Everyone has special interests that guide them to their own career path. However, that career path is now teeming with competition at every twist and turn. Similar internships, similar bachelor’s degrees, and generic resumes can cause your application to be overlooked. You can make yourself stand out from the crowd by taking the time to either upskill or reskill.
The job market has changed over recent decades, notably for Millennials and Generation Z. According to Employed Historian, in the past 46 years, bachelor’s degree holders have increased by 580%. Having a bachelor’s degree does not guarantee you a job after college.
The market is over saturated with unemployed degree holders desperately looking to be hired. In order to stand out in a competitive world, it’s time to leverage yourself as the right candidate with new skills and online training to achieve your career goals.
What Does it Mean to Upskill?
Upskilling is when an individual deepens their knowledge by learning a new skill within their field. Technology has shifted the way our world operates and how most business structures operate. Businesses are constantly updating and upgrading their technology and embracing new ways to generate revenue and acquire new business. As a result, employees are now more inclined to adapt the skills needed to remain relevant or get left behind. Learning new skills could you make you even more valuable in the workplace, and it can show employers that you’re motivated and eager to learn. An example of upskilling would be learning social media marketing when you’re currently soley focused on and responsible for the company’s search engine optimization strategy.
What Does it Mean to Reskill?
Reskilling is when an individual expands his or her knowledge by learning a completely different skill set to take on a new role. This is usually done in down-sizing companies, where employees have been either furloughed or laid off. As an employer you can reskill your employees by providing outsourced or in-house training. This is particularly useful for employees to become a valuable asset to their company and less likely to be let go when there might be an opportunity to employ a new candidate. A person can also reskill when they want to change careers in an unrelated area. For example, if you currently work in accounting but want to start a career in marketing, you’ll need to learn those skills required of people in marketing roles.
What Benefits Do These Skills Have to Offer?
Upskilling and reskilling allow you to become a unique contender when applying for a job. These skills also allow you to advance within your career or to stay long-term with your current job. These skills can improve a company’s retention rates and can promote adaptability. It’s much easier for a company to promote from within, and as an employee you can develop an upward career path.
Reasons Why You Might Want to Upskill or Reskill
- You want to secure a promotion or land a better job
- Want to change careers
- You need new skills because your current skills are outdated
Common Ways You Can Upskill
- Take online courses through colleges or online learning platforms such as Udemy or Skillshare
- Read books or other materials on topics you’re interested in
- Get involved with projects to get hands-on experience
- Volunteer with organizations to learn more about the topic of interest
Industries That Can Benefit When Employees Upskill or Reskill
A lucky few industries have been positively affected by both Covid-19 through remote work and technological advances in the digital age. Any company that lacks technical skills or had let employees go, now has the perfect opportunity to reset coming out of the pandemic. They need to upskill and reskill valuable employees to create an adaptable workforce. For example, retail industries should now shift their attention away from brick-and-mortar stores to build a stronger online shopping presence.
Researching and Evaluating Programs
Once you have a clear understanding of your career goals and skill development needs, begin researching relevant courses, certifications, and training programs. Seek recommendations from colleagues, industry experts, and online forums. Additionally, explore various learning platforms, such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), professional associations, and university websites, to find suitable options.
As you evaluate potential programs, consider their accreditation and recognition within your industry. Accredited programs have met specific quality standards and can offer greater credibility and value in the job market. Next, compare program formats, such as online versus in-person, and self-paced versus structured learning. Consider your learning preferences, schedule, and other commitments when making this decision.
Finally, assess how well the program aligns with your career goals and needs. Ensure that the curriculum covers relevant topics and offers practical, hands-on experiences to enhance your learning. By thoroughly evaluating each program, you can make an informed decision and choose the one that best supports your career advancement.
Considering Your Budget and Financing Options
When planning for an upskilling or reskilling program, it is essential to consider the financial aspects. Start by estimating the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and additional expenses, such as study materials and travel. With a clear understanding of the costs, explore various financing options, such as scholarships, grants, or employer-sponsored programs that can help reduce the financial burden.
Assess the potential return on investment (ROI) of the program, taking into account factors like increased earning potential, enhanced job security, and expanded career opportunities. This evaluation will help you determine the value of the program and ensure that your investment is worthwhile.
Lastly, create a realistic education planning budget that accounts for all expenses and financial assistance. By carefully planning your budget, you can ensure that your investment in upskilling or reskilling supports your career goals without causing undue financial stress.
What Type of Online Programs or Courses Help You Upskill or Reskill?
There is a skill gap between vacant positions and capable candidates. There are various paths to take if you are looking to upskill, reskill or attend a career training program. Here are the different types of courses and programs that might be best suited for you:
Online Coding Bootcamps
Technology is rapidly updating and changing; tech companies can not find competent applicants to fill highly-skilled positions. Coding bootcamps are code-training programs designed to upskill talent and fill the gap. Based on an Indeed survey, 80% of hiring managers have hired candidates who graduated from an online coding boot camp.
Since classes are online and last as long as you want, joining the program is a quick and convenient way to gain coding abilities. If you are looking for a technical career path, these software skills will open doors. These assets will make your resume stand out and make you a highly sought-after applicant.
Mini MBAs
If you have ever considered getting an MBA degree but the cost and time commitment location were an issue, you might consider enrolling in a Mini MBA. This is a condensed, online learning curriculum that gives a basic overview or preview of what joining an actual MBA program would be like. A Mini MBA allows you to upskill while gaining contemporary business insight and making new contacts.
Employers understand the time and financial commitment to a full MBA, and value perspective employees who are still furthering their education. The average cost of a Mini MBA from an accredited university ranges from $3,000-$6,000 where the average cost of a full MBA ranges from $60,000-$100,000. A Mini MBA is a cost-efficient fit for people who are interested in the MBA program, but are not ready to financially commit.
Short-Form Programs
Short-form programs are another great way to advance your career with certificates, micro-degrees, and other microcredentials at your own pace. Companies such as edX and Coursera offer accessible and customizable learning in various subjects. Not only could you study technical skills, these programs offer arts and humanities classes as well. Google has also entered this market by offering their own Google career certificate programs.
Additionally, short-form programs are an inexpensive option to achieve relevant professional growth. You can get your money’s worth by taking very specific classes about the areas you wish to study. You can choose to just take a couple of classes, or earn a certificate or credits towards a degree. Short-form programs also revolve around your schedule and can be completed on your own time. If you are a working parent, this might be a good option for the price and convenience.
Open-Enrollment Programs
Open enrollment is a great program for people with a high school diploma or GED wanting to pursue higher education and a career at the same time. Harvard Extension School is an example of an open-enrollment program that is offered online, with a flexible timeline, and customizable classes. These classes are designed to help you gain skills within your field of study.
Unfortunately, if you are in the process or already posses a bachelor’s degree you are not eligible for this type of education. This is specifically geared for adults who never received a bachelors degree, and want to pursue part-time education while balancing a job or family. This is a great opportunity for adults who were never able to attend a university while gaining distinct skills to help further their career path.
Career Training Programs and Vocational Schools
Vocational schools prepare students with learning tools for a very specific career path. They offer programs that are widely known as career training programs. These programs can involve technical, manual, or mechanical skills. When you’re in college, you can explore different interests and even graduate with a degree that is not required for your job. A four-year college education provides a well-rounded education where you learn about many subjects. Trade schools, however, are a perfect option for people who know exactly what type of job or career they intend to have. Job training programs offer a direct path to employment for a career in the trades.
Trade schools are also an affordable option and take about half as long to complete compared to a 4-year university. They allow for smooth job placement and fall-back options when the economy is in the midst of a recession. If you’re interested in a very specialized job with specific requirements, a trade school career training program might be the best affordable option for you.
Maximizing Your Investment in Upskilling or Reskilling
To make the most of your investment in upskilling or reskilling, take advantage of available resources and support services. These may include academic advising, tutoring, and networking opportunities offered by your chosen program or institution. Such resources can help you stay on track and make valuable connections in your industry.
Develop a study plan with achievable milestones to monitor your progress and stay motivated. This plan should take into account your unique learning preferences, schedule, and other commitments. Balancing work, family, and other responsibilities while pursuing your program is crucial to ensure that you can fully engage in the learning process without feeling overwhelmed.
Continuously monitor your progress and adjust your goals and plans as needed. This ongoing assessment allows you to remain adaptable and respond to any challenges or changes in your career landscape, ensuring that your investment in upskilling or reskilling remains relevant and valuable.
Leveraging Your New Skills and Knowledge for Career Advancement
With your newly acquired skills and knowledge, it’s time to leverage them for career advancement. Start by updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional portfolio to showcase your new capabilities. Highlight specific achievements and projects that demonstrate your expertise in the relevant areas.
During interviews and networking events, confidently showcase your new skills and knowledge. Share your experiences and insights from the program, emphasizing how they have enhanced your professional value. This will help you stand out to potential employers and industry contacts.
Identify opportunities for career growth within your current organization or industry, and don’t be afraid to explore new career paths and opportunities that align with your upskilled or reskilled profile. By actively pursuing new challenges and remaining open to change, you can maximize your investment in upskilling or reskilling and achieve your career goals.
Conclusion
More people now than ever have a bachelor’s degree. That’s why upskilling is so important. It can give you an advantage over other applicants. When it comes to higher education and employment, everyone has a unique path. Try not to compare yourself to others and do what’s best for you.
Search through our education guides to learn more about these upskilling options in depth. You might just discover which one will match your career goals.
