How do I keep levelling up like them? 

How do I upskill myself?

Has this thought occurred to you at any point in your career?

Ever felt like you're falling behind in a world that's moving way too fast? As technology rapidly evolves, keeping up can feel like an uphill battle. You might be looking for ways to advance in your career but hitting roadblocks because you don’t have the right skills. You are not alone in this battle!! It’s a common challenge that many professionals face today. 

A recent report by Economic Times claims that 53% of 1,720 Indian professionals who participated in a survey feared becoming redundant if they didn’t continue to develop new skills. Half of the respondents felt they lacked the right skills to progress in their careers.

A survey by Equinix, Inc. shows that IT leaders in India are facing serious problems regarding the talent gap, and 86% of Indian companies are reskilling their IT workers to address the rising tech demands.

Are you thinking, “How do I upskill myself?” Upskilling or Reskilling are some terms that keep popping up in our discussions nowadays. The technological evolution has made upskilling an inevitable process in your professional life to keep growing.

Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder or keep up with the pace of change, upskilling isn’t just an option anymore—it’s essential. So, how do you bridge that gap? How to upskill yourself?

Let’s dive into six steps to help you upgrade your skills and future-proof your career. Our top tips will show you how to level up your skills in a manageable way, setting you up for long-term career success.

What is Upskilling?

Upskilling is exactly what it sounds like—learning new skills or improving the ones you already have. It’s become a buzzword in the Learning and Development (L&D) community, and for good reason. The world is moving fast, and so are the demands for certain skills. Companies, schools, and individuals are all hopping on this train, making it critical to staying competitive in any field. Wondering “How to upskill myself”? Let’s find out.

Importance of Upskilling

Fortune India reported that TCS India hired 19,000 freshers last year but has to spend the entire year training them to prepare for future skills. L&T faced the same situation last year with freshers; Out of 75,000 applications, they found only 1,500 suitable new joiners. They also went through training for one year. 

The skill gap is not exclusive to engineers; all sectors in India face the same issue. According to a National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) report, the demand for skilled labour in India reached around 103 million workers in 2022. However, there was a shortage of 29 million workers to meet this demand. This gap is impacting several key sectors, including healthcare, semiconductor manufacturing, green jobs related to waste management, and even agriculture, where new technologies like drones and robotics are being adopted, reports the Economic Times.

Hence, it’s not just about getting that next degree anymore—it’s about constantly evolving and staying ahead of the curve. It is about consistently upskilling yourself.

Optimise your job application process with key strategies from our Seekho App video. Watch our series AI Se Resume Mein Sudhaar, where you can learn about the innovative AI tool Skill Sinker, which helps match your resume with the job description to enhance your chances of getting an interview call. 

Benefits of Upskilling

Employees often hit a roadblock when they’re looking to climb the career ladder—whether in their current company or somewhere new. They might have the drive and motivation but are missing key skills to advance. This is where upskilling becomes a game-changer. Upskilling isn’t just about learning new things—it’s about transforming your career and future-proofing yourself. Here are some key benefits of upskilling:

• Stay Competitive in the Job Market: Employers look for candidates with the most up-to-date skills as industries evolve. Upskilling ensures you remain relevant and attractive to potential employers.
• Boost Career Progression: Want that promotion? Upskilling equips you with the knowledge and expertise to move up the career ladder more confidently.
• Increase Job Security: As new technologies emerge, upskilling reduces the risk of becoming redundant and keeps you adaptable to changes in your industry.
• Enhance Your Earning Potential: New skills often lead to better-paying opportunities. The more versatile and knowledgeable you become, the more you will likely land higher-paying roles.
• Improve Personal Growth: Upskilling isn’t just about work and personal development. Learning new things can motivate you and open up opportunities in areas you may never have considered.
• Stand Out in Job Applications: In a competitive job market, having the latest skills on your CV gives you an edge over other candidates, whether you’re looking for a new role or a promotion.

How To Upskill Myself: Here’s What You Could Do

Whether it be mastering a new tech, getting better at your favourite hobby, or learning skills that could help you in daily life or at work, you’ve probably asked yourself at some point,

“How do I upskill myself?”

Upskilling might sound like a big task, but it mustn’t be overwhelming. Think of it as a roadmap to your future success, where each step brings you closer to your career goals. The key is approaching it with a clear plan and a proactive mindset. Given below are 6 simple steps to upskill yourself. Start ticking your checklist today!!

Set Goals

First, it’s essential to determine where you want to go. Setting clear, realistic goals is important. Are you aiming for a promotion, switching to a new field, changing jobs, or simply looking to stay relevant in your current role? This gives you a clear target to aim for and a timeline to work with. Setting goals will help keep you focused and make the whole upskilling process more manageable. 

Remember, your goals don’t have to be huge or intimidating. Small, achievable milestones are just as essential and will keep you motivated as you see progress along the way. And don’t forget to revisit and adjust your goals as you grow—what you want today might evolve as you learn and discover new interests!

To keep yourself on track, using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is helpful. These benchmarks help you monitor your progress and ensure you’re moving in the right direction. For example:

• Completion of relevant courses: Track how many online courses, certifications, or workshops you’ve completed in your skill area.
• Practical application: Measure how often you apply your new skills on the job or in projects.
• Feedback from mentors or supervisors: Regularly check in with mentors or supervisors for feedback on your progress.
• Time investment: Set a goal for how many hours per week you’ll dedicate to learning and track it to stay consistent.

For example, check out these top 4 high-income skill videos for goal setting.

Identify Your Knowledge Gaps

Once you’ve set your goals, the next step is figuring out what’s missing—what skills or knowledge do you need to get there? Start by consulting with people who have already achieved the goals you’re aiming for. Ask them about the skills they found most valuable and what helped them succeed. Their insights can point you in the right direction. 

Another great strategy is to review job postings to determine your interest in the role or field. Look for the specific skills employers seek and compare them to your current skills. By identifying where your abilities fall short, you’ll know exactly what areas to focus on when upskilling. This process helps you create a clear action plan to bridge those gaps and reach your goal.

Create an Upskilling Strategy

Now that you know your goals and gaps, it's time to create a smart strategy for upskilling. Start by:

Identify learning opportunities: Identifying the best education and training opportunities. Look into online courses, workshops, or certifications that can help you build the skills you need.

Check out this series to learn about eight courses that can help you boost your income.

Plan an ongoing learning calendar. This will keep you organised and on track. For example, you could dedicate two hours on weekends to learning, making it a manageable part of your routine.

Don’t forget to factor in your budget and time availability. Some courses are free or low-cost, while others may require a larger investment. Choose options that fit your schedule and financial situation to ensure a sustainable learning plan.

Start Learning

Now comes the exciting part—actually diving into your upskilling journey! Implement your learning plan by exploring different methods that fit your style and goals. You can choose from e-learning platforms, attend in-person workshops, or try a blended learning approach that combines both—whatever works best for you!

Remember, upskilling doesn’t have to be tedious or stressful. Stay curious and enjoy the process. When you’re excited about what you’re learning, it sticks better. Keep an open mind, experiment with new ideas, and, most importantly, have fun as you build the skills to drive your career forward.

Exercise Your Skills

Learning new skills is only half the battle—the real growth comes from applying them. Start putting your new abilities to work in real-life situations. For example, if you've learned a new software or tool, try automating a workflow at work to make tasks more efficient.

Practice independently if you're not yet confident using your skills in a professional setting. You can take on personal projects, help a friend, or even volunteer. The more you use your skills, the more natural they’ll feel, and soon enough, you'll be ready to showcase them confidently in your job or career path.

Conclusion

Upskilling is a powerful way to take control of your professional growth, equipping you to navigate a constantly evolving job market. Investing in yourself and building a foundation for long-term success is about more than just acquiring new skills. Learning and applying new knowledge is a journey as you work toward your career goals. Stay patient, consistent, and open to new experiences. By embracing upskilling, you’re future-proofing your career and discovering new strengths and opportunities.

Seekho is the final word for bridging your skill gap. The edutainment platform has 10,000+ learning short videos on technology, finance, and business curated by different subject experts. Upgrade your skills and update yourself with Seekho. Happy learning!!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does upskilling cost?

The cost of upskilling can vary widely. Some online courses are free or low-cost, while others, such as certifications or specialised programs, may require a larger investment. It's important to weigh the value of the skill you're learning against your career goals and budget.

2. How do I measure my upskilling progress?

You can track progress using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as the number of completed courses, practical application of new skills, feedback from peers or supervisors, and improvements in your job performance or career advancement.

3. How does upskilling improve my career prospects?

Upskilling enhances your employability by giving you the skills employers are looking for. It makes you more adaptable to industry changes and positions you as a stronger candidate for promotions, new job roles, or even a career switch.

4. What industries need upskilling the most?

Industries experiencing rapid technological advancements, like IT, healthcare, manufacturing, and green energy, have a high demand for upskilling. However, every field benefits from staying updated with new developments and technologies.

5. How can I fit upskilling into my busy schedule?

It’s all about finding a learning approach that works for you. Many e-learning platforms offer bite-sized modules that fit into short breaks or weekends. You can also plan a learning calendar, dedicating a specific amount of time each week to skill development.

6. How can I use Seekho to upskill effectively?

Seekho offers a variety of learning resources, including online courses, mentorship, and workshops tailored to specific industries and skill sets. To upskill effectively, you can explore their platform to find courses that align with your career goals, take advantage of mentorship opportunities, and apply what you learn through real-world projects and exercises.