In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for professionals with the right skills is increasing at a rapid pace. To keep up with the changing times, upskilling has become a necessity, especially for those who want to stay relevant in their industry. In this blog, I take a look at the process of upskilling and how it can change your life for the better.
Understanding upskilling and its importance
Upskilling refers to the process of acquiring skills and knowledge to ensure you remain capable and relevant. The objective is to be receptive to industry changes such that you can navigate through those changes. This is particularly important as the population ages and technology evolves to affect almost all industries. The way you do your job today may look very different to how it is done in the future. Keeping up with those changes as they happen will bring you along for the ride.
Anyone who wants to be considered for more senior roles or to understand how to manage more recently trained people in their industry, needs to embrace the benefits of upskilling. To a prospective new employer a proactive approach to training and professional development will be considered favourably.
Ensuring your skills and knowledge are up to date illustrates an understanding that keeping track of changes in your industry can translate to better business. As new AI driven technology automates processes at work employers that embrace and incorporate those changes will gain the competitive edge.
Having a proactive approach to upskilling translates to a positive attitude that indicates you understand business and that jobs are always evolving.
The process of upskilling
Identify your skill gaps
You may believe you have a clear idea about any skill gaps you might have if you’re already working in the industry. However, there’s a danger you only consider the skills needed for your role with your own specific employer and not the kind of knowledge and skills demanded by your industry or career field in general.
Attend training and industry events, read industry newsletters and magazines. Industry relevant online chat rooms are useful, as are social media posts and discussions. Another approach would be to review job descriptions of advertised vacancies. If you feel you could confidently check off all the requirements in terms of skills, that’s great. If not you should start to understand how you might want to upskill.
Setting goals and objectives
Once you have an understanding of which skills you want to obtain you should discuss your thoughts with your line manager or HR department. In most cases competitive businesses will appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to continually develop in the role. If you bring new ideas that could make you more efficient in your job, the economic benefit to your employer should be obvious.
Despite the benefits of a fully trained, highly skilled member of staff you might find your employer doesn’t see the need for such skills. In this case you may need to consider funding your own training. If self funding is an option, consider if there is any way you could implement your new skills once trained. You might be able to negotiate changes to your role with your employer if you self-fund. Self funding may be worth it if you are able to demonstrate use of the skill in the workplace should you want to look for new employment.
Choosing the right learning path
Being flexible in terms of how you acquire your skills will be appreciated by your employer. It may be they are far more receptive to funding your training if you are willing to avoid studying during work time. Evenings and distance learning could be an option. If your employer is willing to allow work time to be allocated for the training course you would need to ensure it doesn’t negatively impact your day job.
Implementing your learning
Once you have acquired your skills you need to flaunt them. Its not enough to have the skills, you need the experience if you want to be taken seriously in your industry. Consider how you are going to use and demonstrate the use of your new skills.
If you can convince your employer of the benefit of your training through implementation and results, you will find it easier to request further training and support when you’re ready to upskill again.
How upskilling can change your life
Improved job prospects
Demonstrable use of current industry skills and knowledge speaks volumes at interview. If you are looking for a new job or promotion, having experience of using skills rather than just listing them on a CV or application form, puts you at an advantage.
Increased earning potential
The more relevant your skills and experience the higher the earning potential and the better your career prospects. Its about putting yourself in the ‘in-demand’ bracket. You may even find that you get headhunted.
Not to mention …
The lift to your self confidence and self esteem competence through skills and knowledge can bring, should not be underestimated. And the process of identifying your skill gaps through online and traditional networking may bring you in to contact with key industry figures that could help you climb the career ladder.
And finally…
Upskilling is a process that requires dedication, commitment, and hard work. The investment of time and occasionally money may prevent some from taking the decision to upskill if their employer isn’t immediately supportive. However, if you can sell the benefits and, if necessary negotiate a compromise, it will be worth it. By gaining experience using your new skills you hold an advantage over others in the job market. And by continuously learning and upgrading your skills, you can stay ahead of the curve and achieve your professional goals and career aspirations.