Humans are natural learners. Our brains like to keep up with new activities and skills. However, when it comes to the job market or your career, former schooling may not be sufficient to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced workplace.
This can oftentimes come up whether you are looking to gain new knowledge and abilities for your current role or apply for a new position within or outside of your workplace, and you are concerned that your current skillset doesn’t meet the requirements. But don’t worry, you aren’t stuck! This is where upskilling comes in.
What is upskilling?
Upskilling is to provide (someone, such as an employee) with more advanced skills through additional education and training. Source: Merriam-Webster
Upskilling is acquiring new abilities, information, or skills necessary for your current or future career. This can entail enrolling in classes, attending workshops, participating in on-the-job training, or even returning to school.
Why is it important?
Upskilling is crucial for several reasons. First off, it aids in keeping your work or career current. Many careers that were once seen as stable are now in danger of becoming outdated due to the quick rate of technological progress (i.e., advancement in new apps and AI platforms). You can stay ahead of the curve and adjust to recent changes in your field by upskilling!
Source: Training Magazine
Upskilling may also help in job advancement. You can make yourself more valuable to your employer and raise your earning potential by acquiring new skills and knowledge. You never know the magic of attending a useful webinar until you try it! Additionally, it may present new chances for professional development. This means you can take on more tasks and improve your leadership abilities.
Also, upgrading your skills can increase your job satisfaction. You might feel more involved and fulfilled in your career by learning new things and taking on new tasks. A feeling of accomplishment can go a long way, and your boss or colleagues will notice your improvement too!
Okay, what steps do I need to take?
The best strategy depends on your goals and learning preferences. Whether it’s a short-term or a long-term plan, it will change the amount of time and effort you put into your upskilling path. There are numerous upskilling methods. Here are a few strategies I’ve found useful:
- Take classes or workshops: You can learn new skills by enrolling in courses and seminars offered by numerous universities, community colleges, and online learning platforms. Look for courses that can help you achieve your professional objectives. By attending SAGE Webinars, you can become an expert in various topics!
- Participate in on-the-job training: Many places offer on-the-job training programs to aid employees in acquiring new skills. Whether this is shadowing other colleagues or taking part in training sessions, on-the-job training shouldn’t be costly for you or your employer.
- Attend conferences and networking events: These are opportunities to network with other promotional product industry professionals and get first-hand knowledge from subject-matter experts. I highly suggest attending the SAGE Conference (it’s going on right now!) for this level of upskilling!
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world, upskilling is essential to job success. Maintaining your relevance, advancing your career, and increasing job happiness may all be accomplished by regularly acquiring new skills and information. So, take the time to evaluate your abilities, pinpoint any areas that need work, and then take steps to advance your talents and stay current.
Want to start your upskilling journey? Log into sagemember.com and click on Support, then Knowledge Base or Videos to discover extra resources, or check out our white papers, industry guides, and cheat sheets here!
