Generations all over the world are back in school, or soon will be, and you could be, too! Whether you are in between consultant roles, a recent graduate, or have been in the tech industry for years, now is the time to focus on tech upskilling and reskilling. Given the recent downsizing this year along with the uncertainties of the economy, strengthening your qualifications for this job market can only help you. Job requirements are changing as quickly as technology advances so it’s critical to be prepared.
How to Land an A+ in Upskilling
The idea of getting graded and attending lectures might sound scary for someone who is past that chapter in life or hasn’t studied for an assignment in ages. So it’s a good thing that going back to school comes with a variety of experiences today. According to CNBC, the future of work won’t be about degrees, instead, it’ll be about skills—think certifications, online learning courses, or even volunteering opportunities.
A certification shows employers that you are well-versed in a precise area or tech field, which is impressive, especially with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. According to Upwork Quarterly Skills Index, 70 percent of the fastest-growing skills are new to the index. Whether tech skills are learned through traditional educational institutions or professional associations like Per Scholas, obtaining proof that you are evolving with technology that is continuously expanding ensures that you are equipped to adapt to today’s tech climate for new opportunities and sometimes even an increase in salary. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report confirms this by stating that “half of all employees will need reskilling by 2023 due to the growing uptake of technology and automation.”
For this reason and your own professional growth, get ahead of the trend and focus on tech upskilling and reskilling. If certifications don’t speak to you, then there are always online learning courses such as LinkedIn Learning that can boost your soft and hard skills to another level. Indeed states that some of the most in-demand technical skills at the moment are programming languages such as C, R, and Java. These are great examples of something you can add to your toolbox through an online course.
If you are in the recruiting field working with IT professionals, there are opportunities to advance your tech acumen in the recruiter capacity as well, through programs like Matlen Silver University. Focusing on recruiting tactics in today’s IT staffing industry, it commences with classes, and accelerates quickly into the real work world, with mentors by your side on the front lines.
In addition to gaining technical knowledge, there are also important soft skills such as problem-solving and emotional intelligence that are in demand which can be learned through volunteering experiences or non-school settings. Harvard Business Review shares tips like joining a school board, nonprofit committee or volunteering at your child’s school as a way to gain soft skills in a real-world environment.
It’s a Balancing Act When Upskilling and Reskilling
Of course, it’s understood that all these options are something you must seek to do on your own time—outside of work. However, to help with creating an optimal atmosphere that is supportive of your tech upskilling and reskilling journey, here are some tips that will help you achieve something challenging.
- Delegate and Outsource: If you’re in a position to be able to pass on non-essential tasks to co-workers or even outsource tasks in your personal life, explore this option. It is these little things that will free up more time in your life to invest in making more room for brand-new opportunities and skills.
- Time Blocking: Use time management techniques such as assigning specific blocks of time for different activities to your advantage. This will help you stay focused and disciplined while you have assignments for both your job and schooling.
- Seek Support: Most importantly reach out to the people around you to offer resources. This could be your boss, family member, or network that can assist you as you reach your goals.
At Matlen Silver, we have been delivering solutions for complex talent and technology needs for over 40 years to Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders! We rely on our networks to carry out our mission to help IT professionals find new career opportunities. Our IT recruiting and staffing experts are continually upskilling and reskilling in their own roles to be able to provide an exceptional experience for consultants and clients alike. Contact us today to find your next opportunity.
