How to Upskill Yourself: Planning and Research to Stay Ahead in Your Career

By Intellezy

September 24, 2024

Learning at your own pace is the new norm. Learn how to upskill yourself effectively. Identify what skills to learn, plan ahead, and future-proof your career.

Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

Feeling like you’re in a rut? You’re not alone. With so many companies giving their employees an ultimatum of either going back to the office or else they’re laid off, staying still in your career means you'll sink in your field long before you can realize it. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, switching industries, or just wanting to keep up with today’s job market, you have to know how to upskill yourself. 

Why Upskilling is Your Career's Lifeline

The job market isn’t what it used to be. The days of getting a degree, landing a job, and coasting until retirement are long gone. According to a 2023 report by the World Economic Forum, 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025 as the adoption of technology increases. And with technology advancing at warp speed and industries evolving rapidly, your skillset can quickly become outdated. Moreover, the AI renaissance is here, and if you don’t use AI to your advantage, you will definitely be left behind in the competition. 

Step 1: Identify the Skills You Need

Before you start applying to workshops or boot camps, it’s important to identify what skills are in demand in your industry or the industry you’re looking to hop into. Start by doing some research on job postings, LinkedIn profiles of professionals in that field, and industry reports. 

If you want to change job positions or move up the ladder in your current company, you can have a chat with your boss or a mentor about what skills you should focus on to stay competitive. The key here is to align your learning with your career goals.

For example, if you’re in marketing, mastering digital tools like Google Analytics or learning the best SEO practices can make you more valuable to your team. In tech, you might want to explore AI, machine learning, or cloud computing. The idea is to pinpoint those areas where upskilling will have the most impact.

Step 2: Choose the Right Learning Method

Once you've identified the skills you need, the next step is gaining them. There's no one-size-fits-all here. Your learning style, resources, and most importantly, your allowed schedule will determine the best approach (we’ll talk more about this later on in this blog). Here are a few popular methods:

  1. Online Courses: Platforms like Intellezy offer courses on just about everything you need to upskill yourself. Many of our courses are taught by industry experts and even come with certification. These are great if you prefer structured learning with a clear start and finish.
  2. Workshops and Bootcamps: If you’re looking to learn a skill fast and/or looking to shift to another industry, bootcamps and workshops can be incredibly effective. What makes them so great is that they’re intense, focused, and often hands-on, giving you the chance to apply what you’re learning in real time. Bootcamps are also a great opportunity to expand your network because a lot of people here are also looking to learn new skills just like you. 
  3. Podcasts and Webinars: If you’re pressed for time, consider learning on the go with podcasts and webinars. They’re perfect for turning your commute or gym time into a mini classroom.
  4. Mentorship and Networking: Sometimes, the best learning happens through conversations. Mentors can offer insights and advice that you won’t find in textbooks. Networking with peers can also expose you to new ideas and opportunities.

Step 3: Create a Learning Plan For Your Self-Upskilling Journey

Learning shouldn’t be aimless so you need a plan—a concrete and solid one. Start by setting clear, achievable goals. For instance, instead of saying, "I want to learn and create ads for Gen Zs," set a goal like, "I want to launch a new marketing campaign catered to Gen Zs after studying TikTok trends within three months."

Then, you need to break your learning down into manageable chunks. If you’re taking an online course, commit to completing one module a week. If you’re reading a book, set aside 30 minutes each day to read. CONSISTENCY is the key here, people. We recommend using tools like Trello or Notion to track your progress. Seeing how far you've come can be incredibly motivating and helps keep you on course.

Step 4: Apply What You Learn 

Knowledge is power, but only if you use it. Applying what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios is the best way to cement what you’ve learned. If you’re learning a new software tool, start using it in your day-to-day tasks. If you’ve picked up a new marketing strategy, try implementing it in your next campaign. If you've just learned how to code, build a small app or join and contribute to an open-source project on GitHub. Got a new sales technique? Try it out in your next client meeting. 

Don't wait for the "perfect" moment to use your new skills. The sooner you apply them, the more likely they are to stick. Plus, you'll be able to demonstrate your new capabilities to your boss, making you a more valuable asset to the team. The point is to make your learning tangible, so leave your book-smart bubble and start making real changes.

Step 5: Get Feedback and Iterate

Learning is an iterative process. After you've applied your new skills, seek feedback from peers, mentors, or even your boss. Constructive criticism helps you identify areas for improvement, so don’t shy away from it.

Let’s say you've started using a new project management tool. Ask your team how they feel about the changes you’ve implemented. Are things running smoother? Are there any challenges? Use this feedback to refine your approach. Continuous improvement will be your bread and butter if you want to keep improving your skills. 

Step 6: Share Your Knowledge With Others

One of the most underrated ways to upskill yourself is by teaching others. If you’re the type of person who does this back in college, you know what we mean. Sharing what you’ve learned reinforces your own understanding and opens the door to new perspectives. Moreover, you might learn new things by having an insightful back-to-back conversation with a professional in that field. 

Consider writing a blog post about your learning journey, hosting a webinar, or even just having a casual chat with a colleague. Sharing your knowledge helps others and positions you as a thought leader in your field.

Step 7: Stay Curious and Keep Learning

Once you’ve landed your next job or have been promoted with your newfound skill, it’s to relax and ride out till retirement, right? In today’s job market, you’re incredibly lucky if you can do that. The moment you stop learning is the moment you start falling behind. So keep your curiosity alive by staying updated on industry trends, attending conferences, and pushing yourself to learn new things.

Upskill Yourself with Training Videos: Things To Look Out For

As we have previously mentioned, one of the biggest hurdles when upskilling yourself is not having the time to do it. Thankfully, learning through online training videos is just as effective, if not better, than learning in a traditional classroom setting. It's visual, often hands-on, and can be watched at your own pace. However, not all training videos are created equal. 

To make the most of your learning experience, you need to choose videos that are effective, engaging, and worth your time. Here are some key things to look for in upskill training videos:

1. Instructor Expertise

The quality of your learning often depends on the expertise of the instructor. Look for videos where the instructor is not only knowledgeable but also has real-world experience in the field. Check their credentials, background, and other courses they've taught. An experienced instructor can offer valuable insights that go beyond just the basics, helping you grasp complex concepts more easily.

2. Clear and Structured Content

A well-structured video should have a clear flow, breaking down complex topics into digestible sections. Look for training videos that start with an introduction to the topic, followed by a logical progression through the material, and end with a summary or recap. This structure helps reinforce learning and makes it easier to follow along.

3. Practical Examples and Demonstrations

Theory is important, but practical application is where the real learning happens. Choose videos that include real-life examples, case studies, or demonstrations. Seeing how a concept works in practice can make it easier to understand and remember. Plus, it gives you a chance to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world scenario.

4. Engaging and Interactive Elements

Engagement is key to effective learning. Videos that include interactive elements—like quizzes, exercises, or prompts to pause and try something out—can enhance your learning experience. These elements not only break up the content but also help reinforce the material, making it more likely to stick.

5. Up-to-Date Content

Industries change fast, and what was relevant a year ago might be outdated today. Make sure the videos you choose are current and reflect the latest trends and technologies in your field. This is especially important in fast-moving industries like tech or marketing, where new tools and methods are constantly emerging.

6. Accessibility and Support

Finally, consider the accessibility of the videos. Can you watch them on any device? Are there subtitles or transcripts available? Is there a support system if you have questions? These factors can make a big difference in your learning experience, ensuring that you have the resources you need to succeed.

Wrapping It Up

Upskilling yourself opens up new opportunities, keeping your job exciting and being ready for whatever the future throws at you. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more skilled, confident, and competitive professional in your career.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start learning. Now you know how to upskill yourself, it's time to put that knowledge into action.

Ready to Get Started with Your Upskilling Journey?

If you’re looking to upskill yourself with high-quality training videos, check out Intellezy. With a vast library of expertly crafted courses, Intellezy offers everything you need to stay ahead in your career. Whether you’re brushing up on the basics or diving into advanced topics, Intellezy has got you covered. Start your upskilling journey today and unlock new opportunities for growth and success! Request a free trial today here.

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