Five Key Skills You Should Master for Your Job

in partnership with

Today's workplace isn't what it used to be. While there are plenty of reasons for this, technology is a big factor as is a shift in what most people consider important in regard to job satisfaction. In order to keep pace with such societal changes, workplaces are constantly adapting the type of skills they look for in new hires.

Don't be too concerned though. Open Universities Australia (OUA) and its university partners are well aware of what it takes to succeed. That's why we've teamed up with OUA to outline five of the core skills you need to thrive in every work situation. The best part? There's a fantastic range of relevant courses through university partners across Australia. Regardless of your previous education, you can enrol instantly in a number of uni subjects that will help you upskill quickly and excel in the workforce.

LEARN TO NAVIGATE THE CHANGING DIGITAL LANDSCAPE

We live in a time of rapid change, particularly when it comes to technology. In the modern workplace, you don't necessarily need to be the one pumping out code or building expertly designed websites, but it is important to have an understanding of how technology intersects with your work. Studying subjects like Digital Culture and Everyday Life with Curtin University through OUA allows you to get acquainted with the basics. You'll learn how the internet became a part of everyday life and its general impact on society and culture. If you're keen to get more in-depth, you can also take a look at more focused subjects such as Writing for Digital Media or Cyber Crime, which both offer very specific skillsets.

LEARN TO SET BOUNDARIES AND MANAGE YOUR TIME

Knowing how to set boundaries is a crucial skill in every aspect of your life. However, striking the right balance between work and play isn't always a simple task. When the lines blur (as they often can), it's common for anxiety and stress to arise, so knowing how to separate the two is a valuable skill to have. And when your student life is full-time online, meaning your university exists wherever your computer does, you'll quickly learn that those essential clear and concise limits are the only way to properly manage your time. While it may not be fun at the time, it'll definitely stand you in good stead later down the line.

LEARN HOW TO LEAD AND MANAGE PEOPLE

Leadership skills. We all know we're supposed to have them but how do you actually hone them? The answer is simpler than you think. Just by taking online university courses you'll learn how to keep up with deadlines and work autonomously — skills which many places look for in leaders. Or, if you want to take it a step further, you can study the 14-week Project Leadership and Teams course with the University of South Australia via OUA. You'll learn all about managing teams effectively, critical problem solving and understanding and harnessing different people's strengths and weaknesses. Plus, you'll gain some great interpersonal skills.

LEARN TO MAKE AND KEEP A SAFE WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

It should come as no surprise that workplace safety is critical. After all, everyone wants and deserves to work in a secure and protected environment. But what may come as a shock is that plenty of people don't even know their own workplace rights, let alone what to do if they suspect those rights are being violated. Enrolling in Griffith University's Work Health and Safety through OUA will have you up to speed with the 2011 Work Health and Safety Act in no time. Plus, you'll get a clear understanding of the main types of hazards at work — be it in the office or out in the field.

LEARN HOW TO BE APPROPRIATELY CULTURALLY AWARE

People from all sorts of cultural backgrounds are represented in the workplace. Aside from the fact that cultural respect and an understanding of one's own privilege should be an inherent part of life anyway, having that sort of awareness and the ability to lead by example can be extremely beneficial in a work setting. From working in teams and avoiding miscommunication to scheduling mishaps during religious holidays, studying something like Curtin University's Human Rights History Across Cultures and Religions via OUA is a great first step to building your knowledge of a diverse range of cultures beyond the western viewpoint. Because everyone deserves to be treated equally both in and outside of the workplace.

Start looking at all the subjects on offer online from leading Australian unis through Open Universities Australia and you could have a new skill by the end of the year. Hop to it.