4 Skills developed through work

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Figure 4 Skills

By now, you are beginning to see that all the roles in your life require you to have certain skills. Some of these roles may have been in a social context, others in paid or unpaid work situations. In this section, you will focus on roles connected to work in some way. All ‘work’ counts for the purpose of this section.

Have a look at the example of Myo below. Notice that it is not clear from Table 4 whether the jobs Myo did were paid or voluntary. This is not important since you acquire the skills whether or not someone is paying for your work. The table also shows when Myo has done similar types of job, but that her responsibilities might have been different, and so she was able to extend the skills she had developed.

Table 4 Myo’s work and personal achievements
DatesEmployer/organisation (include clubs, community groups, etc.)TitleResponsibilities, duties and activitiesTraining (include formal training, coaching and workshops)Skills developed
2000–2002Ocean SupermarketStore Assistant

Greeting customers and assisting with customer queries

Demonstrating new product features to customers

Maintaining sales records and stocktaking

Customer service

Product knowledge

Customer care

Numeracy

Presentation and communication

Self-motivating

Active listening

2003–2005Shwe Phon Co., LtdCashier

Checking payments from customers

Issuing receipts, refunds

Handling merchandise returns and exchanges

Resolving customer complaints and providing relevant information

Cashier training

Use of cash till

Bookkeeping

Handling cash

Listening and questioning

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

2006–2008ILBC School (International Language & Business Centre)Teaching Assistant

Setting up equipment, helping to prepare the classroom for lessons and tidying up afterwards

Providing support to children who need additional help with their work

Looking after children’s personal needs, including dealing with playground accidents and caring for children who are upset

Helping with school trips, events and outings

Supporting teaching and learning

English Language

Managing challenging behaviour

Basic computer skills

Time management

Conflict resolution

2009–2011Brahmaso Humanitarian Aid OrganisationAid Worker

Assessing emergency situations

Distributing humanitarian aid to people who have been hit by natural disasters

Coordinating and supporting the work of volunteers and staff

Liaising with government officials and donors

Basic First Aid

Project management

Team work

Empathy

Networking

Motivating others

Collaborating

2012–2014AA Medical Products LtdSales Representative

Presenting, promoting and selling products

Performing cost-benefit and needs analysis to meet customers’ needs

Establishing and maintaining positive business and customer relationships

Handling customer orders

Using stock recording system

Persuasive skills

Negotiation skills

Prioritisation

Organisational skills

Confidence using computer and sales record software

2015–2017Rainbow Bridge Distribution Co., Ltd.Sales Supervisor

Supervising the sales team

Analysing the current market conditions and competitor information

Monitoring, reviewing and reporting daily on the operation sales system

Leadership training

Leadership

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Report writing

Problem solving skills

Expertise using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint & Excel

2018–2020Rainbow Bridge Distribution Co., Ltd.Manager

Overseeing and leading the company’s operations

Recruiting and managing the employees

Planning and evaluating activities

Training new employees

Business administration and management

Managing budgets

Decision making

Multitasking

Developing business strategy

Use this example to help you with the next activity.

Activity 4 My work and personal achievements

Timing: Allow approximately 15 minutes

This activity helps you to look back over your own work and personal achievements and to decide what skills they have helped you to develop.

Copy a blank version of Table 4 into your notebook or you can also complete this in your Resource pack [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] .

Comment

After completing this activity, pause and allow yourself to feel proud of the abilities you have already developed. It is important to value what you can do. It will help you to present yourself positively to people who can offer you work opportunities.

Of course, work experiences are only part of the story. Any experiences that have helped you to learn can be just as influential in developing your capabilities. The next section, therefore, encourages you to review these too.

3.1 Evidence of my abilities

5 Skills developed through learning