Upskilling refers to building upon your existing skill sets to a more advanced level. It is a major key to success in your career – employees who focus on upskilling themselves are more likely to be offered pay raises, considered for promotions, be more marketable for new jobs, and will be able to easily adapt to changes in their fields. Take your career to a higher level with these five ways to upskill yourself:
1. Keep Up with Industry Trends
If you’re trying to determine what type of upskilling you may need, along with its urgency, it’s important to keep up with the trends in your industry. Make it a priority to read industry news and be active on LinkedIn groups so you can be up-to-date on any emerging changes that may affect the relevancy of your current skill sets. For example, if industry trends seem to forecast the downfall of a particular software you regularly use, you can get a head start by dabbling into one that seems to be on the rise.
2. Invest in Formal Training
Professional development courses are easier than ever to access. From online academies for specific topics to continuing education courses, investing in formal training can pay off greatly in the future because you will have a clear way of showing proficiency in an area, even if it isn’t part of your daily job duties.
3. Consume Educational Content
Upskilling doesn’t just have to be following tutorials and taking tests. Make it a priority to consume educational content on a regular basis as part of your professional development, such as watching TED talks or reading books. This can be especially helpful at upskilling yourself on soft skills, such as communication, leadership, or collaboration.
4. Learn From Those With Experience
One of the best ways to learn any new skill is from someone else with significant expertise in the area. Find a mentor to help you in an area in which you want to upskill. You can either pursue mentorship on an informal basis, such as meeting up occasionally to chat or hire a coach to formally upskill.
5. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
You can also upskill yourself in an experiential manner to further boost your resume. Step out of your comfort zone and volunteer to take on tasks that challenge you. For instance, if you work a solitary job with no public speaking required, ask your boss if you can lead a meeting or present information to higher-ups.
Find New Opportunities
Set yourself up for a successful job search by teaming up with The Hire Firm. We will connect you to the available opportunities from area employers that fit your skills and interests. Get in touch today to get started.