As the job market continues to evolve rapidly, many people are realising that upskilling may be the key to remaining relevant on the job or even seeking out better opportunities. This is not the season to sit on your hands and weep that someone employed yesterday earns better than you even though you have been with the company for much longer. It is the time to evaluate how much value you bring with your job and how to increase that value.
Thanks to what technology has done for us, you do not even need to quit before you upgrade your skills. It is entirely possible to upskill while still working full-time. It will just take proper planning and determination to juggle your learning with the demands of your current job.
Here are seven steps to upskill while maintaining your current job.
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Identify Your Goals
Before embarking on your upskilling journey, it’s crucial to understand what skills or knowledge you want to acquire. Start by assessing your current skill set and identifying the areas where you could benefit from improvement. Consider your long-term career goals and which skills are most relevant. Your journey may be more manageable if your chosen direction connects with your existing job role. But even if you want to take an entirely different path, it is achievable. It may only take you more time and determination.
Look for online courses to get started with
If you are targeting a new career path with your upskilling journey, you need courses to get you on the right track. It is always wiser to start with the free courses and proceed to paid courses as you go further—platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Edx. Khan Academy, Microsoft Learn, CodeAcademy, Udacity, LinkedIn Learning, and YouTube will provide free learning hours in almost any tech or soft skill. Many of these platforms also offer certifications upon completion, which can enhance your credentials.
By the time you have done up to 17 hours of learning on the free resources, you will be enlightened enough to know what course to pay for. Have you ever been in that situation where you pay for a course and later find the exact resource available on YouTube for free? Well, that is the sort of thing that could happen to you when you decide to jump straight to paid courses.
Create a Learning Plan
Once you’ve established your goals and identified free resources, create a structured learning plan. Break down your objectives into smaller, manageable steps, and set clear, achievable milestones. This plan will serve as your roadmap for the upskilling process and help you stay on track.
Without a learning plan, you may find yourself spreading energy in multiple directions or abandoning courses halfway, only to return to them months later.
Prioritize Time Management
One of the most significant challenges of upskilling while working full-time is managing your time effectively. Allocate specific time slots for learning, and commit to stick to your schedule. You might need to sacrifice some leisure time, but the investment in your career will be well worth it.
Leverage Employer Resources
Check with your employer to see if they offer any resources for professional development. Some companies have budgeted training or educational allowances for their employees. If available with your employer, you can utilize these resources to take courses attend workshops, or conferences related to your field. This not only benefits you but also demonstrates your commitment to professional growth.
Networking and Mentorship
Networking can be a powerful way to upskill. Join professional organizations, attend industry events, and connect with others with expertise in the areas you want to develop. If you have colleagues considered experts in the skill you are trying to achieve, reach out to them and see how they can help. Seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can also provide valuable insights and guidance on upskilling effectively.
Apply Your Knowledge
Learning alone won’t be enough; you must apply what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios. Don’t wait to know everything before using it. From the point you complete your first hour of learning, start looking for opportunities within your current job to implement your new skills. This will not only help solidify your understanding but also demonstrate your value to your employer.
Conclusion
Upskilling is not an option if you intend to stay relevant on your job. The employment market is very competitive, and whatever skill you have, someone else has similar skills. If you are not constantly upskilling and applying yourself, you may soon be edged out.
Remember, the investment in your skills today will pay off in a brighter, more promising career tomorrow.