One of the silver linings of the pandemic, the subsequent lockdowns, and then the re-opening of the economy is that organizations have now become conscious of the unmistakable skills gap existing within their systems. To bridge these gaps, companies have accelerated their upskilling and reskilling efforts considerably in the years after Covid-19.
In the simplest terms, upskilling refers to practices that enable continuous learning on the job. This can be done through training programs and opportunities to develop oneself.
Work roles and on-the-job conditions impact the individual's life in many ways. Some even suggest that the watertight distinction between professional life and personal life is spurious and that both tend to morph into each other. In such a scenario, feeling stuck in one's job or a stagnating career trajectory can have a negative effect on not just job satisfaction but also the personal well-being of employees. This is where surgical training programs play a significant role. A recent survey illustrated a large percentage of the workforce laid a lot of emphasis on training opportunities provided by companies while selecting organizations to work in.
Upskilling helps one to stay updated with the latest developments in the field and upgrade their skills per these advancements. This would enable them to avail career growth opportunities and remain relevant in an increasingly competitive job market. From the point of view of organizations, upskilling helps in reducing attrition rates, increasing overall employee productivity and reducing operational costs. Given the importance of upskilling, for both employees and organizations, here is your 5-step toolkit to upskill your career in 2023.
1. Proceed systematically
While looking for upskilling opportunities, it is important to analyze your skills and career aspirations. This would help you identify a clear roadmap for the kind of courses or training programs that you can enrol in. This is especially important while switching to a new domain of work. It is best to play on your existing strengths to maximize your learning potential and benefit from such training programs.
2. Find the right fit
Once a mapping of the existing skill set and the desired skill set has been carried out, one needs to look for the right course to help achieve one's goals. While looking for certification programs, it is helpful to keep certain parameters in mind. This includes accreditation, the qualification of trainers, on-the-job training, duration of the course, flexibility in accessing learning material, and the placement assistance offered by the platform. For a working professional, it is best to opt for a course that is accredited by reputed universities, is flexible, and has the avenue of practical exposure.
3. Gain practical experience
To assess the training provided by the platform it is advisable to be on the lookout for training projects that allow you to apply your learning. Comprehensive courses often include practical training or boot camps that enable the application of knowledge, but working outside the program curriculum will help get a realistic estimate of skill acquisition.
4. Focus on sourcing the right learning material
No amount of teaching or training can be a substitute for self-learning. Once you have an idea about the tools or avenues of upskilling, it's a good idea to read relevant books, listen to podcasts, or study the e-learning material provided by the platform to augment your training. However, check the credibility of the source before investing time and energy in it.
5. Networking is essential
In the corporate world, networking is a crucial skill to connect with the right peer group and people in key positions who can help with employment or learning opportunities. Many platforms offer the chance to students to get acquainted with industry experts and join affluent circles, through organizing seminars and workshops. However, the onus lies on the candidate to take these interactions further and prove their mettle to advance in their careers.
Upskilling is important for anyone who wishes to evolve with the times and avail opportunities and prospects of development. It is necessary for both employees and the organization if they want to survive in the present economy. However, it is not enough to just enroll in these programs. One has to work towards and invest in upskilling to avail maximum benefits. The aforementioned tips will help those interested in getting the maximum use of training opportunities. Remember, upskilling can open a lot of avenues for career growth and professional development.
About The Author
A digital transformation enthusiast, Joy Parekh, Vice President - Online Business Head - of Imarticus Learning, has pioneered new business initiatives across the Financial Services and EdTech sectors. Over the last 11 years, he has contributed significantly to conceptualizing and building products and leading business development functions along with P&L responsibilities across the consumer and institutional landscapes across India and South-East Asia.
