Upskill, Don't Stand Still: How to Boost Your Career
Don't be afraid of moving slowly — only be afraid of standing still.
This Chinese proverb wasn't written about the 21st century workplace, but it might be good advice for those trying to stay relevant in the ever-changing jobs market.
That's what job experts think, anyway — that we should always be finding ways to move forward if we want to stay competitive and develop a successful career.
One way to avoid standing still is upskilling. Upskilling just means learning new skills and there are many different ways to do it.
Recruitment agency Hays says that "constant upskilling is the new normal."
Hays suggests making a plan for your career — a "career map" — and identifying the skills you need to succeed.
To do that, according to coaching website Work It Daily, you'll need to be aware of trends in your industry. This might require some research, or you could try networking to get an idea of what's happening in other companies.
Business website Better Up says that one way to upskill is to use your network to find a mentor or coach to work with.
But look inside your own company, too, says Hays, by seeking out "stretch opportunities" — chances to work on projects with other teams, for example, that might stretch the skills you have.
If a boss knows that you're actively looking to upskill, they might be more likely to throw opportunities your way — perhaps a course or a workshop they know about.
Research available courses yourself too — and be creative. There might be courses that focus on soft skills or teach things like mindfulness that might not seem relevant straight away but that could set you apart from the field.
Remember, say Ariella Coombs and Jenna Arcand from Work It Daily, you need to market yourself — this is something only you can do.
Think of yourself as a brand, they say: "Start building up your online presence, establish yourself as an expert in your field, and get your name out there."
And don't stand still!
