The demands of the job market are constantly changing, requiring new skills and expertise. By upskilling, or taking extra steps to advance your skills through additional learning and training, you can stay on top of today’s competitive job market and set yourself up for continued success within your organization. In this article, we discuss the top five strategies for advancing your skills and standing out amongst your peers.
HOW TO UPSKILL
1. Seek Mentors – One of the most impactful ways to upskill is by seeking guidance from a mentor. A mentor can offer valuable insights, share their experiences, and provide personalized advice tailored to your career goals. Finding a mentor can help you navigate challenges, identify learning opportunities, and accelerate professional development. To get the most out of your mentorship experience, we suggest looking for someone within your industry who has the skills and expertise you aspire to learn.
2. Ask HR- Many organizations offer resources for their employees, such as online learning platforms, workshops, seminars, and internal training programs. By asking your HR department or supervisor about these resources, you can take advantage of what your company has to offer and gain access to training materials that align with your career goals.
3. Research Courses – Beyond internal resources, there are tons of external courses and educational programs available both online and offline. Take the time to research courses that explore your interests or skill gaps. Whether you’re interested in developing your technical skills or soft skills or brushing up on your industry-specific knowledge, there are countless courses designed to help you acquire new expertise. If you’re looking for a place to start, we suggest exploring LinkedIn Learning’s large database of tutorials as a jumping-off point.
4. Earn a Certificate – Although taking courses to beef up your knowledge is an essential part of upskilling, earning a certification can increase your credibility and demonstrate to future employers your commitment to continuous learning. When researching courses, be sure to prioritize those that offer certificates – and as a bonus, you’ll have an impressive new accolade that you can feature on your LinkedIn profile or resume!
5. Join a Cross-functional Project – Volunteering for projects outside your day-to-day job function can seem scary, but it can provide valuable learning experiences. By working cross-functionally, you can broaden your knowledge base and demonstrate your versatility as an employee, which can make you stand out for that next promotion or pay bump. The next time a cross-functional project comes up, consider offering yourself as an additional resource to enhance your skill set and learn directly from the subject matter experts within your organization.
Upskilling for Future Success
Upskilling is a journey that requires a proactive approach to learning. By finding a mentor, exploring available resources, researching courses, earning certificates, and engaging in cross-functional projects, you can empower yourself to stay ahead in your career and thrive in an ever-changing professional landscape. Remember, investing in your own development is not only beneficial for your current role but also lays the foundation for future success and advancement. So, seize every opportunity to learn, grow, and become the best version of yourself!
