If you’re reading this, then there’s a fair chance that you believe in the idea that upskilling will help you to improve your career opportunities. But before we look at exactly how you can do that, it’s worth considering the benefits. After all, if you’re doing well in your current job, then why risk making any changes? Perhaps you should read on, and we’ll explain why.
Consider upskilling like upgrading to a new phone. Why do you upgrade? Well, because Technology advances to the point where something or a method we use today becomes obsolete in the future.
Similarly, updating your own technology skills and/or knowledge is just as important as upgrading your phone or at least installing the latest software.
The purpose of this article is to discuss the benefits of upskilling, and how to determine when you should do so. By doing so, you can perform better and accomplish more.
“The day you convince yourself that you’ve mastered your craft or profession or even your relationships is the day you cease to live. The thirst for knowledge and the mind’s ravenous appetite for constant growth and evolution helps sustain a meaningful existence. If you cease to aim higher, you will surely fall short.”
― Carlos Wallace, The Other 99 T.Y.M.E.S.: Train Your Mind to Enjoy Serenity
5 benefits of upskilling
1. Recognition and Credibility
There are still those who are doubtful of the value in upskilling. Although, your skills will be viewed more favorably once you have a recognised qualification. In fact, earning a professional qualification shows that you’re serious about your career, and demonstrates your commitment to developing yourself as an employee. You’ll also have credibility in front of clients, customers and even colleagues who may have previously been skeptical of your abilities.
2. Career Progression
Your salary is likely to increase when you upskill because employers recognise the value of qualifications and skills in their staff. According to O’Reilly’s 2021 Data/A.I. Salary Survey, three in five (61%) of the 3,136 professionals surveyed obtained certifications or partook in other training in the past year for a salary increase or promotion. Most companies now are recognising the value of subsidising their employees’ advancement with upskilling.
Are you thinking about asking for your employer to support your growth?
Then read this article on how to convince your boss to pay for a digital marketing course.
3. More Job Opportunities
If you’re looking for a job or a career change, upskilling can help fill in skill gaps on your resumé. This can help your application look more relevant for the position you’re applying for. This also works if you’re already employed but looking for a promotion or progression to another department. Showing off your new skills makes you more desirable as an employee.
4. Job Security
Upskilling is a great way to showcase added value you can bring to the company. Thus, signaling that your employee doesn’t need to look elsewhere or to others for skills that you possess. Furthermore, it demonstrates your dedication to your personal and professional development making you valuable team member to hold on to.
5. A fresh perspective
The bottom line is that upskilling yourself is an easy way to gain confidence in your abilities while making yourself more marketable and to get a fresh perspective — a win-win situation! Furthermore, if you are a manager, relating to your team members who probably already know the latest knowledge & technological advancements will empower you.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
― Dr Seuss
Is it time for you to upskill? How do you know?
Here are some questions you should ask yourself:
- Are you stuck in a career that isn’t progressing?
- Is there little room for progression or promotion?
- Do your current skills no longer match the job requirements?
- Have you been asked to do more than what your position requires?
- Has your role become irrelevant due to changing times and technology?
- Is there boredom with your current job duties and responsibilities?
- Do you find yourself daydreaming about a different job or career every time you sit at your desk?
- When you seem unhappy at work, do people ask if you’re satisfied with your work?
- Are other employees catching up to the pay rate that you are receiving without gaining any additional responsibilities?
- Does your job feel stressful because you can’t keep up with your colleagues that have upskilled?
- Have colleagues left the company recently due to stress and unhappiness with their jobs?
- Do you feel like you have no idea what your team members are talking about in meetings because they are using terms and jargon that are current to emerging trends?
If you answered yes to any of these, it’s probably time to start looking into upskilling!
Why is it so essential to upskill?
Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself the following questions?
- If your company closes and you lose your job, what happens?
- If your company offshores its work, what will happen?
- How would you handle a merger between two companies that requires fewer employees?
The list above could go on, and unfortunately, it’s true that sometimes, your current job or position could be at risk for whatever reason. These scenarios can happen without warning and do not depend on how good you are at your job.
Upskilling is beneficial whether you are new to the job market or between jobs. Firstly, look at the cost of retraining and compare it to the cost of doing nothing. You will also have to consider how much you can earn after completing your training. Since you will be investing time and money in your new career or business, it is essential to do a good background check on the prospects of getting hired and earning more money. According to a recent study, Digital Marketing Skills are a top growth industry. In addition, according to this article in Financial Review, Digital Marketing Salaries are set to increase in the future, some by as much as 40%.
Here’s what you need to consider when you decide to upskill:
It used to be that upskilling through study meant going back to full-time education. In some cases, you even had to give up your job. However, today that’s not the case. The flexibility of online learning now gives you so many more options.
Here are some suggestions to consider when looking into upskilling:
Tailor your goal: You can’t possibly know how many skills you’ll need in the future, so deciding on one big objective is just not practical. Instead, focus on what’s happening in your current job and what might happen down the road. Examine your options. Look into short online courses like ones offered at NZIE. Where we offer an SEO Course and Social Media Strategy Course.
Current Methods: Look for study programmes with practicing professionals teaching the coursework. By learning the ropes from an expert, you can be sure to learn the most up-to-date techniques. On our Digital Marketing Level 7 Diploma Course, all our tutors are current and practicing professionals in their various specialist areas of Digital Marketing.
In Conclusion
It is never “too late” to upskill, nor is there a “right time” to do so. Just as you will be more functional if you upgrade your phone. Likewise, you will gain more knowledge and competence in your job if you upskill.
Learn to identify warning signs such as feeling stuck in your career or overwhelmed with your current job. Most likely, these are indications that your knowledge needs to be refreshed. Thankfully, you have several options to choose from when it comes to upskilling, and the best thing is to find one that fits your current and future career goals.
If you’ve seen a gap in your skillset, you are a more valuable asset to a company by taking time out to upskill. Think about it. You have a job but no extra skills – a negative situation. But by taking time out to learn, you can better yourself.
And if you find that your extra skills are being recognised (and are helping the company), then there is every chance that your employer may take on the cost of your study for you. Some employers will even pay their employees for this type of study leave. Additionally, if you are self-employed, the study is tax deductible.
In short, we suggest you take some time out and upskill! Why? Because you’re so worth it!
Call-to-Action
One of the great benefits of living in this digital age is an abundance of ways to upskill. You no longer have to take a lengthy, conventional degree if you want to learn a new skill in a particular area. With self-study programmes, online video tutorials and self-directed e-learning platforms, upskilling has never been more accessible.
Are you ready to upskill? NZIE can help you! Start small and do your research. Talk to someone who could help you. Or see which courses are available and appeal to you. The only way you know if it’s right for you is by getting started.
Specifically, if you’re an upskilling business or professional unsure of where to begin. With NZIE, you can create your own Social Media Strategy in 7 weeks. Furthermore, you will be guided by an industry expert who will assist you at every step. Get in touch with us today to achieve ongoing success and career advancement.
