What have you done recently to enhance your career? This question may not be upfront or front-most in your mind on a daily basis. You should, however, think about if you have plans on getting a promotion, career change. There are circumstances that may require exhibiting your professional proficiency. You need to be up-to-date in your industry knowledge in order to get ahead.

No matter the career – it is "ever-evolving". Consider doctors, nurses, computer operators or lawyers – it does not matter. New policies, laws and practices make continual learning imperative to staying on top of your game.

How to boost your knowledge:

Take a class or two even if you already have your college degree. Most colleges now have the convenience of on-line courses; you never have to leave your home. Attending classes will provide up to date learning. It will also provide the opportunity to network with others in your field to find out what other organizations are doing. You may be able to bring a few “best practices” back into your own organization.

Visit your local library. Reading the latest magazines and books to uncover trends does not have to be expensive. You can visit your local library and read the latest issue of a trade magazine which will bring you up to speed quickly. Some libraries also have electronic resources of journals they may not have in hard copy. Staying up-to-date does not need to be expensive, all it takes is a free library card.

Consider joining an association related to your profession to network with other industry professionals. Some associations will let you attend a few free meetings before deciding to join.

Subscribe to career related blogs. A word of caution, however, you may want to set up a separate e-mail account to handle all of the notification messages you will receive.

Staying on top of your profession is vital to your career. Whether you are looking for a promotion or considering a job change. Set aside time once a week to “catch-up” on your industry. Acquiring industry knowledge is a lot easier these days. Computers and the World Wide Web have made finding new, useful and up to the minute information on what is happening in your industry as easy as clicking a mouse.