Staying Relevant in an Ever-Changing World

By Brandon Swenson February 18, 2021

How to Get Ahead and Stay Ahead

How do you get ahead—and stay there—in a world that’s constantly changing? Persistence, determination, a penchant for learning, and certain essential skill sets that can be applied to a range of in-demand career fields.

This past year has shown us that change is the only true constant. But it’s also proved the value that can be found in pivoting your strengths to new ends.

At Grantham University, we are committed to helping students prepare for success, both in school and beyond. That starts with offering online programs that give graduates relevant skills that align with the needs of the marketplace, even one that’s evolving.

Here are four essential skills you should consider investing in when making your next career move:

Effective Communication

You might have guessed that the first skill set on the list would involve communication. Being able to communicate effectively—in person, on the phone, via email or text—is a critical skill no matter what career path you hope to embark upon.

Maintaining open lines of communication with your superiors, direct reports, clients, and customers can allow you to build a successful department, company, or career. Failing to do so can trip you up constantly.

One of the best ways to develop your communication skills is with a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication. This Grantham program helps graduates learn how to use critical thinking skills, solve communication problems, and use the appropriate communication skills across a variety of settings and purposes.

Data Management

In our increasingly cloud-based world, managing data has become an essential role across nearly every industry. Businesses, nonprofits, service organizations, they all have a commitment to their customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders to ensure the data they collect is stored securely and efficiently.

Understanding the science behind data storage and sharing can help you effectively analyze information and put relevant knowledge to good use—without putting anyone’s privacy at risk.

Grantham’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology has a variety of programs that can help you learn these skills. From cyber security (including a Bachelor of Science and a Cybersecurity Concepts Certificate) to the Information Systems Bachelor of Science and Information Management Technology Master of Science programs, we’re eager to help you succeed in the world of data management.

Project Management

If data management is related to the nuts and bolts of an operation, project management is being able to see the big picture. When a team is made up of only subject matter experts, it can be easy to lose the forest for the trees, as they say. You need someone who can direct a project toward the end goal without getting lost in the details.

Being able to apply past strategies, current knowledge, and cutting-edge theory can be an invaluable tool in any number of fields, from technology and healthcare to retail, manufacturing, finance, or government.

Grantham offers project management programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels to help you meet your education goals. Whether you’re looking for a Project Management Certificate Program or a Project Management MBA (Master of Business Administration), we can help you prepare for a PM career.

Strategic Leadership

Leadership is a skill that can be put to use in any situation. Particularly during difficult times and periods of upheaval—whether major changes like we’ve seen during the past year or smaller shifts within an organization or team—we need good leaders.

But while it’s a highly coveted strength, it’s not one that we often get real training to hone. Leadership doesn’t have to be left to chance, however, or deemed an inherent quality that can’t be learned.

Grantham’s Master of Science in Leadership breaks down the relevant factors that are important to building good leaders, from strategic communication and emotional intelligence to management, ethics, diversity, and trust. You can get what you need to create leadership success.

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Ready to find the right program to help you get ahead in the year ahead? Our admissions team would love to talk to you about how Grantham can support your education goals! Contact us today to learn more.