Sharks will die if they stop moving forward. It can feel like not moving forward will make life cease to exist, especially when viewing the job landscape. Life is full of changes and shifts, and adapting is the life skill most needed in the modern world.

Upskilling is a form of adapting and it can change your life for the better via increased earning potential.

Upskilling
Additional training can improve your current skill sets. Upskillers can change their communities as they change their life. For example, virtual workshops can make upskillers aware of areas in need of new skills within their community, along with arising industry trends.

Keep in mind upskilling and reskilling are two different concepts.

Technology is always changing at a break-neck pace. A gap is created where current skills and in-demand skills do not match. Managers and recruiters acknowledge there is a widening skills gap that is the biggest obstacle in hiring for tech-focused jobs.

Upskilling is the solution to this labor challenge. Global leaders, like Amazon, have invested in upskilling programs. This leads to reduced turnover, expanded growth opportunities and increased productivity. Upskilling puts the power back in the hands of employees to be upwardly mobile.

Benefits of Upskilling

• Raises
• Career changes
• Enhanced work life
• Self-improvement

Confident employees ask for raises, and more times than not, compensation usually reflects skill levels. Having in-demand skills can benefit companies just as much as it can employees. Career changes are easier to make when you have bridged the gap.

Working in the same role or industry can get mundane. Upskilling allows learners to switch it up and feel more motivated. It keeps the mind active and helps learners reach professional fulfillment.

Earning Potential

From STEM to soft skills, a variety of areas are lacking in the modern workforce. Here are a few:

Digital Upskilling

WFH has increased the demand for digital upskilling. One in three workers has limited digital skills.

• Digital literacy
• Programming
• Web development
• Software development
• Information technology support
• UX/UI design
• Data visualization
• Digital product management
• Digital marketing
• Social media

Analytics

Statisticians, information security analysts, data scientists, and research analysts are in demand and enjoy future-proof careers using the following skills:

• Data science and analytics
• Digital business analysis
• Critical thinking
• Mathematical modeling
• Research
• Problem-solving
• Inductive and deductive reasoning

5 Steps to Upskilling

Step 1. Identify goals
Always start with the end result in mind. Ask what you want to achieve in your career. A senior role or a better work-life balance can be great starting points to work toward when figuring out goals.

Step 2. Find gaps
Figure out your knowledge gaps. Start by looking at jobs you want to apply for and see which skills are missing. Use your network to find a mentor to gain skills and insights. Plan what you need to learn.

Step 3. Plan
Education and training can fill in gaps. Review your budget and check out classes at organizations like ThriveDX. Be S.M.A.R.T. with your goals — set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. For example:

• I will invest in a cybersecurity class at ThriveDX for eight weeks in order to learn <insert new skill>.

Step 4. Learn and act
Learn as much as you can in your class, earn certifications and apply your new skills. Remember your goals throughout the process.

Step 5. Be adaptable
Learning can open up so many doors. It should never stop. Tech is always changing and new skills pop up every year for each industry.

New skills can future-proof your career so you can live a better life. Be in charge of your career’s trajectory via upskilling. Explore the programs powered by ThriveDX to reap the benefits of upskilling yourself.