careers. From here, you can identify the job positions related to your desired careers.


### 4. Upskilling

Learning new skills will ensure that you are qualified for your new career. Some jobs require specific skills and certifications in order to be considered for hire. Even if your next career doesn’t require them, learning new skills can bolster your resume and set you apart from other candidates.

**Upskilling your professional knowledge has never been easier with the help of [self-paced online courses at REDC](https://www.ycredc.com/courses).**


### 5. Apply, Apply, Apply

When you’re applying for jobs, you should research job opportunities thoroughly and keep track of the ones you applied for. After you have submitted your applications, follow up with the hiring managers to check-in and see what the next steps are.

**Read our related guide to discover [how to check the legitimacy of businesses](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/how-to-check-the-legitimacy-of-a-business) and avoid job offer scams.**


## Get Started in Your New Career With REDC

REDC at Yavapai College provides the tools you need to get started in your next career. Whether you want to connect with potential employers or brush up on your interview skills, [REDC’s free career resources](https://www.ycredc.com/career-resources) can help you every step of the way. 


### Upskill at Your Own Pace

At REDC, we make it easy for you to get the education you need to propel you into your next career. Our online courses are self-paced, allowing you to learn professional skills and earn technical certificates on your own time.

Check out our [online course catalog](https://www.ycredc.com/courses) to discover the courses that can help you kickstart your new career.


### Learn for Free With the QUEST Grant

Getting your education at the REDC is not only convenient, but it can be affordable too. The QUEST Grant can cover the cost of your online classes, letting you get the education you need without spending a dime. 

If you are worried that tuition cost is holding you back from getting started in a new career, [apply for the QUEST Grant today.](https://www.ycredc.com/quest-grant) 

How to Start a New Career—5 Effective Strategies

An effective manager or business leader should always keep an eye out for ways to cut down on waste. Eliminating waste—whether it’s costs, time, or manpower—will promote efficiency and growth within your business. 

One proven method of eliminating waste is a lean process. Although a lean process was originally developed to optimize manufacturing, it can be applied to nearly every industry to reduce waste and boost efficiency.


## What is Lean Process Improvement?

Lean process improvement is a methodology that emphasizes the elimination of waste within a process. To put it simply, a lean process helps you accomplish more with less. 

One of the most important aspects of this process is encouraging continuous improvement. To effectively implement a lean process, every level of the organization should be constantly looking for areas of improvement. 

![A single laptop and mouse open on a clear desk.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/What_is_a_Lean_Process_Graphic_1_661ab4319e.jpg)

## Eliminate Waste With the 4 Steps of a Lean Process

A lean process should be used at every level of the workflow process, and it can be broken down into four simple steps.


### Step 1: Identify a Problem

The first step in a lean process is identifying areas of improvement. Some of the most common problems that the lean process can improve are:



* Bottlenecks 


* Unnecessary expenses


* Overstaffing


* Overproduction 


* Delays


* Defects

Bottom-up communication is an essential part of identifying areas of improvement. As a manager or business leader, you should encourage your team to be on the lookout for wasted resources.


### Step 2: Identify a Solution

Now that you have identified a problem, it’s time to brainstorm solutions. To do this, you should work with your team to come up with a plan that will improve the affected process. Sometimes, multiple problems within a process can be solved with a single solution. 

**Read our related article to discover [creative problem solving techniques in the workplace](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/creative-problem-solving-at-work).**


### Step 3:  Implement the Solution

During this step, you and your team apply changes to the process that will hopefully reduce waste. Communication is vital during this step to ensure that your team is effectively applying the new changes. 


### Step 4: Monitor and Review Progress

The last step is assessing the new changes to determine if they are actually eliminating waste. Also, you should make sure that your team can effectively apply these new changes long-term. Although a solution may provide temporary improvements, you should ensure that it doesn’t negatively impact other aspects of the process. 

![Male office worker taking notes at a standing desk.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/What_is_a_Lean_Process_Graphic_2_ba7dd926fc.jpg)
## 5 Key Concepts of a Lean Process

Understanding the key concepts of a lean process is particularly beneficial for managers and business leaders. While the steps of a lean process should be applied at every level, the key concepts help eliminate waste at a larger scale. 

The five key concepts of a lean process include:



* **Assess Value**—Determine what the customer values in the product or service


* **Visualize Process**—Visualize which activities contribute to customer value


* **Identify Practices**—Remove any obstacles that can disrupt the team’s workflow


* **Pull System**—Implement actions based on actual customer needs, not based on forecasts or projections


* **Continuing Process**—Continuously look for opportunities to improve processes

These key concepts will optimize your resources while keeping you on track towards completing your business objectives. To ensure a lean process is performing consistently, the key concepts should be applied in a continuous cycle. 

**For more information on what makes an efficient business leader, read our related guide to discover the [responsibilities of project managers](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/project-manager-responsibilities).**


## Achieving Organization – 5 S’s of a Lean Process

An important part of a lean process is organizing workflow. To make it easier to remember, the organizational aspects of a lean process can be identified with the following 5 S’s:



* **Sort**—Remove unnecessary items from the work area, retaining only what is needed


* **Set in Order**—Every item should have a designated location to promote efficiency


* **Shine**—Keep the workplace clean and organized, make sure items are returned to their designated locations


* **Standardize**—Ensure workplace practices are consistent and every employee is aware of their responsibilities


* **Sustain**—Continuously engage with employees to review and maintain practices

By following the 5 S’s of a lean process, you can implement a workplace environment that encourages organization and consistency. 


## Putting It Into Practice—How to Implement a Lean Process

There are a variety of techniques that can be used to effectively implement a lean process. These techniques condense the important aspects of a lean process into routine practices that are easy to implement.


### Kanban Boards

Kanban Boards are visual tools that help manage workflow. They are especially useful for keeping track of timelines, identifying bottlenecks, and visualizing progress. Kanban Boards maximize efficiency by organizing tasks and improving workflow.


### Kaizen Philosophy 

Kaizen is a Japanese philosophy that means continuous improvement and change for the better. Kaizen recognizes that no system is perfect, and there should be a continuous effort towards perfecting a system with incremental improvements. This philosophy emphasizes collaboration, waste elimination, and continual optimization.


### Work in Progress (WIP) Limits

WIP limits are constraints on the amount of work that is assigned to an individual or team. These constraints are implemented to prevent overloading team members with tasks. WIP limits enhance productivity and quality by allowing team members to apply their focus on one task at a time. 


### Lean Six Sigma 

Six Sigma specifically targets defects in a manufacturing process. It encourages data-driven improvements to reduce product variation. When combined with a lean process, it helps manufacturers reduce waste and achieve a high level of quality and accuracy. 

**Want to learn how to implement Six Sigma into your process? We offer a [powerful, self-paced certificate](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/lean-process-and-six-sigma) that gives participants an overview of the Six Sigma methodology and some of the tools required to deploy Six Sigma in their own organizations.**

![List of 5 S's of a lean process organization](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/What_is_a_Lean_Process_Graphic_3_f6a087f006.jpg)

## Take Your Business to the Next Level With REDC

The Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College has the tools you need to help you scale your business. We collaborate with business leaders to provide a variety of growth-oriented services for you and your business.

We offer everything you and your employees need to upscale your business, from events and business connections to customized corporate training courses. If you’re looking for effective strategies that can take your business to the next level, consider checking out the [business services at REDC](https://www.ycredc.com/business-services). 

A planning board covered in sticky notes.

What is a Lean Process? Learn How to Boost Efficiency and Eliminate Waste

Everyone has been at a job or been in a situation where they’ve been burned by poor communication.

For instance, you arrive at the office and open your work chat app. To your dismay, you find out you missed a conversation that ended with the announcement that it’s a work from home day for everyone.

Or it’s getting toward the end of the day and you get a sudden email wondering if you’ll be able to get your project in on time. They think today is the due date, but you have it scheduled for next week. 

The issue with poor internal communication is that it negatively affects everyone involved. It confuses employees and creates chaos where there doesn’t have to be.

In this article we’ll cover:

- Why internal communication is important
- 9 ways to improve internal communication

## Why is Internal Communication Important?
Internal communication might not seem like a big deal, but without proper protocols, your business can become a mess. Here’s the reasons you should care about internal communication.
### It Helps Keep a Record
Having a record of communications, deadlines, and project procedures will help your business improve and cover itself in case something were to happen. A standard procedure for communication will make digging through these communication channels much easier.

Clear records are helpful to look back on to understand hiccups in a project and how things played out. Your business can use this information to improve procedures and learn from past mistakes.
### You’ll Avoid Miscommunications
Missing due dates, misunderstanding tasks, and other general confusions can be mitigated by implementing an internal communication plan. A good internal communication plan will include protocol for how to structure tasks and deliver those tasks to team members. 

Getting bombarded with random bits of information will confuse and frustrate employees. Good internal communication will negate this by ensuring that important information is delivered clearly and correctly.
![Image: a woman with brown hair and a jean shirt, standing but leaning over her laptop on her desk while talking on the phone. Text: over communicating can be just as confusing as no communication. a proper communication plan will mitigate this confusion.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Graphic_1_Improving_Internal_Communications_ce1b15d944.jpg)
### Your Employees Stay Tuned in
As the workforce continues to shift more to remote work, managers need to find ways to keep remote workers tuned into what’s happening within the organization. Standard practices for internal communications will do just that.

Standard practices like weekly check-in’s, organized chat rooms, and open door communication practices, will keep employees tuned into what’s happening within the organization, even if they aren’t physically there.
## 9 Ways to Improve Internal Communications 
An organization with poor internal communication will suffer from overcommunication, long meetings, and unnecessary conversations about things that have already been covered. Fixing internal communication within a business requires new policies, tools, and even a culture change.
![no image. Text: 9 ways to improve internal communication - create a standard operating procedure, keep communication guidelines available, choose the right tools, start from the top, keep channels open ot all, create a social intranet, organize, utilize emails instead of meetings, and try out 1-on-1s](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Graphic_2_Improving_Internal_Communications_e33810a30a.jpg)
### 1. Create A Standard Operating Procedure
If you really want to improve your organization's internal communication, you’ll want to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP). With an SOP everyone will be on the same page regarding:

- Who to communicate with
- What tools to use for communication
- Changes in policies
- The onboarding process
- Responsibilities

Creating an internal communication SOP requires:

- Evaluation of current tools
- Determining pain points
- Establishing goals
- Finding tools
- Modification when necessary

A good communication SOP will be built to change when things fail. Communication is something that can always be innovated upon and changed. If something isn’t working, revisit the plan and adapt.
### 2. Keep Communication Guidelines Available
Internal communication SOPs are useless if no one has access to them. These guidelines are important for maintaining the efficiency of your communication. So make sure your people can easily refresh their memory on the protocol. 

To do this, make your SOP documents easily findable in whatever project management tool you use. This could look like having a designated space for all important internal protocol documents including:

- Communication guidelines
- Project guidelines
- Project management set up guides
- Important onboarding documents

By keeping these protocols close, employees can quickly find the important information they need to successfully work in your organization.
### 3. Choose The Right Tools
Project management tools are vital to creating a productive working environment. They also help maintain communication.

Businesses are required to keep track of a lot of tasks and information. With a project management tool, you can keep track of due dates, internal check-ins, and documentation all in one place. 

There are a lot of great project management tools out there. A lot of these tools are specific to project types. [Jira](https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira) is great for software development, but Asana is good for keeping track of different teams. Depending on the size and scale of your business projects, you could choose a simple program like [Asana](https://asana.com/product), or choose to upgrade to a large workspace platform like [Basecamp](https://basecamp.com/features).

Whatever tool you use, make sure to use it to its fullest potential by learning all you can about it. Some tools can do some really cool things you wouldn’t think about at first glance.
### 4. Start from the Top
Start implementing change from the top. Those in leadership positions should know what’s working and what’s not. Use that knowledge to make your internal process smoother. 

Your leadership will also be able to establish and maintain an open door policy making communication channels more effective and helpful. Team members should be able to chat freely about projects and strategies to improve processes, that’s why an open door policy is so important.
### 5. Keep Channels Open to All
Internal communication when everyone’s door is open. Workers shouldn’t have to ask their team to ask their department lead to ask one of their team leads to ask someone in that team a question.

Cross department communication and open door policies are important for creating a transparent and honest perception of what’s happening within the business.

To implement an open door policy, define the policy in your organization and give employees ample opportunities to communicate with higher ups and other leads, managers, and team members.
### 6. Create a Social Intranet
Without the proper tools, creating open and helpful communication channels can be difficult. However, with the proper tools you can create helpful channels to keep your business organized and work culture healthy.

Software like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Chat, or Discord can help your business’ teams stay up to date. You can use them to create chat rooms for different projects or subjects. You should also consider creating a room for employees to chat about life outside of work. 

A social intranet will help create a positive work culture by allowing conversations to occur easily. Depending on the scale of your business you may need to spend some extra time making sure important messages aren’t getting drowned from responses.
### 7. Organize, Organize, Organize
Most companies have a shared drive everyone can look through, add to, or edit. For your business to be successful, you’ll want to keep those files as organized as possible. 

Create a workflow for people to use while adding documents, this will keep everything nice and tidy. You can organize by department, team, client, project, project specifics. By organizing this way, all documentation exists within a logical flow.

You should also organize your social intranet to include the proper people in the correct channels. If you have a chat room or thread for your development team, don’t include the employees on your video team.
### 8. Is This An Email or a Meeting?
Everyone has experienced attending a meeting you don’t have to be in. Sitting there listening to not important information while thinking about the tasks you have to complete by the end of day. It’s not great and it demotivates employees.

Running a successful meeting means inviting only those who need to be there. Meetings shouldn’t be used to get everyone up to speed on every little thing. Before scheduling a meeting, consider if there’s a better way to get the information across. You could use your businesses intranet to message only those who need to know, or you could send a company wide email. If your channels are open, employees can always ask questions there.

Improve your organization's internal communication by scheduling less meetings and writing more emails.
![image: a laptop with gmail opened on safari web browser. Text: if information from a meeting could have been covered in an email, send an email!](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Graphic_3_Improving_Internal_Communications_a6d73b576b.jpg)
### 9. Try Out 1-on-1s
A 1-on-1 is a meeting between two people. It’s not that wild of a concept, but when used in a  business setting it will help you catch issues in your workplace before they become major problems.

1-on-1s give employees a scheduled time to talk about their work - what’s working and what’s not. 1-on-1s should be scheduled by team leads with the people they lead. These meetings should include questions like:

- How are you enjoying your work?
- Have you learned anything new?
- Are there any pain points?
- Have you noticed any areas that need improvement?

Over time these meetings will become more and more invaluable for improving your business.
## Improve Your Internal Communication With the REDC
Internal communication is something that requires constant maintenance and adherence to guidelines. Managers and owners alike can benefit from a healthy internal communication process while employees will enjoy working in an open and ever improving workplace.

The REDC helps businesses achieve healthy and helpful communication by offering important [services to Arizona businesses and employees](https://www.ycredc.com/business-services). Your business can receive employee training and consultation with industry experts. 

[Get in contact](https://www.ycredc.com/contact-us?reason=To+Become+a+Partner) to start leveraging all the resources available to your business.


A meeting of young, diverse people sitting around a wooden table with laptops

Improving Internal Communications in the Workplace: Why It’s Important and 9 Ways to Do It

How do employees and team members know what to do? Does every team member talk to the client and develop a plan for what they’re going to do? Is it free for all? You should hope not.

A project manager is responsible for keeping projects ticking along. They’re also responsible for setting goals and project plans. 

In this article, we’ll cover the important skills needed to be a project manager and how to develop those skills.


## What Skills Are Needed for Project Management?

Project managers are responsible for organizing, planning, and overseeing projects from inception to completion. This includes:



* Checking how projects are going


* Procuring needed resources


* Assigning tasks to team members


* Setting the scope of the project


* Assuring quality


* Interfacing with clients


* Managing deadlines and time usage

As you can tell, project managers take care of a lot of important tasks. A skilled project manager will be able to maintain clients’ expectations, assign tasks to the correct people, and set appropriate deadlines, all while maintaining close communication with clients and team members.

There are several soft and hard skills needed to be a stellar project manager. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the skills you should practice. 

**If you’re ready to get on the fast track to a career in project management, we offer a self-paced, online [Google Project Management certificate program](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/coursera-google-project-management). In this course, you'll learn in-demand skills at your own pace, no degree or experience required.**

**Related Articles: [What Does A Project Manager Do?](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/project-manager-responsibilities)**


![Office workers gethered around a project manager, who is displaying charts and looking at a laptop with them.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/How_to_Improve_Your_Project_Management_Skills_Graphic_1_b8c9354a2a.jpg)


### Clear Communication

Communication skills are important for anyone in a managerial position. Whether you’re leading a team of four or a department of 150, knowing how to communicate well will make your job a lot easier. 

Wordy or circular language is hard to understand and even harder to create action steps from. Project managers should be effective communicators. That means cutting out the fat and synthesizing messages to the bare minimum. 

Without clear communication, a project manager can expect projects to take longer than they should, and team members to get flustered. 


### Organization

Overseeing every aspect of multiple projects from start to finish requires pristine organizational skills. Most projects will involve people from different departments working on various tasks throughout the project.

A project manager should be able to effectively organize projects logically and assign tasks appropriately. They’ll also need to stay organized on the lifecycle of projects and when to check-in. Because project managers will be walking multiple projects through completion, it’s important for them to stay on top of tasks by staying organized.


### Delegation

To see a project to completion, a project manager needs to be able to delegate responsibilities properly. This means they’ll need to understand what department does what and who would be the best person for the job.

It’s not as easy as that though. Project managers need to understand their team members’ bandwidth and calendars. They’ll have to take care of their team members to ensure no one gets swamped or overwhelmed.


### Critical Thinking

Project managers don’t just assign tasks and check-in. They create roadmaps to kick off projects. This requires critical thinking skills.

Project managers need to be able to know and document all the tasks a project will need. They’ll need to be able to consider any roadblocks that may come up and the order of tasks. 

**Related Articles: [Top Soft Skills For Leaders](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/top-soft)**


## 5 Ways To Improve Project Management Skills

Project management can be a fun, engaging, and fulfilling career. However, if you’re expecting to get into this field without prior training or experience, you likely won’t have much success.

These are the best ways to grow the skills that are important for project management.


![List of 5 ways to improve project management skills.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/How_to_Improve_Your_Project_Management_Skills_Graphic_2_817c46d5a3.jpg)


### 1. Learn About Good Communication  

Good communications are brief. It shares exactly what needs to be shared without any excess language. However, it’s also shared with the people who need it and is delivered in a proper tone.

Consider the tone and what is most important in the message, and exclude everything else. If you’re sending an email to ask a question, put it at the top of the email, don’t bury it under a preamble.

Improving communication skills is something that will have to happen over time. There’s no one thing you can do to instantly get better at it. You can always practice writing and ask for feedback to learn what good communication looks like.

**Related REDC Course: [Communication Strategies](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/redc-communication-strategies)**

**Related Articles: [10 Tips For Running A Meeting](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/tips-for-running-meetings)**


### 2. Take A Course On Organization

With the amount of YouTube videos and TV shows about organizing homes, office space, and even habits, it’s obvious that organization is not a natural skill for most people.

Everyone can learn how to organize. To do so, start small. Tidy up your desk and update your calendar. However, if you want to use your organizational skills to work in project management, you’ll need to increase your skills.

**The Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College offers a [course on organizational skills](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/redc-organizational-skills). This course will teach you about setting goals, making plans, and staying organized to see those goals to completion.**


### 3. Seek Feedback

While taking courses and practicing project management, always ask for feedback. Project managers are in the business of people. Without knowing how other people think you’re doing, you won’t know what areas you need to improve in.

The need for feedback includes every aspect of project management. 


### 4. Practice Practice Practice

You can take all the courses you want, there will always be unforeseen roadblocks in every project. Being able to foresee potential issues and building a project around those is a great skill to have, but how do you develop that? Practice.

There are two ways you can exercise your project management skills:



1. **Practice**: If you’re able to take on minor project management skills at work or other environments, do it! Set dates, assign tasks, and use tools to follow the project to completion.


2. **Shadow**: Find a successful project manager and learn from them. This is one of the best ways to learn about project management. While shadowing you should ask about what their day typically looks like and how they approach projects.
It will take a while before you’re able to foresee and plan for roadblocks. However, the more you experience it, the better you’ll get.


### 5. Get Personal

Project managers are responsible for delegating tasks and making sure their team isn’t drowning in tasks. If you want to get better at project management, learn more about your team.

If you want to get used to managing people, talk to them. Get to know what they do for the team, how they do it, and what their calendar looks like. If you’re actively working as a project manager, Set up a tool or find software so you can easily see how busy your team members are. 


## Prepare For Your Career At REDC

Whether you’re looking to start a career in project management or a different career, the REDC at Yavapai College offers resources to upskill and find career opportunities. 

[Online courses](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/all?page=1) let you learn independently or within an online class setting, and [career resources](https://www.ycredc.com/career-resources) like job fairs set you up for finding the job that’s right for you.

A project manager with a screen showing a kanban board of tasks: to do, in progress, testing, and done.

How to Improve Your Project Management Skills

[A study by UKG](https://www.ukg.com/resources/white-paper/mental-health-work-managers-and-money) found that 60% of employees worldwide say their job is the biggest contributing factor to their mental health. Another study found that [half of the workforce feels somewhat valued, and 1 in 10 workers don’t feel valued at all](https://www.hrdive.com/news/workers-feel-undervalued-workhuman/639999/).

When employees feel undervalued and like work is dragging down their mental health, they are more likely to leave their job.

That’s where employee motivation comes in. With proper incentives, benefits, recognition, and pay, employees will be more motivated to provide top-notch work.

In this article, we’ll talk about why employee motivation is so important and how you can improve it.


## Why is Employee Motivation Important?

Employee motivation helps create a productive, innovative, and fun working environment. Without motivation, employees won’t have a good reason to produce quality work or find a new job. Motivated employees are more likely to continue at their workplace and contribute positively. 

Employees are your most important asset. Taking steps to ensure they’re motivated and happy with their work will improve their lives inside and outside of the workplace.


## How to Improve Employee Morale and Motivation

Keeping employees motivated will improve the overall success and growth of your business. Motivating employees isn’t something you can do every once in a while. It’s something that needs to be baked into how your business operates.

These are just some of the ways you can improve your employee’s morale and motivation.


### 1. Public and Private Recognition

This might surprise you—people like to hear they’re doing a good job. When someone goes above and beyond, or even just gets their work done well, let them know you’re happy with the results.

This shouldn’t be formal. Keep it genuine by offering real praise for a job well done. This reminds the worker that they’re doing a good job and that they’re on the right track.

![Two people working at a shared desk in an office.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Copy_of_How_to_Motivate_Employees_Graphic_1_c99f9a9264.jpg)

### 2. Fair Compensation

There’s not much worse than getting paid less for work you could get paid more for. Employees who aren’t getting paid their full due won’t want to stick around. 

Fair wages are not central to your location anymore. With remote work becoming the norm, your workers are more likely to look at national averages to find how much their work is worth. Try your hardest to match that.

This might be harder for some companies due to the scale of business. This can be offset with other perks and benefits—but keep in mind, if your employee is making 30k a year and could be making 75k a year, don’t expect them to stick around for a long time. 


### 3. Perks & Benefits

Let's say everyone working the same job was paid the same across the board. What would make your workplace stand out?

Perks and benefits motivate employees because they make your workplace a better place to be a part of. Healthcare benefits are a necessity for most people. If you have good health plans available, you’ll be able to attract and keep top talent.

Perks that motivate employees are: 



* Flexible hours


* Retirement plans


* Tuition assistance


* Gym membership


* Good amount of paid leave

Available perks will inform potential and current workers what you care about. Including a mission statement about how you support families, but not offering paternity leave, will make workers question your intentions. Create perks that align with the core values of your business.

![A desk set up by a window with plants, notebooks, and laptop.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Copy_of_How_to_Motivate_Employees_Graphic_2_a41b727746.jpg)

### 4. Upward mobility and education

Getting into the office and doing the same thing day in and day out can be monotonous and boring. Offering learning opportunities is a great way to inject new interests into the workplace.

When people learn about their work, it gets them outside of their bubble. They don’t only learn new skills but they gain insight into the present and future state of their career. 

As you offer more learning opportunities to your workers, start fostering upward growth in your organization. Offering raises and giving leadership positions often will motivate workers to keep providing top-notch work to your business.

**There are countless education options you can find online. Although, they are not made equally. At the REDC we provide businesses and individual students with learning opportunities that match their goals. If you’re a business looking to motivate employees through online learning, [get connected and start finding what you need](https://www.ycredc.com/business-services).**

**Related Articles: [Investing in Employee Development](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/investing-in-employee-development)**


### 5. Create a Nice Workspace

Working in a dingy, dangerous, or disorganized workplace won’t just decrease productivity, it will discourage your workers. A nice workspace will set up your workers to get their jobs done successfully. 

You can do this in several ways:



* **Create a welcoming environment**: A nice workspace doesn’t just happen. You’ll have to spend some time, effort, and potentially money to make your working space as inviting as possible.


* **Let people work from home**: Instead of working to create a nice working environment, give employees the option to create their workspace however they want it to be. 

Your efforts spent making a welcoming working environment or offering money to help people work from home will pay off.


### 6. Have Fun and Offer Slack-off Time

Dan Ariely, an author known for creating interesting experiments that show the [predictably irrational nature of people and economics](https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/16/books/review/Berreby-t.html), found that pizza and praise could be a better motivator than money. 

In his study he found that [employees who were offered pizza became 6.9% more productive.](https://www.thecut.com/2016/08/how-to-motivate-employees-give-them-compliments-and-pizza.html#:~:text=After%20the%20first%20day%2C%20pizza%20proved%20to%20be,4.9%20percent%20as%20compared%20to%20the%20control%20group.) Those offered a compliment, 6.7%, and those offered a small cash bonus Had a 4.0% increase, but that plummeted into the negatives shortly into the experiment.

Announcing to your staff that they won’t be getting cash bonuses at the end of the year, but they will get pizza every Friday is a sure way to lose talent. However, it’s an interesting look into what motivates people. 

Scheduling fun and simple events like a pizza party will help create a greater sense of community and help you keep talent central to your operations. The truth is, everyone needs a break sometimes, and weekends aren’t always enough.


### 7. Offer Realistic, Performance-Based Incentives

Motivation is something that is constantly being attacked by boredom, stress, and outside influences. As a business leader, you can help keep your workers motivated by offering performance-based incentives, but only if they’re realistic.

Incentives don’t have to be tied directly to productivity, like selling x amount of cars, delivering x amount of packages in x amount of time. They can be review-based. Providing quality work for a client, innovating in a new way, and fostering a healthy work culture are all activities that can be incentivized.

How you structure your incentives is up to you and your business, but they shouldn’t cause additional stress to workers by dangling a carrot just out of reach.

![A large, shared office space with long desks and decorative lighting.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Copy_of_How_to_Motivate_Employees_Graphic_3_4afc3b31d2.jpg)

### 8. Facilitate Better Work-Life Balance

A healthy work-life balance is important to live a healthy life. How does your business plan to help workers have a good balance between work and family?

Paid time off (PTO) is a great motivator for employees. It’s good to know that if a vacation is needed or if sickness hits, they won’t need to worry about losing pay. This frees them of additional stress and helps them enjoy their job more.

Work and life don’t become balanced by offering a bunch of paid time off, although that’s a good start. Customer, client, and employee expectations are also important. If you don’t want your people working on weekends, tell them that and let clients know they can’t contact your team outside of working hours.


### 9. Create a Friendly Team Culture

Who you work for is just as important as who you work with. Creating a healthy team environment will let employees more easily collaborate and motivate them to work hard.

Workplaces that are plagued with team politics, drama, backstabbing, and overall bad vibes will not foster creativity. A healthy culture won’t just motivate employees, it’s necessary if you want your business to thrive.

Creating an open and friendly environment might be easier said than done. However, if you focus efforts on finding talent that will contribute to positivity you’re in the right direction. That means not only looking for talent, skill, or expertise but looking for emotional intelligence as well. 

When considering a new hire, find out what their past bosses have to say about them. Do they have a track record for positivity or are they problem causers?

**Related Articles: [How To Become a Better Team Player](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/how-to-become-a-better-team-player-group-dynamics-at-work), [How To Set Team Goals](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/set-team-goals)**


![Employees laughing and talking in a circle.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Copy_of_How_to_Motivate_Employees_Graphic_4_7815b9e658.jpg)

## Find Resources For Your Business At REDC

The REDC is dedicated to bringing services to businesses throughout Yavapai County. From networking opportunities to education options, we’re here to provide economic and workforce development opportunities. 

[Connect with us today](https://www.ycredc.com/business-services) to begin bringing your business to the next level.

Coworker looking at a screen together and discussing ideas

How to Motivate Employees: 9 Ways to Improve Your Business

An effective leader is not only necessary for the productivity of a team, but is also a major contributing factor towards [the success of an organization](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705817310950#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20leadership%27s%20researchers%2C%20effective%20leadership%20is%20a%20key%20analyst%20of%20organizational%20success%20or%20failure%20while%20examining%20the%20factors%20that%20lead%20to%20organizational%20success). A strong leader can make hard decisions, accomplish an organization's goals, and provide inspiration to their team members. Although some people view themselves as natural born leaders, there are a variety of leadership skills that can be learned to make anyone an effective leader. 

Learning professional leadership skills is beneficial for those who are already managers and for those who hope to become a manager in the future. Let's take a look at why formal leadership training is important and how it can be beneficial for you and your organization. 


![Coworkers mingling in an open office space.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Benefits_of_Leadership_Training_Graphic_1_6c0de20f75.jpg)


## Why is Leadership Training Important?

Most hard skills and technical training can be learned over time by working in any given industry. Leadership skills are considered soft skills, and there are fewer opportunities in the workplace to learn them. While it is common for workplaces to offer managerial training programs, they are mostly focused on the technical aspects of the job rather than bolstering the soft skills that an effective leader needs. 

Some of the soft skills that contribute to an effective manager include:



* Critical thinking


* Conflict resolution


* Relationship building


* Strategizing 


* Creativity 

Leadership training provides the opportunity for someone to develop the necessary soft skills that may be difficult to learn on the job. Building leadership skills is beneficial for you, your team, and the organization you work for.


## What Are the Benefits of Leadership Training?

Leading others can prove to be a challenging responsibility. Formal leadership training equips you with the skills you need to manage effectively and confidently. Being confident in your ability to manage will not only help you handle challenges, but also provide your team with a professional work environment. In addition to helping you become an effective and confident manager, here are five more benefits of leadership training. 


![Bulleted benefits of leadership training.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Benefits_of_Leadership_Training_Graphic_2_acc5404d7c.jpg)


### 1: New Opportunities

Leadership training can open up new opportunities for you and help you advance in your career. By going through leadership training, you will learn a valuable skill set that can make you eligible for promotions and higher-level positions. This new skill set will distinguish you as a professional and help set you apart from other potential candidates.

Leadership training also presents the opportunity to meet other driven professionals. Meeting with like-minded individuals can expand your network and may open up pathways to new opportunities and collaborations. 


### 2: Personal Growth

In addition to the professional development that comes with leadership training, it can also help you grow personally. A leader is a well-rounded individual who is effective at accomplishing goals and facing challenges. Leadership skills translate to your personal life, helping you become confident, capable, and decisive. Improved interpersonal skills are another benefit of leadership training that can help you in your personal life.


### 3: Boost Company and Team Performance

A trained leader is equipped to make important decisions and develop effective strategies. On a large scale, a leader can help set actionable objectives that contribute to a company’s growth and success. Companies also rely on their leaders to provide informative feedback that will help them set goals for the organization’s future.

On a smaller scale, a trained leader can be the determining factor in the success of their team. Effective leaders encourage team cooperation as they work towards their goals together. Managers also have the ability to motivate and inspire their team by establishing a professional environment and leading by example. 

**Read our [article on becoming a manager](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/new-manager-challenges-direct-reports) to discover the common challenges that new managers face when leading a team for the first time.**


### 4: Identify Areas for Improvement and Take Action

Leadership training helps individuals identify weaknesses both within themselves and the company they work for. After these issues are identified, a trained leader can set forth an achievable plan of improvement. The process of identifying weaknesses and taking action to improve them contributes to a work environment that encourages continuous growth. 


### 5: Discover Your Management Style

Leadership training helps individuals assess their own management techniques and learn new ones. Learning new management styles will help a manager tailor their leadership approach to fit the specific needs of their team. Adapting to the specific needs of the team will promote cooperation and help identify the strengths of individual team members. 

**Want to know your management style? Check out [this article](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/what-is-your-management-style) to learn the pros and cons of different management styles.**


## How Much Does Leadership Training Cost?

The cost of leadership training depends on the level of education. Introductory courses are lower-level courses, and they’re typically less expensive than higher-level training. 

Lower-level courses teach specific skills, and they can normally be completed quickly. Higher-level training courses provide a more in-depth education, and they usually require more time to complete.

## REDC – Helping You Get the Education You Need 

The Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College offers a variety of free educational programs. 


Our [leadership courses](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/all?page=1&category=supervisors-and-managers) are online and self-paced. This allows you to easily fit your courses around your busy schedule and take as much time as you need to complete them. REDC at Yavapai College makes it affordable and convenient to get the formal training you need to become a more effective leader. 


Two female coworkers talking in an office building.

Five Benefits of Leadership Training

The computer science field is a high-demand industry that is growing rapidly. Don’t expect that to change anytime soon. According to the [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm), computer related occupations are expected to grow at a much faster rate than average over the next 10 years. 

This is great news for those looking for high-paying jobs in[ computer science](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/is-a-computer-science-degree-worth-it). Occupations that are in high demand will typically offer a higher salary. Today, we will take a look at five of the highest paying computer jobs and what their roles are.


## Computer Science Degrees - Are They Worth It?

Almost every major computer science career will require you to earn at least a bachelor’s degree. As we all know, this will require years of time and thousands of dollars. 

If you have to take out large loans and acquire massive debt, a degree will not be worth it. However, a  computer science degree will help you land a career that could earn you a large salary in the future. 

By taking advantage of online courses, certifications, scholarships, and financial aid, you  can lessen the financial burden of student loans. Overall, if you can afford a computer science degree, then it could be worth it.

**Still unsure if a computer science degree is worth it? Check out our [related blog](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/is-a-computer-science-degree-worth-it) for a more in-depth look on what it takes to get a computer science degree, and whether or not it would be worth it for you.**


## Computer and Information Research Scientists


![A male office worker at a desk with a computer.](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Top_Paying_Computer_Science_Jobs_Graphic_1_cdca84b53d.jpg)

The median salary for computer research scientists is $136,000 per year. This is the highest paid computer science job, and for a good reason. 

The role of a computer and information scientist is to develop innovative uses of computer technologies. They work at the forefront of computer science in a variety of fields, both in the government and the private sectors. 

Computer research scientists work hard to develop solutions to computing problems. This could be improving networks to make them more efficient, or creating software to solve difficult tasks.


### Requirements

To become a computer and information scientist, you will typically need a master’s degree. Beyond the degree, you can specialize in a variety of fields, such as programming or robotics. You can find some roles for the government that only require a Bachelor’s degree as well.  

This is the highest paying job because computer research scientists are the leaders in technological innovation. If critical thinking and problem solving is your strong suit, this may be the career for you. 

**It should come to no surprise that the biggest companies in technology today, such as Google, are the leaders in computer and information research. If you’re interested in learning Google’s approach to computer science, the REDC at Yavapai College offers [Computer Science Courses](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/all?page=1&category=computer-science) that will teach you everything from Google UX design to IT support, at your own pace.**


## Computer Network Architects


![Network panel & cables](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Top_Paying_Computer_Science_Jobs_Graphic_2_3144819601.jpg)

The role of a computer network architect is to create and build data communication networks. This can be local or broad networks that serve as the data highway for computer systems.

Computer network engineers have the responsibility of ensuring the networks are designed and implemented properly. This involves preventing and assessing network issues, as well as maintaining data security. 


### Requirements

The average salary of a computer network architect is $126,900 yearly. To become one, you generally need a bachelor’s degree. On top of a degree, you will need to have experience in the field. This can be as a network administrator or a computer systems administrator. 


## Software Developers


![Someone working at a laptop in a coffee shop setting](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Top_Paying_Computer_Science_Jobs_Graphic_3_63a2a4fee4.jpg)

The median pay for software developers is $124,000 yearly. Software developers can find themselves working in a wide array of fields, from computer systems design to manufacturing. It is an occupation that is in high demand because of its many applications.

As a software developer, you would typically find yourself working on a team to complete projects. Team members normally include:



* Developers 


* Quality Assurance Analysts


* Testers 

The software team works together to design, implement, and maintain successful software projects.


### Requirements

To start a career in software development you’ll need a deep understanding of coding and all things development. You won’t need a bachelor's degree, but it could help kick start your career.

You may find that some employers will require a master’s degree, but this depends on the role level. To qualify for higher positions, you will need to have relevant work history and experience.


## Database Administrators

The median salary for database administrators is $112,000 per year. As a database admin, you will be responsible for creating and organizing systems to store data securely.  In addition to that, you would need to routinely backup and restore data to prevent loss and blackouts. 

Databases store a variety of important information. This could be financial, proprietary, and personal information for businesses, their customers, and employees. It is a big responsibility for database administrators to make sure that all data is organized and secure.


### Requirements

To become a database administrator, you will need to have earned a bachelor’s degree or have a deep understanding in computer science. This could be in computer and information technology, or a related engineering field. Some employers will require applicants to have a master’s degree due to the sensitive information that the database architect would be working with. 


## Information Security Analysts

The median pay for information security analysts is $112,000. The role of security analysts is to utilize security measures to protect computer systems and its data. This is a crucial job in both the private sector and for the government.

This role also comes with a lot of responsibility, because you are protecting an organization's private information. Security analysts should be vigilant in checking for vulnerabilities that would allow for data breaches. Organizations and their employees put their trust in information security analysts to actively protect their sensitive data. 


### Requirements

For this role, you would normally need a bachelor’s degree. In addition to a related bachelor’s degree, most employers will require work experience. Also, there are a variety of certifications that would be beneficial. Some popular certifications are Security+ and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).



## Land Your Dream Job

Although money isn’t the only factor to consider when picking a career path, it certainly plays a big role when it comes to making the decision. Most of the high paid computer science jobs start with a formal education. However, it is possible to begin your career in computer science without a formal degree. 

With the help from [online courses](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/all?page=1&category=computer-science&category=computer-applications), it has never been easier to get the education you need to start your dream career. 

***All median salaries are sourced from the [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/)**


Top Paying Computer Science Jobs

Improving yourself at work can provide profound benefits to you and the organization you work for. As an individual, improving how you work can teach you valuable skills that translate into your personal life. On a larger scale, self-improvement at work can increase your job performance and make you a more valuable team member.

Identifying areas of improvement at work can be difficult, especially when you’re past the training period of your career. That being said, there are plenty of ways you can improve yourself at work to grow both professionally and personally.


## Growing in Your Career: 5 Things to Improve on at Work

There are several skills that you can improve to enhance your work performance and your personal life. These skills are essential to learn regardless of your industry, job role, or where you’re at in your career path. Five of the most common things to improve on at work include:



* Time management
* Communication
* Teamwork
* Critical thinking
* Organization

Let’s take a look at these skills in detail to determine how they can benefit you and your career.


### Time Management—Improving Efficiency

Improving your time management will help you meet deadlines, complete tasks quickly, and even overcome procrastination. Poor time management can cause you to be inundated with tasks, leading to increased stress and decreased job performance. 

Managing your time effectively can also improve your work-life balance. When you spend your time at work efficiently, you can spend less time at work and more time on relaxation, hobbies, and family.

**REDC’s [time management course](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/time-management) can teach you how to make optimal use of your time.**
![benefits of improving time management: meet deadlines, complete tasks quickly, overcome procrastination, improve work-life balance](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Graphic_1_dentifying_Areas_of_Improvement_at_Work_18f7d7b622.jpg)
### Communication—Improving Interpersonal Skills

Improving your communication skills will enhance your relationships, promote collaboration, and reduce misunderstandings. When communication skills suffer, it can decrease team performance and workplace morale.

Communicating effectively not only includes how well you express yourself, but also how well you listen to others. Communication is a two-way street, and an important part of improving your communication skills involves improving your active listening and emotional intelligence. 

**REDC’s [communication strategies course](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/communication-strategies) can teach you how to communicate effectively at work and in your personal life.**
![benefits of improving communication: enhance rlationships, promote collaboration, reduce misunderstandings, improve listening skills](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Graphic_2_dentifying_Areas_of_Improvement_at_Work_92085bcae3.jpg)
### Teamwork—Improving Team Performance

Improving your teamwork can help you delegate tasks, increase your support, and enhance goal alignment. Poor teamwork can negatively impact a team’s efficiency, communication, and morale.

Overall, teamwork allows an organization to work together to complete difficult and complex tasks. When one member of a team suffers, it can impact the performance of the rest of the team. An efficient team will communicate frequently and balance workload evenly.

**REDC’s [teamwork and team building course](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/teamwork-and-team-building) can teach you how to achieve peak team performance as a team leader and team member.**
![benefits of improving teamwork: delegate tasks effectively, increase team support, enhance goal alignment, complete complex tasks easier](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Graphic_3_dentifying_Areas_of_Improvement_at_Work_7bf265d968.jpg)
### Critical Thinking—Improving Problem Solving

Improving your critical thinking will help you make better decisions, develop effective strategies, and accomplish your goals. Without critical thinking, you and your team will have issues with completing difficult tasks and identifying effective solutions.

Critical thinking allows you to come up with creative solutions to difficult problems. It can also make you more adaptable to unexpected challenges. By improving your creative thinking, you can enhance your current capabilities and prepare yourself for greater responsibilities in the future. 

**REDC’s [critical thinking course](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/critical-thinking) can teach you how to utilize logic and reasoning to solve problems in your career and beyond.**
![Benefits of improving critical thinking: make better decisions, develop effective strategies, accomplish your goals, increase adaptability](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Graphic_4_dentifying_Areas_of_Improvement_at_Work_6374631e4e.jpg)
### Organization—Improving Workflow

Improving your organization can reduce stress, enhance your focus, and maintain consistency. A lack of organization often leads to frequent errors and inefficient use of your time and energy. Organization helps you mitigate roadblocks that can disrupt your workflow. 

Some of these roadblocks are physical, such as having a cluttered workspace or missing the necessary resources to get the job done. Other roadblocks are conceptual, and they can be poor planning or inefficient processes.

**REDC’s [organizational skills course](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/organizational-skills) can teach you the skills needed to boost productivity and remove workflow roadblocks.**
![benefits of improving organization: reduce stress, enhance focus, maintain consistency, remove workflow roadblocks](https://redc-strapi-backend.fly.dev/uploads/Graphic_5_dentifying_Areas_of_Improvement_at_Work_461d474a06.jpg)
## How to Find Opportunities for Improvement at Work

One way to identify areas of improvement at work is to perform a self-assessment. To do this, you can ask yourself specific questions that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Some of the questions to ask yourself include:

* Which aspects of my work lead to stress and frustration?
* Which aspects of my work do I excel at?
* What can I improve to enhance my productivity and efficiency?
* How can I help my team and coworkers?
* What does an ideal employee look like?

Discussing your work performance with your supervisor or team leader is another way to find opportunities for improvement. They can help you identify the skills that are most beneficial to you and your professional development. 

**Read our related article to discover [what professional development is](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/what-is-professional-development) and how it helps you grow your career.**


## Putting it into Practice—How to Improve Work Performance

Once you have identified which areas of improvement you want to work on, it’s time to take action. While you’re working on addressing your areas of improvement, you need to hold yourself accountable and keep track of your progress.


### Seek Advice from Others

To start, you can ask your coworkers and friends how they navigate the challenges you’re facing. Seeking advice from others can provide you with valuable insights and a fresh perspective. You can also ask someone to help you monitor your progress and hold you accountable for achieving your goals.


### Improve Your Skills With Formal Education

Taking professional and personal development courses can drastically accelerate your self-improvement. These classes provide you with an extensive education that can’t be learned elsewhere. If you want proven methods for addressing your areas of improvement at work, development courses are your best option.

**Curious about the benefits of online certificates? Check out our article on [the benefits of online certificates](https://www.ycredc.com/blog/are-online-certificates-worth-it).**


## REDC Helps You Improve at Work

At REDC, we have the courses and resources that can help you improve at work and grow your career. Our courses are online and self-paced, meaning you can get the education you need on your own time. If you are looking for a convenient and affordable way to develop your professional skills, REDC is here for you.

Check out our [online course catalog](https://www.ycredc.com/courses/all?page=1) to view the many different courses that can enhance your career skills. 

A woman sitting on a table where her colleagues are gleefully planning work. She's holding a clipboard with a pie chart, triumphantly looking at the camera.

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