Steve Job once said, “Learn continually- there’s always “one more thing” to learn.”
As the cliché goes, change is the only permanent thing in the world. This also holds true in the corporate world. The job landscape is continuously transforming, given the ultra-fast improvement of technology and the tougher competition among businesses. Organizations are looking at global talents to fill their requirements, and a remote work setup is now the trend to widen the network. Companies are more aggressive than ever in supplying the right people for the job.
Given the aftermath of the pandemic, people also had more time to re-evaluate their careers or want to use their time more wisely. Some wanted to shift to a new career or a more flexible job in terms of time and setup. More have also turned to freelance, aside from their usual 8 AM to 5 PM full-time job.
With all of these things going on, upskilling is a way to develop yourself and keep up with the changes. Whether you want to stay marketable in your current job or want to widen your horizons and explore different opportunities, deciding to upskill will pay off.
What is upskilling?
Upskilling is the process of improving by learning additional skills and competencies. Upskilling has now moved from being a smart move to almost being essential in today’s job market.
Here’s why you should go for it and upskill yourself.
- It gives you the chance to progress in your chosen career: Companies like people who are versatile and have a series of skill sets compared to those with only basic skills. You have more opportunities if you have more skills to offer- you may take on more responsibility or even get promoted.
- It ensures your job security: As they say, do not rest on your laurels. Continuously improving yourself by expanding your knowledge and experience will make you more productive. It will also increase your work performance, which can help you secure your career.
- It can improve your portfolio: Adding to your skills, knowledge, and abilities can help you land a new job whenever you decide to leave your current job. The job market is highly competitive nowadays, and having more expertise increases your value to future employers. It can also help you shift to a new career if you ever decide to cross a new path, do something new, and face a new challenge.
- It helps your personal development: Continuously learning may also help you discover new passions. You might be able to uncover new interests by learning something new, making you grow more as a person. Learning something new can also have the ability to add more meaning to your life.
- It makes you meet more people: By taking courses or learning events, you can widen your network and meet like-minded people who want to grow and increase their knowledge. You may not only meet new friends but can also talk to a future employer or business partner.
There are many ways to upskill yourself. Here are some techniques you can use.
Virtual courses and online training
With the help of technology, learning something new is not just limited to classrooms. You can access virtual courses to upskill your qualifications. What is good with these virtual courses is that you may take them in your available time, so you can take them even when you are balancing a demanding career.
Many great virtual platforms are available online, like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, and HubSpot Academy.
Microlearning
Microlearning is about taking bursts of short learning content. This can be through videos, podcasts, or book summaries. Bite-size trainings can help you learn and retain learning easily. You can take it during breaks in your workday; it is an effective way to learn more about a short topic.
Mentoring and Coaching
Learning by getting a mentor or coach is another effective way to upskill.
Mentoring involves learning from someone more experienced than you, or someone above you on the career ladder. You can shadow them at work, allow them to teach you directly, or have discussions with them about the skills you want to work on.
On the other hand, Coaching, as defined by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), defines Coaching as “a partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. This process can unlock previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity, and leadership. Coaching is a highly effective way to close the skills gap and realize your potential.
Key Takeaway
Upskilling yourself is an effective way to develop yourself and stay ahead. Be open and recognize opportunities to learn new skills, knowledge, and abilities.
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Joy
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