- Guest Contributor
- March 29, 2021
There are a lot of great ways to get more training or information. You don’t even need to go back to school or enroll in a degree program. Instead, there are a number of certification options and other opportunities to hone and develop your skills. Getting a degree can also be extremely helpful, but it’s not the only option you might want to consider. You can upskill in all kinds of ways. What is upskilling and how does it help your career? Here’s what you need to know about acquiring new skills.
What is Upskilling?
Being a good fit for a job you want is very important. But what if you don’t have all the skills you need to get the job you want? You have more options than ever before, due to upskilling. You might not have heard of it before, but upskilling is simply learning new skills that will help you work better and do more.
Many companies help their employees upskill, but if you’re a gig worker you may need to focus on upskilling on your own. That can mean more training and effort, but it can ultimately lead to much better employment opportunities, as well.
How Does Upskilling Help Your Career?
When you upskill, you learn more of about what employers in your field are looking for. If you have the right skills, you’ll get noticed. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’ve been there for a long time, there’s always something to learn.
Many people focus on upskilling through online options. Examples include 360 Training, SkillShare, and Udemy. Other options include TED Talks, EDX courses, and training programs through companies like HubSpot. You can also consider consulting a career coach for their advice on how to upskill. Companies value skills and knowledge, making it easier for upskilled workers to find employment.
What Levels of Commitment are Available?
Whether you decide to get an advanced degree, you want a certification, or you’re only interested in taking a few specific courses, there are options for more training in your field. Many companies upskill their workers because they see the benefits of doing so. But if you already have a lot of the upskill training they’re looking for that could be a big boost to your chances of getting hired. Taking courses and getting certifications that are provable are a good idea, but so is a general level of learning that can be used to showcase what you can do.
Companies and individuals are all starting to recommend upskilling for 2021 and beyond because of the value it adds to a resume and an employee. Some companies and industries will still be much more focused on degrees, while others will be just as interested in people who have completed Udemy courses and learned from TED Talks. Often, it depends on the skills needed and the company doing the hiring. But it’s clear that focusing on upskill opportunities has a lot of value in today’s employment world and that value is likely to accelerate in the future.
About the Author: Michelle Dakota Beck has worked as a professional freelance writer since the 1990s. During that time she has written everything from product descriptions to full-length books. Her areas of specialization include real estate, home services, legal topics, relationships, family life, and mental health issues. You can find her on WriterAccess.
