Upskilling is considered an individual’s ability to expand their knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes through training and education. Individuals who upskill or reskill can be more beneficial to their current employer and, in turn, enhance their marketability in a competitive and shifting job market.
How Can You Upskill to Advance Your Career?
There are many different ways your organization might support your ability to upskill or reskill. Some organizations invest in formal training programs, while others opt for more informal methods such as on-the-job training or mentorship programs. Here are some upskilling methods to consider for your career development and/or advancement:
1. Formal Training Programs: These can be either classroom-based or online. Many organizations now employ micro-learning techniques through micro-training, which breaks down formal training into manageable units.
2. On-the-Job Training: This typically involves learning new skills while performing regular job tasks. It’s usually less formal than classroom-based or online training programs and can be more flexible regarding timing and scheduling.
3. Mentorship: Experienced employees can provide guidance and support; mentorship programs can be helpful for employees who are struggling to adapt to changes in the workplace or hoping to develop their careers.
4. Micro-Credentials & Badging: These learning opportunities — offered through various educational institutions and professional organizations — help individuals learn new skillsets. Badges can be added to personal LinkedIn pages and other social media platforms. Micro-credentials and badges take less time to complete than formal training programs — upskilling at a quicker pace.
5. Volunteer: Volunteering for various organizations in the community can help individuals develop new competencies and expand their professional network.
6. Cross-Training: Some organizations give individuals the opportunity to shadow another employee or work in a different department for a set period of time in order to learn new skills. Cross-training is a win-win scenario — it helps individuals develop professionally while giving organizations skilled employees (when more than one person knows a job and can fill in whenever necessary, this has huge benefits for employers).
Upskilling can help ensure that you, your peers, and the teams you work with are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Looking for more information? Join our December 14th webinar, Upskilling for Your Career: How to Prepare for Workforce Needs of Tomorrow, with Dr. Robin Weinstein for a more in-depth conversation on upskilling and meeting the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Even better, this webinar will be available on-demand post-event!
About the Author: Dr. Robin Weinstein
Dr. Robin “Rob” Weinstein is an altruistic, high-impact, positive change agent, and thought leader who envisions integrated solutions for the ‘greater good’ across community + society + education + the workplace through a 360-degree perspective. He is a Professor in the College of Business at Wilmington University, where he serves as an Academic Director and Chairman of Human Resource Management Studies. He is a certified Senior Human Resources Professional through the Society for Human Resource Management. Dr. Weinstein is also a consultant to a variety of organizations on the topics of human resources, organizational development, and change management.
