Upskill Your Career: Overcoming the Challenges Ahead
By Amber Rolfe
Seeking career advancement? Upskilling might be your key to success.
Upskilling is an essential component for career progression, but it comes with its set of difficulties. Deciding which skills are important and determining the best way to acquire them can be a real challenge. To shed light on these issues, we surveyed over 2,000 individuals across the UK to uncover their greatest struggles with upskilling. Based on the survey, here are the top four challenges and some effective strategies to overcome them.
1. "It’s Too Expensive to Study"
A significant 30% of respondents cited financial constraints as their primary obstacle to upskilling.
The good news? Upskilling doesn’t always have to empty your wallet. Beyond seeking out internal training opportunities within your organization, you can find a myriad of free or low-cost online courses in various fields, from office skills to healthcare.
Explore discounted courses and free courses online that allow you to enhance your skills without incurring high costs. Don’t forget there are also financing options like installment payments, loans, bursaries, and scholarships to make education more affordable.
Discover five ways to make studying affordable
2. "I Can’t Fit Studying Around Other Commitments"
Balancing studies with other obligations is another common issue, mentioned by 25% of those surveyed.
Achieving the perfect work-study-life balance is no easy feat, but it’s doable. Consider part-time study options or online courses that let you learn at your own pace. There are even short courses that can be completed in just a few hours.
Setting realistic goals, avoiding overcommitment, and taking breaks when needed can also help you manage your time better.
Learn how to fit work around studying | Six things productive people do every day
3. "I Don’t Know What Kind of Training I Need"
Determining the right qualifications can be puzzling, as 16% of respondents admitted uncertainty about the training that would benefit their careers.
To tackle this, start by establishing clear career goals. Creating a career plan or professional development plan can provide direction.
- If you’re aiming to advance within your organization, consult your line manager about potential growth opportunities and the qualifications required.
- If you have a specific job role in mind, research job postings to identify the necessary skills and certifications. This step ensures you’re focusing your upskilling efforts in the most relevant areas.
Find out what type of course is right for you
4. "I Don’t Know Where to Go (or How) to Upskill"
Understanding where and how to gain new skills baffles many, with 15% unsure where to begin and 12% unclear on how to acquire the necessary skills.
Much like selecting the right training, defining your learning goals is fundamental. Although half of the survey participants preferred taking courses, others leaned toward online tutorials (21%) and reading books or research papers (20%).
Here are various avenues to explore for learning:
- Online Course Marketplaces: Platforms like Reed Courses and other educational websites offer a plethora of courses, including many free options, covering everything from digital skills to healthcare.
- Online Resources and Social Media: Utilize video tutorials, how-to guides, industry newsletters, blogs, and social media channels to keep your skills updated and relevant.
- Networking Events and Seminars: These can be conducted online or in-person and provide excellent opportunities to stay abreast of industry trends and technological advancements. Learn from experts and use their insights to advance your career.
