Sometimes it feels the result is not worth the effort, time and cost of continuing education. Further education does not guarantee a better job or even employment. It is part of the equation though – to create a more valuable employee. More importantly, it will help create an employee who knows his/her own value, strengths, and skill sets.
Trying to Move Up the Career Ladder
Q. Hello,
I was wondering if there is any advice that you can give me, i** did a sage payroll course last year an i have been trying to get on to the payroll career ladder since then none of the companies want to employ anyone with no experience and i dont know what else to do. I am willing to take a pay cut and have thought about writing to a few companys to do work experience is there any advice that you can give me please
Thank you
Does Upgrading Skills/Taking Courses Guarantee a Job?
A. It's often difficult to understand why taking courses to further yourself and your career does not immediately open doors. The truth is though, it's not the course that's important, but what you do with that course and how it relates to your current career path. You don't mention what you are working in at the moment, but that you are willing to take a pay cut. Are you in an accounting or human resource area right now, or are you trying to get into that area? There's a big difference in the skill sets required to enter either department, or to move up the corporate ladder in those areas.
You have the right idea that you need some work experience, and contacting companies to work for them, especially if you meant trying to do some contract work to gain experience with payroll. But even to do contract work you'll need to show your skill set, so your first objective is to write out your skill set for others to quickly see – and for you to realize what you do have. Think about why you took the course, and how it does fit in with your current skills and future career goals.
Talk to HR/Accounting About Furthering Your Career
Is your present employment aware of your continuing education, and in particular this course? Have you approached anyone in Human Resources or Personnel about a move into payroll? A first step in moving up the corporate ladder is to let HR know you do want to do more than your present job. Talk to them about what other courses might help you do this for your present company, and how you can move into this area. Talking to your manager can also help, but depends on your work relationship with that person.
Good luck!
**Note – all letters are reprinted as received (typos and grammatical errors) but names and other identifying details are deleted.
Paym Bergson - Paym Bergson - freelance entrepreneur & career coach with extensive experience working in the educational/professional development ...
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