Personal Development

Know what Upskilling is?

admin • 17 Sep 2023

Technology has changed the way businesses work. Nowadays, things change at a breakneck pace.

Therefore, you need to hone your skills. Having a good resume is no longer enough; you must always be up to date. Knowledge is power!

So, knowing what upskilling is and its benefits is essential for professional development. Check out how it can be helpful for you.

What is upskilling?

Upskilling is the process of improving existing skills, in the area where you already have a certain domain. The translation of the term means improvement.

This can happen with training and courses offered by the company. But the company and the employee must be willing to do this.

So, we can say that the biggest synonym of upskilling is engagement. Therefore, it is essential to emphasize that engagement must occur between the parties.

For example, think of a graphic designer. When this professional undergoes training or qualification in new tools, he is practicing upskilling.

Difference between upskilling and reskilling

Upskilling is the process of improving your skills and knowledge in a certain area.

The term reskilling can be translated as “requalification.” That is, it involves learning new skills to do a different job.

Most of the time, reskilling is transitioning to a new field or job.

For example, an accountant who wants to become a programmer would need to re-skill.

Career benefits of upskilling

One of the main advantages of this practice for professional development is that it adds value.

Value for you, but also the company. The reason is simple: a qualified employee does a better job.

Some examples of the benefits of upskilling for your career are:

• More knowledge for the professional;
• More opportunities to stand out in the company;
• Opens doors to career advancement;
• Updating with new trends and demands in the area;
• Helps in preparing for medium and long-term demands;
• It makes the professional more efficient;
• Improves the resume.

Importance of upskilling

Nowadays, we see the emergence of new technology at every moment. Therefore, it is essential to seek constant updating.

Therefore, it is essential to understand the importance of upskilling as a qualification and improvement methodology.

This is essential for your professional development. And as we have seen, it also brings benefits to the company.

Here are some examples of how this concept can help your career:

1. Adds value

A trained and up-to-date professional will better perform his role in the company. This is a fact.

For those who want to advance their career, upskilling is the perfect methodology. It satisfies both the employee and the organization. Therefore, everyone wins.

In addition, employees who carry out an upskilling program positively influence the brand.

In this way, the company can offer its customers a better service or product.

2. Constant update

Constant updating is essential for a successful career. Even if you already have a good resume, it is essential to seek more knowledge.

Therefore, upskilling is a great way to stay current with training and courses offered by the company.

Also, by learning new skills, you can find a new path for your career.

Then, this could be your chance to change roles. Or until you find something that makes you happier.

3. More growth opportunities

As we've already seen, upskilling can help you grow in your field. This can make a difference in selection processes. After all, every company seeks qualified and effective professionals. Is not true?

Therefore, don't waste time if your company offers an upskilling program! Look at it as a way to excel in your profession.

You might even move up in the ranks or get a pay raise. So, talk to your boss or check with HR if the company has any training programs.

Relationship between upskilling and the PDI (individual development plan)

In professional development, upskilling and individual development plan (IDP) are two related but distinct concepts.

As we have seen, upskilling is the process of acquiring new skills and knowledge to improve professional capabilities.

PDI, conversely, is a personalized strategy that involves setting career goals, assessing current skills, and establishing a plan to fill identified gaps.

While upskilling is focused on acquiring specific skills, PDI is a broader approach to professional development.