Written by Lauren Wakeling, UK Country Manager at CoursesOnline
Upskilling is vital no matter what you do or where you work – it ensures that you remain at the top of your game and means you can command the best possible salary. There’s always more to be learned as new technologies, methodologies, and qualifications become available and knowing all about them is crucial for operating effectively. Even if you’re in between roles at present, prospective employers love to see that job candidates are working hard on their self-improvement whilst they apply, as it highlights an individual’s drive to be as productive as they can.
There are several ways to quickly upskill yourself, depending on your interests and learning style. Here are some effective places to start:
Online courses: There are digital platforms that list thousands of learning courses, which can be studied remotely on your choice of device, in-person, or via a combination of the two. These courses cover all sorts of subjects, and there are options for those who are new to a particular topic and likewise for those who have a greater level of pre-existing experience. No matter what skill you’re looking to improve, there’s bound to be a course to help you learn!
Books and eBooks: Textbooks and eBooks can help you gain knowledge and insights on a subject quickly. You can find relevant books on Amazon on any other retailer’s website, or borrow them from your local library.
Webinars and podcasts: Attending webinars and listening to podcasts can help you learn from experts and gain insights into the latest trends and practices in your field.
Networking: Networking with professionals in your field can help you learn from their experiences and gain insights into new opportunities.
Internships and volunteering: Volunteering or interning in a field you’re interested in can help you gain hands-on experience and learn practical skills quickly.
To decide where to start, consider what knowledge you want to gain and what resources are available to you. Look for resources that are relevant to your interests or field and are taught by reputable instructors or experts (and remember to never part with any money unless you are sure that what you are getting is genuine). Start with the basics and gradually move towards more advanced topics. Remember to stay consistent and practice regularly to ensure you are retaining what you have learned.
No matter the context, being made redundant is never a nice feeling, even if it’s driven completely by circumstances outside of your control. Upskilling can be a great way to get back on track, though and assists with resiliency by giving you a way to channel your energy into something effective for setting things right. As mentioned earlier, upskilling provides you with the key tools for getting back into work sooner rather than later, but it also should give you the confidence to try your hand at new things. This is of course, essential for helping you find the job you want, as confidence translates to you seizing opportunities and how well you perform in interviews. Additionally, upskilling can help you adapt to rapid changes in the job market or your respective industry. The job market is constantly evolving and via upskilling, you can stay relevant and competitive in the job market and be more responsive to future challenges.
