Don’t Stay Stagnant: A Guide to Recognising the 6 Signs You Should Upskill

As you go higher up on the corporate ladder and get onto the management and upper management track, how necessary is it to ensure your skills are up-to-date so that you don’t become redundant? Does accumulated experience suffice, or is there a continual need to embrace new skills and technologies to safeguard oneself from redundancy?

The recent rise of automation and artificial intelligence, for instance, is leaving many traditional jobs at risk and shifting employer expectations. What will the process of upskilling look like in 2024, and how can it help leaders and other professionals stay ahead in their careers?

Online learning on sites such as Coursera have exploded since the pandemic and the subsequent increase in remote or hybrid work. The number of students registered for Coursera online classes rose to 71 million in 2020, up from 44 million in 2019, according to the World Economic Forum.

According to Gallup, individuals who participate in upskilling programs typically earn an average of $8,000 more than their counterparts who do not engage in such programs, marking an increase of approximately 8.6%. Notably, those who independently financed their upskilling initiatives experienced even more substantial outcomes, with an impressive average salary boost of 15.3%.

Curious about when and why you should upskill yourself? Here are compelling signs indicating it is time to invest in your professional development.

1. Struggling to Find Relevant Job Openings

Spending excessive time combing through job boards without finding suitable opportunities signals a need for upskilling. To help you stay ahead in the market, develop skills with current market demands to stay ahead and enhance employability.

2. Falling Behind in Digital Trends

With digital transformation impacting various industries, staying current is crucial. If you find it challenging to keep up with digital trends, upskilling becomes essential to fill skill gaps and remain competitive.

In 2024, employers are placing a premium on candidates committed to professional development, continuous learning, and upskilling. And it’s not just a matter of what recruiters want, it’s what they need for their companies to thrive in an unpredictable economy.

3. Observing Colleagues Earn Promotions

Being passed over for a promotion calls for self-reflection. Identify the skills lacking for your desired role, plan for improvement, and undergo the necessary training to qualify for advancement. Take a strategic approach by meticulously analysing the job requirements, identifying specific skills that may be lacking or in need of improvement. This introspective process lays the groundwork for a comprehensive plan to ascend your career.

4. Witnessing Your Field Evolve

In the wake of digital transformation, many professions are evolving. Research current trends in your field, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and proactively upskill to meet rising demands.

One way to keep track is to follow employment and career websites, monitoring job boards, and industry-specific blogs and outlets. Keep a look out for recurring patterns in job descriptions and qualifications and take note of frequently mentioned or required skills.

5. Excessive Dependence on Others

In the modern work environment, digital proficiency extends beyond basic tools. Regularly acquire new digital skills to remain proficient, ensuring you don’t constantly rely on others and can contribute effectively to collaborative efforts.

Seek feedback from employers and hiring managers who have firsthand knowledge of high-demand skills and can provide specific insights.

6. Believing You Don’t Need to Upskill

Even if your current job feels secure, continuous learning is imperative. Technological advancements and increasing market competitiveness necessitate positioning yourself as a skilled professional in your field. Here are three ways for you to learn new skills:

1. Take a free online class:  You can learn beginner or advanced coding languages on Codeacademy or learn personal development skills on Alison. Many Ivy League universities also offer open online courses, which are free or low-cost courses on everything from finance and marketing to programming and sciences.
2. Sign up for subscriptions: Most companies, such as LinkedIn Learning($39.99 monthly) and Coursera Plus ($59 monthly), allow you to start with a free trial so you can see if the programs offered are right for you.
3. Go local. If online learning isn’t your style, many local libraries offer free classes on financial literacy and other subjects. Also, consider joining a local learning group on Meetup or  joining a local professional organization for development opportunities. Organisations like Toastmasters also teach soft skills like leadership through local chapters nationwide.

In a need for a new job in 2024? Head over to The Edge Partnership today for job listings, career advice and new opportunities.