With today’s ever-changing job market, the key for HR professionals is to find staff with the ability to be flexible and learn, versus hiring for hard skills alone.Getty Images
Kadine Cooper, CPCC, also known as Coach K, is a certified coach, facilitator and speaker, specializing in empowering professionals and organizations to reach their full potential. With a focus on personal and professional development, Ms. Cooper leverages her expertise to drive positive change and growth.
In today’s fast-evolving job landscape, the traditional idea of job security, staying in one role or industry for decades is outdated. As industries adapt to technological advancements, global trends and shifting business models, skills that were once highly valued are quickly losing relevance. To thrive in the current dynamic environment, one of the most important strategies professionals can adopt is upskilling.
Up to 375 million workers globally may need to learn new skills or even switch careers by 2030 because of the rise of automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning, according to a 2020 report from McKinsey & Co. This underscores the growing need for workers to stay agile and continually refresh their skill sets. Failing to do so could lead to falling behind in an increasingly competitive job market.
Take, for example, one of my clients (Client A), a mid-level marketing manager who had spent a decade mastering traditional marketing strategies. Over the past couple of years, she noticed that digital marketing, automation tools and AI-driven campaigns were becoming the dominant forces in her industry. She felt her career was in jeopardy, sharing with me: “I don’t know where to start and I’m worried my skills are becoming outdated.”
Through our sessions, I helped Client A identify the critical areas for upskilling — data-driven marketing, social media analytics and automation tools. By enrolling in online courses and attending industry seminars, she not only gained valuable new skills but also developed the confidence to lead new digital campaigns in her company. This helped her stand out and contributed to her company’s bottom line. Her journey demonstrates that even small steps toward learning new skills can have a significant impact on career growth and security.
Upskilling is not just about learning something new; it’s about learning the right things that will enhance your career in a meaningful way. With so many areas of innovation emerging — from AI and blockchain to digital marketing and soft skills, it can be overwhelming to decide where to focus your efforts.
For instance, another client (Client B), a project manager, initially wanted to learn everything about AI because of its widespread coverage in the media. However, after assessing her current role and her company’s trajectory, we narrowed down her learning focus to project management tools that incorporated automation, saving time and enhancing her leadership. As a result, she was able to implement new processes at work that significantly boosted productivity without having to completely overhaul her knowledge base.
The intention should be strategic in your upskilling efforts. Understand the emerging trends in your industry but focus on those skills that will have the most direct impact on your current or desired role.
Investing in skill development comes with a range of advantages beyond simply staying competitive. Some of the key benefits include:
- Increased career flexibility: As the workplace evolves, professionals who upskill can pivot more easily between roles or industries. If you’re adaptable and equipped with in-demand skills, you’re more likely to weather market changes.
- Improved job satisfaction: Upskilling can boost your sense of achievement and professional purpose. When you feel confident in your abilities and are able to contribute meaningfully, job satisfaction naturally follows.
- Greater earning potential: By acquiring specialized skills, you can make yourself more valuable to employers, leading to increased salary potential. According to a 2022 survey by LinkedIn, professionals who actively pursue upskilling earn, on average, 10- to 15-per-cent more than their peers who do not.
On the flip side, the failure to upskill can carry serious risks. Workers who don’t invest in continuous learning may find themselves left behind, especially as automation and digital tools replace routine tasks. This can lead to decreased job security, limited career advancement opportunities and stagnant wages.
As I advised one of my clients (Client C), an IT professional, the technology that’s driving your industry won’t wait for you to catch up. If you’re not actively learning, you’re falling behind. Client C took this advice to heart and enrolled in courses to develop cloud computing skills, which have since become central to his role and opened up new career opportunities within his organization.
If you’re unsure where to begin your upskilling journey, consider these steps:
- Identify skills gaps: Assess your current role and industry trends. Where do you feel least confident? Which skills are emerging as critical for success in your field?
- Leverage online learning platforms: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in everything from coding to communication skills. Find a course that aligns with your goals and get started at your own pace.
- Seek mentorship or professional advice: Talk to colleagues, mentors or career coaches about where you should focus your learning efforts. Their insight can help steer you in the right direction.
- Apply what you learn: Upskilling is most effective when you can immediately apply your new knowledge. Look for opportunities to implement what you’ve learned in your current job, whether that’s leading a new project, solving a problem, or simply sharing your insights with your team.
The future of work is constantly changing, upskilling is essential to maintaining career longevity and personal growth. Whether you’re learning a new technical skill or sharpening your leadership abilities, the most important thing is to stay proactive and embrace the mindset of continuous learning.