It is estimated that 50% of all employees will need to upgrade their skills by 2025 in order to adopt technology increase globally.^[1] Learning new skills is the best way to be more successful and up-to-date in your career. Whether you are looking for a new career opportunity or would like to move into a more senior role, upgrading your skills can increase your chances of reaching your career goals. ^[2]

Following are five things that will give you just the nudge you need:

• Earn yourself that promotion

If you’re aiming to get yourself a promotion and that title, your next step is to understand the requirements of the role and enroll for further studies. Many employers are more than happy to support (financially or otherwise) some employee’s tertiary aspirations, especially if continuing your studies are aligned with their business goals and can help push you to the next level of your career.^[3]

• Command a Higher salary

In the competitive job market today, your skills and experience are equally valued. You must gain certain years of experience to deserve a high salary. But believe it or not majority of companies still use your qualifications as a benchmark to decide the pay you deserve. That isn’t changing anytime soon. ^[3]

• Expose yourself to new career options

Upgrading your skills will open the door to new career opportunities that you may not have been able to consider before. For example, if you upgraded your Microsoft Excel skills, you may be able to apply for jobs that require you to analyze data, create spreadsheets, or even produce reports. As you gain new skill sets, you can consider job opportunities and roles that you once passed on. ^[2]

• Prepare for changes

In the present scenario where the world is battling with pandemic, we have seen uncertainty of jobs. As predicted, these might hit the world again. In difficult times like these, upgraded knowledge is the only weapon that will help you keep your job secure. There is no secret that employers prefer skilled job seekers over unqualified. ^[4]

• Be valuable

Make sure you remain relevant to your industry based on today’s demand. World is changing rapidly and the only way to stay up-to-date is by upgrading your knowledge. Adopt skills that are valuable to your company and industry.

Resources:

1. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/top-10-work-skills-of-tomorrow-how-long-it-takes-to-learn-them/
2. https://www.wes.org/advisor-blog/upgrading-skills-improves-career-prospects/
3. https://www.monster.com.sg/career-advice/5-reasons-to-upgrade-your-skills-to-take-your-career-to-the-next-level-7089.html
4. https://www.opennaukri.com/7-reasons-why-you-should-upgrade-your-skills-and-knowledge/