How can you identify hands-on training opportunities that align with your values?

1 Assess your current skills and values

Before you look for hands-on training opportunities, you need to have a clear idea of what skills and values you want to develop or enhance. You can use various tools and methods to assess your current strengths, weaknesses, interests, and motivations. For example, you can take online quizzes, ask for feedback, review your past performance, or create a personal SWOT analysis. Then, you can prioritize the skills and values that are most relevant and important for your career path.

2 Research the available options

Once you have a list of skills and values you want to work on, you can start researching the different types of hands-on training opportunities that can help you achieve them. Some examples are internships, apprenticeships, mentorships, shadowing, volunteering, online courses, workshops, webinars, or projects. You can use various sources to find these options, such as online platforms, networks, organizations, employers, or peers. You can also create your own opportunities by proposing ideas or initiatives to your current or potential employers or collaborators.

3 Evaluate the alignment and feasibility

After you have identified some potential hands-on training opportunities, you need to evaluate how well they align with your values and goals. You can use criteria such as relevance, impact, duration, flexibility, compensation, feedback, recognition, or growth. You also need to consider the feasibility of pursuing these opportunities, such as the availability, accessibility, cost, time, or commitment required. You can use tools such as pros and cons lists, ratings, or rankings to compare and contrast the different options.

4 Apply and prepare

When you have narrowed down your choices to the most suitable hands-on training opportunities, you need to apply and prepare for them. You can use strategies such as updating your resume, writing a cover letter, creating a portfolio, practicing your interview skills, or networking with relevant people. You also need to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the challenges and opportunities that come with hands-on training. You can use techniques such as setting SMART goals, visualizing success, seeking support, or celebrating achievements.

5 Learn and reflect

The final step is to learn and reflect from your hands-on training experiences. You need to be proactive, curious, and adaptable during your training, and seek feedback, guidance, and opportunities to improve your skills and values. You also need to reflect on your learning outcomes, challenges, and achievements, and document them in a journal, blog, or portfolio. You can use questions such as what did you learn, how did you apply it, what did you enjoy, what did you struggle with, or how did you grow.

Hands-on training can be a powerful way to advance your career and align it with your values. By following these steps, you can identify and pursue the best opportunities for your professional development.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?