Want to make the most of your career, but feel like you’re at a bit of a crossroads? Upskilling and reskilling can help you achieve more career success, no matter what industry you’re in. The World Economic Forum found in 2020 that 50% of all employees will need reskilling over the next five years in order for those employees to stay in their roles, so it’s time to consider whether further study is right for you.
Read on to learn more about how you can effectively upskill and reskill and how further study can help those who are at various stages of their professional journey!
What are some easy and effective ways to upskill?
The process of upskilling and reskilling doesn’t need to take years and years – so don’t let it!
Short courses and
bootcamps are time-efficient ways of learning new skills and applying them by completing practical assessments. Short courses tend to go for months, not years, and they are often held online so you can attend to your other commitments. If you’re looking to make a career change soon, then completing a short course can set you on the right path towards your dream career.
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Bootcamps are like short courses, but they mainly focus on testing technology-related skills and knowledge. They’re also a way of meeting like-minded individuals and assessing your aptitude for different technology-centred roles by displaying your ability to solve problems that are grounded in real-world contexts. If you’re someone that’s looking to network within a new industry, completing a bootcamp can be invaluable when you’re looking for new professional opportunities. You can learn more about the differences between short courses and bootcamps
here.
Finally, if you’re looking to upskill in your current role, then it’s worth speaking to your co-workers about whether you can shadow them at work and/or take on increased responsibilities. Leveraging your network can also help you gain new skills that can help you either shift careers or go further in your current industry.
Speaking to NPR in 2011, Matt Youngquist, who was the president of Career Horizons at the time, said that “at least 70 percent, if not 80 percent, of jobs are not published" – and this continues to be the case. If you’re able to set up and maintain an extensive professional network, then moving your way up the career ladder will be a lot easier.
How do I create a plan to upskill?
If you’re looking to upskill, then it might be worth putting together a plan to help you get the most out of your time. Whether you’re just starting out in your career, or you’ve been in the world of work for a while, upskilling can help you take the next step – but you should have an idea of where you want to go with your career.
Some things you should consider including in your upskilling plan are:
- What skills/knowledge do you currently have?
- What are your professional strengths?
- What (if anything) are your professional weaknesses?
- Do you currently struggle with any of your responsibilities at work?
- Do you have any areas of interest that you’re looking to explore?
- What do you want to have achieved in your professional life in the short, medium and long-term future?
It’s especially important to have an upskilling plan if you’re looking to
change careers. Once you’ve answered these questions, you can start working out what courses/bootcamps can help you get the most out of your professional development.
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Can upskilling benefit both university students and long-time professionals?
If you’re someone that’s currently studying at university, completing short courses or bootcamps can give you an edge when it comes to finding a job once you’ve graduated. This is especially true if you’re looking to work in the technology sector, as it’s an industry that’s constantly evolving and changing. Not every university course is going to be comprehensive, so completing further study can help you stay on top of the changes in your chosen sector/s.
Found yourself in a rut at work, and not sure how to make your professional life enjoyable again? Upskilling can help you change course if you’re feeling like you’ve reached a dead end. People are increasingly embracing a life-long approach to learning as the best way to make the most out of their time spent in the world of work, and this is being reflected in the way businesses approach professional development.
It’s well worth speaking to both current and prospective employers about professional development opportunities, as these courses may be a way for you to get ahead. Upskilling and reskilling can help you kickstart your career or revive a career that’s become stagnant. Best of all, when you enrol in Upskilled’s courses, you don’t have to wait to take the first step. Start studying today and reap the rewards tomorrow!
Now that you’ve decided you’re looking to upskill, it’s time to pick a course. Upskilled provides a range of nationally recognised qualifications in a wide variety of industries so you can take your next step in the world of work. Whether you’re looking to change career or get ahead in your current role, Upskilled is here to help. Visit Upskilled’s website to learn more today!
Ben Madden
Ben Madden is a Melbourne-based writer, who loves all things music and sport. He’s a long-time and long-suffering Essendon supporter, and if you’re looking for any music recommendations, he’s your guy.