Top 3 Skills to Have in the Professional Field (and How to Become a Pro)

Written by Angie Torres

Graphic Design by Kiera Cockbain

Play Video about Four women exhibiting communication, problem solving, and organization; the three skills you need in your professional career

Skills, skills, skills… We all know we need to have skills to get a job. Skills are essential not only to GET the job but to DO the job, considering quality and efficiency. So yes, having skills overall is very important. But, how many do we need? And what kind? Skills depend on the position you’re applying for and what the company is looking for. However, everyone should have a few basic skills, no matter the field or their position at a company. Yep, no matter if you’re a baker or a banker.

This article will focus on communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. We will also share some super cool tips on how to improve them!

1. Communication Skills

It is very important to have effective communication in the workplace. It allows people to do their job in the best way possible and build relationships with coworkers, even with grumpy Betty from HR. We recommend talking about the past, present, and future to communicate effectively. Let us explain:

Talk about the FUTURE:

Set a deadline for your work. Use the future tense to set goals and make a plan for yourself! Tell your boss you’re going to work on that project they assigned and that you will give them an update by a specific day.

Tip: Make it realistic. If you said you would have a particular thing ready by a specific time, please make sure you actually do it! (you didn't? Oh… *awkward*).


Act in the PRESENT:

This is your time to shine by showing your super amazing breath-taking work. Keep your boss and teammates updated on what you’re working on and how it’s going. Here you can also ask for immediate help if you face an issue while working.

Tip: It’s essential to keep your team updated on what you are currently working on. By doing so, they will know you’re actually getting your work done and how amazing it is! 


Follow up about the PAST:

This part is about assessment and following up. Talk about your process once you have made some progress or completed a project. How was it? Did you face any challenges? What do you want to change for future projects? Let them know everything, even if they say “you don’t need to” (It’s all about improvement, Betty!).

Tip: This stage is crucial! Here is where you should highlight your hard work and discuss your work process. This stage will also allow you and your team to improve for future projects.

Don’t forget! When you give feedback to others, don’t forget to talk about the positive things you see in what you’re assessing! Giving feedback also includes giving praise. Let the other person know what they’re doing well! Forgetting to do so will make you look like a mean villain, and nobody wants that, right?

2. Organization Skills

Organization skills can be helpful in many aspects of your work life. There are even 5 kinds of organization skills! Organization skills help you to know what you need to do (task), what things you need to do it (resources), and when you need to do it (time). You will do your job more efficiently and effectively with good organization skills.

Many people faced remote work during the past two years. This experience let us work while wearing pajamas, but it also let us realize how well organized (or not) we are. The lack of peer pressure from our boss or coworkers forced us to learn how to manage and organize our time. In fact, having a more flexible work schedule is a benefit of working remotely. But we need to have really good organization skills to make it work!

Imagine how cool it will be if you can do the same thing in less time but with the same great quality? This can be achieved with outstanding organization skills! Here are the two main types of organization you can focus on:

Organize your TIME:

This is all about planning. Time management is key to being productive and working efficiently. Pay close attention to deadlines and prioritize tasks. When you plan your days, you won’t lose your mind or get overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done. You will know what you need to do each day!

Organize your RESOURCES:

Do you have everything you need to work on a project you were assigned to? Do you have a question or need help with something? Say it! Knowing your resources will let you get your work done faster and better!

3. Problem-Solving Skills

We all hate problems, and we don’t like to deal with them, right? But when an issue comes up, we should know how to handle them in the most practical drama-free way. We only like drama in our TV shows, not at work!

Here are three stages in the problem-solving process that you need to know and what you can do in each of them. Using this model will help you solve any issue you face! Even the ones caused by the office’s drama queen.

1. Identifying the Problem

Here is where you say, “we have a problem.” You should say if something becomes an issue so you and your team can work on a solution. But please, do NOT stop here! The people who only identify problems and do nothing to fix them are troublemakers! And trust us, nobody likes troublemakers. 

2. Offer Possible Solution

Once you identify the issue, give your opinion! Don’t hesitate to share what you think is the best way to solve the problem, even if Timmy thinks his idea is better.

3. Ask for Feedback

After giving your opinion about how to fix a particular problem, listen to what others think about it. Pay attention to everyone’s opinions! (even Betty’s). Sometimes other people think or see things you haven’t, and this could be beneficial to solve the problem!

So, let’s recap: Communication, organization, and problem-solving skills are some skills that will help you succeed. These skills will allow you to do your job effectively and efficiently. And who doesn’t want that?    

We hope the tips we shared today give you a better idea of how to improve your skills, so you can become a pro! 

For more helpful career advice, check out the rest of our blogs

Have a Super Day!

 

Angie Torres

When I was 18 years old, I decided to come to the United States to pursue my professional career and become a writer. Even though it has not been easy, I've enjoyed every step of the way! I have learned a lot during my journey, which inspires me to write every day.