You must consider your skills and knowledge as valuable forms of “currency” when you walk into the job market. While having meaningful connections can get you far, having just the charm and personality won’t help you snag the job of your dreams. Instead, arm yourself with your unique value proposition brought about by your talents and abilities.
With these, it makes so much sense to broaden and boost your skills as often as you can. Whether you are new to your job, thinking of changing your career path, or taking that step to advance in your current role, knowing when to upskill yourself is a must for your career success.
As upskilling refers to the process of acquiring new and relevant competencies needed today and in the future, you might be wondering: Is it important to upskill?
- Upskilling helps ensure that your skillsets won’t become obsolete.
- It also helps boost your morale and productivity.
Want to know when and why should you upskill yourself? Here are some of the top signs you should look out for to know when it’s time to upskill yourself.
1. You’re having a hard time finding a relevant opening in the job market.
Find yourself spending a lot of time browsing through job boards hoping to find the best opportunities that match your skillset? This might be a sign for you to upskill. To help you stay ahead in the market, develop skills that align with your interests and those that employers seek nowadays.
2. You’re struggling to keep up with the digital trends.
More and more industries are being impacted by digital transformation. Many professionals were called to adapt to the changing times most especially during the pandemic, with organizations implementing remote work setups. Further, businesses experience digital shifts to cater to consumer needs. That said, upskilling yourself is a wise move to fill skill gaps.
3. You see others earning a promotion around you.
Getting passed over for a promotion? That can be such a demotivating moment in your career. This is a sign for you to take a step back, think things through, and reassess your performance. You may need additional training to be qualified for that promotion you’ve been eyeing for quite some time now. Also, remember to note the requirements of the job you want, pinpoint the skills you lack or need to improve, and plan your way up.
4. You’re watching your own field evolve.
In relation to digital transformation, many jobs are also getting affected by it. Unless your line of work involves physical labor, this is true to almost everyone. As skill shifts can look different across sectors, you may need to do your research about the current trends in your field. With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for certain skills is on the rise. Stay on top of this trend by taking steps to upskill yourself.
5. You find yourself constantly relying on others to get things done.
With a relatively new way of working, digital proficiency now extends far beyond just learning how to use Google Docs or sharing files online. With this, you need to ensure you’re getting into the habit of learning new digital skills regularly. This doesn’t just help you become more proficient in your work but also avoid having a hard time keeping up with others.
6. You think you don’t have to upskill yourself.
Even if you feel you’re secure in your job right now, learning never stops. Besides, as technology advances and the job market gets more competitive, you must be able to position yourself as an adept professional in your field.
Lastly, there is a lot of things you can do to upskill. From taking online courses and building your portfolio to gaining relevant job experience, keeping your skills sharp and continuously learning are great ways to reach the next level of your career trajectory.
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