Scaling up your skills is a great way to improve your career prospects and earnings potential. But with so many different options available, it can be tough to know when the best time is to make the investment.
Making the decision to scale up your skills is a big investment of time and resources. It is not something you want to rush into without doing your research first. Fortunately, we have put together a handy guide to help you figure out when the best time is to upscaling your skills.
- The first thing you need to consider is your current situation. If you are happy in your current role and do not feel like you are ready for a change, then ironically this is the best time consider upscaling. Why? This is because you have the option and freedom to choose wisely. Naturally, you can work on improving your skills at any time. But if you are starting to feel restless and are eager for a new challenge, then your window to lift your skills may be more limited. Thus, the short answer is NOW!
- The second thing to think about is your career goals. What are you hoping to achieve by upscaling your skills? If you are looking to move into a management position, then you will need to have the relevant experience and qualifications. But if you are simply hoping to boost your earnings potential, then there are other options available which might be more suitable.
- The third and perhaps the most important to think to consider is what to upskill? There are naturally many options, but the “biggest bang for the buck” are either 1) reinforce and further strengthen what you are truly good at. Develop your sustainable competitive advantage as compared with your peers. Another consideration is focus on improving your handicap, which are significant weaknesses that are holding you back. The reducing or mitigating your handicaps, you became a more well-rounded professional overall.
Once you have considered these factors, you should have a better idea of whether now is the right time for you to start upscaling your skills. If you decide that it is, then the next step is to choose the right approach, which can be engaging self-learning through reading, finding or even hiring right coach, perhaps considering advancing your education and degree, or determining the right courses and training programs. There are plenty of options available, so make sure you take the time to find one that is right for you. And finally, once you have completed your degree, course or training program, do not forget to update your resume and LinkedIn profile so that potential employers can see your new skills and qualifications!
Upscaling your skills is a great way to improve your career prospects and earnings potential. But with so many different options available, it can be tough to know when the best time is to make the investment. By considering your current situation and career goals, you should be able to determine whether now is the right time for you to start upscaling your skills. Remember, there is often no better time than the present. If it is, then make sure you choose the right course or training program so that you can make the most of this exciting opportunity.