How to Continue to Grow Your Skills While Working Remotely

At the start of 2020, many of us spent time outlining goals and areas of growth for both our professional and personal lives as we kicked off the new year. As we wrap up 2020, we’re now reflecting on our accomplishments from the last year, and with COVID-19 leaving most of us working from home the past nine months, we might feel a little less accomplished than years prior.

As we head into 2021 and begin to set a new list of goals, here are some tips to continue to grow professionally while working from home.

Continue to Network

Even though the days of going out for coffee or happy hour are postponed for now, there are still many ways to continue to network. At HMA, we have introduced virtual media meetings, coffee dates and utilizing LinkedIn to continue to grow our professional relationships.

Learn a New Skill

You may have been putting off learning graphic design, how to edit videos or even learning a new language. Since working from home frees up a little time since we’re not commuting to and from the office or to meetings, use this time to learn the new skill you may have been putting off, read a professional development book or attend a virtual seminar.

Ask for feedback

Instead of waiting for your annual review, take the initiate to ask your boss for feedback on how you’re doing, what you could do better and how you can continue to grow in your position. This gives you the opportunity to be proactive and make sure you are on the right path to continue to grow professionally.

Be Proactive

And speaking of proactive, even when working from home, try to take the initiative to lead even if you weren’t asked or expected to do so. Before your next meeting, prepare the agenda ahead of time or brainstorm some story ideas for your clients that can be used for the next couple of months. Being proactive will continue to help you grow in your position and show your colleagues and boss that you are willing to learn even from home.