What is upskilling and why do you need it if you’re focused on advancing your career? Upskilling is the process of learning new skills to broaden your skills. To upgrade your skills, you might enroll in night classes, short courses, master’s programs, or other professional training. This is a way to advance your career and get it on the fast track. Let’s look at some compelling reasons you should upskill.
Upskilling Helps With Career Mobility
Having the right qualifications for the job will give you an edge over other candidates and make it easier for you to secure that dream job. Acquiring new skills also will give you a better chance at promotion within your company. When you master new skills, your employer will see that you are committed and willing to learn, and that’s a mark of a good employee and future leader. Employers value learning new skills, and they would prefer to hire those who are committed to lifelong learning. This can be especially helpful if you’ve been stuck in a rut and feel like you have reached a plateau in your career. Upskilling can get you “unstuck,” no matter what stage in your career you’re in.
Upskilling Helps Keep Your Skills Fresh
Technology progresses rapidly. It’s easy to fall behind as technology advances and you don’t keep up. Even if you’re in a career that doesn’t change a lot, you need to be aware of and stay up to date with the latest technologies. Many employers seek employees who are not only competent at what they do but who can also speak intelligently about the latest technological advances.
Upskilling makes you prepared for any changes in the future. The world is constantly changing, and the ability to adapt is a great advantage, especially if you want to remain relevant in your industry. Maintaining your skills as a professional is essential, but you should also understand how technology impacts your industry. Upskilling helps you do that.
Upskilling Keeps You Mentally Stimulated
When you upskill, you keep your mind and intellect stimulated. Since the time you entered school, you were encouraged to keep challenging your mind. But many people don’t realize how quickly minds can become stagnant without stimulation and new ideas. Upskilling helps you stay active and engaged with life and your career, and learning new things helps build new brain connections and slow brain aging.
It’s hard to be motivated and stay focused on your goals when you hate what you’re doing every day. You will gain more autonomy and feel more enthusiastic about your work if you upskill. You’ll leave your job feeling as though you accomplished something and ready to conquer the next step in your career!
Upskilling Helps You Network and Can Lead to New Job or Career Opportunities
One popular way people learn new skills is by taking college or university-level courses. Many schools offer courses designed specifically for professionals who want to expand their minds and learn new skills. Taking courses also will plug you into that school’s alumni network, which may lead to job opportunities down the road. Any time you interact with others, you get your name out, the potential for future job offers grows.
Upskilling Opportunities are Everywhere
With technology advancing at such a rapid pace, opportunities for upskilling have never been greater. Why not take advantage of them for a better future? Develop a plan for acquiring the skills you need to reach your goals and advance your career. For instance, you might conduct research online, take courses at a university or community college, work with a mentor, or enroll in an apprenticeship program. You can also upskill by participating in short courses, seminars, and workshops at local community centers. There are also online platforms such as Skillshare or Coursera that offer a variety of courses for professional development opportunities.
If you learn something valuable that will contribute to your career advancement and increase your earning potential, you’re on the right track. If you have limited time, there are other ways to upskill.
Additional Ways to Upskill If You’re Strapped For Time
- Read books. Learn new things by reading books. Nonfiction, fiction, and self-help books are avenues for learning new things. Every book is a chance to explore innovative ideas and expand your knowledge about the world around you, or about yourself and how you think.
- Listen to podcasts. Podcasts are a newer way of learning but are gaining popularity. Podcasts allow you to learn on your own time, so you can listen while you drive or do other things. If you have a long commute, use that time to learn something new or keep up in your profession.
- Attend training sessions. Sometimes companies offer in-house training sessions that teach new skills and offer new ideas. If your company doesn’t offer in-house training, investigate other options, such as online classes, workshops, and seminars.
- Learn from people around you. The best way to learn something is by watching someone skilled at it. Whether it’s computer skills from a computer geek or negotiation skills from your boss, there are always learning opportunities when you pay attention.
The Bottom Line
Upskilling can help you get ahead in your career, provide personal satisfaction, and even help you land your dream job. Take advantage of the upskilling opportunities that are available to upgrade your knowledge and skills.
