How to Reskill Without Going back to University
Reskilling means learning new skills that qualify you for a different role or help you remain competitive in your current career. The world is evolving there are new technologies, artificial intelligence, automation and employers expectations are changing. This means that the work environment is changing and new skills are being introduced. You may think you need to go back to university to remain relevant in the work force. However, this is not necessary, what is important is having skills that your employer needs. Here are some ways to remain relevant in your career.
IDENTIFY THE SKILLS YOU NEE D
You need to understand the skills needed for the role you want to go into. Check some job postings and look for the skill that the employer is demand for. If different employers demand for the same skill you should know that they are crucial to the employers.
TAKE ONLINE COURSES
You can take courses that award you certificates rather than going through a university. You can take online courses with platforms like, LinkedIn, Coursera, Udemy and Google career. It is not just about collecting certificates, it is about taking courses that teach you relevant skills.
BUILD A PORTFOLIO
Building a portfolio is easy, it allows employer to see what you can do. You can upload your personal work, freelance projects and voluntary work. This gives the employer real example of what you can do rather than what you claim you can do.
PRACTICE WHAT YOU’VE LEARNT
If you are learning a new skill or course try to practice it on your own. You can apply what you’ve learnt during interviews or when you are at work.
UPDATE YOUR CV
Any progress or new skills you’ve learnt should be added to your CV, LinkedIn profile and portfolio. Create a clear relationship between your old experience and new skills. Let your employer know that you are both experienced and developing.
LEARN FROM PROFESSIONALS IN THE INDUSTRY
Do not only take online courses, learn from people that have been in the industry you want to join. Read industry publications, watch experts, attend webinars and follow professionals on LinkedIn and other platforms. You can also ask professionals about what you need to enter into the new industry.
GAIN EXPERIENCE BEFORE WAITING FOR THE JOB
You can gain experience before you start a full-time job. You can help small businesses, get internships, take on part-time work, freelance and take on short term employment. This experience can expose you and it gives you an opportunity to add this to your CV, online profile and portfolio.
TAKE CERTIFICATIONS
This helps to demonstrate competence, if you are recognized by a particular organization this means you are valued. Having alot of certifications doesn’t mean you are going to get employed but having a few relevant certifications can boost your chances of getting employed.
CREATE A REALISTIC LEARNING SCHEDULE
Reskilling while working takes up alot of time especially when you are working or studying and it can take up alot of time. Make a schedule dedicated to learning new professional skills and remember that having a schedule matters than having one that you can maintain. Do not try to master the whole profession in a few weeks try to learn one skill and practise it repeatedly until you master it.
KNOW WHEN UNIVERSITY IS NECESSARY
It is not always necessary to go back to university when reskilling but you have to know when you are meant to go back to university. If you are going into a professional fields like Law, Medicine, many Engineering related courses, and some educational careers a formal education is necessary.
