The modern workplace is in a constant state of evolution. Whether it’s adapting to economic shifts, harnessing tech innovations, or expanding into new markets, we all know that change is inevitable—and our skills have to grow in response.
According to a recent survey from the World Economic Forum, 44 percent of both technical and interpersonal skillsets will face disruption within the next 5 years, and about 6 in 10 workers will need to complete new training initiatives by 2027. So, what does this mean for your own career advancement? It’s time to embrace upskilling.
What Is Upskilling?
Upskilling is a process in which you obtain new role-specific qualifications to stay relevant, agile, successful, and competitive on the job. This closes the gap between what you can offer and what the future of business will ultimately require, securing your position within an organization or industry. A joint research poll from Amazon and Gallup analyzed the benefits of upskilling across 15,066 U.S. employees—check out these notable findings:
- 57 percent of workers have a strong desire to increase their skillsets.
- 71 percent associate upskilling with job satisfaction, which reinforces productivity.
- 66 percent feel that upskilling affords them a higher quality of life.
- 30 percent confirm that upskilling contributes to career growth and more earnings.
- Upskilling boosts the chances of maintaining a stable, desirable job by 17 percent.
- Upskilling can raise annual salaries by almost 9 percent ($8,000 per year).
Whether the goal is to score a promotion in your current job or to seek out another opportunity elsewhere, upskilling is one of the most effective strategies to cement yourself as an asset on any team. In fact, almost 80 percent of HR managers consider skill evaluations just as important as other criteria (e.g. education or experience level) when it comes to hiring decisions. Bottom line: upskilling is valuable currency in the business landscape.
Where to Focus Your Upskilling Efforts
Consider this sobering statistic: nearly 50 percent of the skills relied upon in today’s workforce will no longer be relevant by 2025. That means upskilling is more than just a proactive idea or a helpful advantage—it’s a necessity. So, which areas of expertise are worth investing in? Here’s a rundown of sought-after skills that companies want to see in 2024:
- Generative AI and Machine Learning
- Mobile Development
- Data Analytics and Visualization
- Programmatic Advertising
- Network and Information Cybersecurity
- UX and UI Design
- Cloud Infrastructure and Computing
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
- Automated Robotics
- Sustainability Operations and Solutions
- Product Management
- Voice Search Optimization
- Conversational Marketing
- Low-Code Software Creation
- Program Language Fluency
- Blockchain Technologies
- Customer Relationship Management
- Technical and Content Writing
You don’t have to learn all of these highly technical skills—choose whichever one sounds most interesting to you and start there. The main goal is to continually learn, pivot, and grow with incremental development. After all, as a recent LinkedIn report indicates, the most crucial skill to have in your professional toolbox is none other than adaptability.
The Best Virtual Upskilling Resources
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of upskilling and which proficiencies to focus on, let’s discuss how to embark on this journey. Below are some accessible and effective e-learning courses that will teach you the right skillsets to succeed in an exciting new wave of business evolution. Bonus: many of these online resources are free!
- Adobe Learning Solutions
- Google Analytics Academy
- The Open University
- Coursera Essential Skills
- Udemy Resource Center
- TEDx Talks Library
- Google Digital Skills Training
- Khan Academy
- LinkedIn Learning
- Skillshare Workforce Training
- MIT Open Learning
- Teachable Upskill Me
- Udacity Online Programs
- HubSpot Academy
- Google Skills Shop
- Springboard Career Coaching
Future-Proof Your Career With These Initiatives
Now we’re turning it over to you! Is upskilling on your professional radar? What are some new skills you want to learn or an existing skill you want to improve on? How do you see these initiatives playing a role in your career ambitions? Tell us your thoughts below, and let’s continue this discussion on the benefits of upskilling in 2024—and well into the future.