Proactive Up-skilling: Essential for Future-proof Career

Upskilling oneself is the need of hour for progressive change and take charge of career. Successful professionals know the importance of actively expanding their skills and credentials to achieve career velocity and extend their career shelf life by staying current. In our current role, the right upgrading of skills can hone our functional and business skills to improve our productivity and overall performance. This will strongly position us for promotion and lateral career progression. As we step into classrooms, workshops, seminars and conferences to upgrade our credentials, we will acquaint ourself with different people to expand our professional network. They could be instrumental in (a) advancing our career or business, and (b) motivating us to look at different opportunities and perspectives to enrich our career. It helps us explore a career change Upskilling gives us the confidence to look at the possibilities of a career change. Making the time to upskill will prepare us to take the plunge when an appropriate opportunity presents itself. Upskilling in today's digital age of automation offers a tremendous stage for a proactive process of positioning oneself for higher success and opportunities. Upskilling involves keeping abreast of the latest changes at work (technology, processes, domains, business avenues, etc.), and participating in internal training to keep pace with change. On a proactive measure, it could mean researching a little more to grasp how the broader market and industry is being impacted, and what are the additional skills required to combat this change. We could then enroll ourself for extra study (online or in person) or register for a certified course for professional development. Beyond the technical and functional, develop our human skills Future-¬proofing our career is not complete without upgrading our human skills ¬ problem solving, dealing with ambiguity, critical thinking, negotiation, influencing and emotional intelligence. Furthermore, adding to skills makes individuals more capable and highlights their initiative, commitment and desire to move ahead. These are traits that managers and leaders value and look to recognize and reward. Professional networking ¬ Social media can help you in a big way in not only up-skilling but brushing shoulders with the right people in the right communities in your domain. This is the most effective way to stay relevant. Our new skills can be our gateway to new responsibilities and a means to follow our passion for higher professional satisfaction.