How to Become a Senior Training Specialist?

In order to enjoy a successful career as a training specialist, these human resource industry professionals must have a few well-developed soft skills, such as:

• Analytical abilities.
• Leadership techniques.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Advanced research abilities.
• Strong communication skills.
• Organizational aptitude.
• Adaptability.
• Enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

Improving your skills as a training specialist is much easier when you know where to head. Develop your teaching and performance assessment skills with a degree. Most entry-level training specialist jobs require a good foundation for educating others.

You can earn a bachelor's in a related field, like human resources, business administration, and adult education and training. Your studies will hone in on key subjects that provide a distinct career advantage, like:

• Adult learning.
• Human development.
• Teaching methods.
• Educational psychology.
• Communication and public speaking.
• Commonly used presentation software.

Most employee training specialist positions require 2 to 5 years of experience, so how do you make that happen fresh out of school? To gain experience in this rewarding field, use one of these strategies:

• Take advantage of your college's internship programs.
• Secure an entry-level position in a company's Human Resources department.
• Enter the field through an unrelated teaching career.
• Consider volunteering, especially with a leadership role.

Another successful approach to breaking into this exciting career field is to learn a second language. Bilingual training specialists are in high demand across multiple industries. This highly lucrative asset can open up doors for positions with international companies or with businesses that employ a workforce of non-English speakers.

To further set your resume apart from other applicants, consider earning your Master of Business Administration (MBA). Having this advanced degree may be exactly what you need to move up to a management position with a higher earning potential and more responsibility, such as supervising other training specialists.

Some employers prefer candidates with a human resource certification. These credentials further demonstrate your credibility and proficiency. Choose from numerous voluntary certification programs designed for people working in the employee training field.

The combination of a college education, practical experience, and a certification, such as the ATD Certification Institute's Certified Professional in Talent Development program, may provide you with more opportunities and a better chance for advancement. Expect to pass an exam and bring at least five years of work experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education to the table before you enroll.