Upskilling and reskilling are top buzzwords in today’s fast changing job market, but knowing how best to do so can be difficult.
It feels like every day there’s a new technology or a new way of doing business, and what you learned a few years ago might not be what you need today. This can be a bit scary, especially with the cost of living going up and the pressure to keep earning more money.
Most of us have heard the advice: “Just upskill” or “reskill.” It sounds simple, but when you’re an ordinary person with a job and a life, this can be harder than it sounds. Where do you even start? What new skill should you learn? And how do you know if it’s the right one for you? This is where many people get stuck.
Figuring out where to start
The truth is that many industries are different today than they were a decade ago, making upskilling a top focus for building career longevity. Think about a car mechanic ten years ago, now needing to understand complex computer systems and electric engines. Or a marketing professional who now has to be an expert in social media and digital engagement metrics. In fact, a study by Gallup showed that only 47% of employees strongly agreed that they have the skills they need to be exceptional at their current job. The reality is that the role you have today might not look the same in five years, making upskilling and reskilling a real necessity.
And with the current economic issues, the pressure to keep up is real. Culture Amp’s research found that “employees who don’t feel they have access to L&D are 2x more likely to leave in 12 months”. This clearly reflects the sense that people are highly aware of the need for upskilling to stay ahead of the curve as much as possible, and as such are willing to move strategically if those needs are not being met.
No one wants to feel like their job is at risk or that they can’t afford their bills. This sense of urgency can make the decisions around upskilling even more difficult. You don’t want to waste time or money on the wrong course. You want to make a choice that will actually help your career and your financial situation.
That being said, studies by Bridge found that organisations faced barriers to providing upskilling training including “lack of time and priority (72%), budget or resource constraints (58%) and lack of management or leadership support (46%)”. This adds a further level of pressure on those who are aware of the need to upskill as they try to discern what areas to focus on developing and access the resources to do so.
With so many options out there- online courses, certifications, bootcamps, and more-it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You have to consider whether you are accessing development through your organisation or opting for a self-funded course, how much time you have available for completing a course, what best matches your current skills and future goals…
It’s like standing in the middle of a huge bookstore with no idea which one to pick. You might feel lost, and that can stop you from taking any action at all.
The Difference a Mentor Makes
This is where having a mentor can make all the difference. They’re someone who has been there, done that, and can give you practical advice based on their own experience. They are able to provide advice and guidance that prioritises your long-term goals and help you develop an action plan for retaking control of your future. They can help you navigate your career path and make the process of upskilling and reskilling less daunting.
This can include:
1. Cutting Through The Noise
There are thousands of courses and certifications available, but which ones are actually respected by employers? A mentor who works in the field you’re interested in can tell you exactly which skills are in demand, as well as recommending learning platforms that provide relevant training. They can help you focus on what really matters instead of getting lost in all the options.
2. Knowing What You Know
You probably already have more transferable skills than you realise. A mentor can help you recognise the existing abilities which you’ve developed in one job that are valuable in another. For example, being a natural at organising projects or communicating with people is a highly valuable skillset in almost any industry. A mentor can help you acknowledge your existing strengths and consider which ones you want to use as a foundation for your career growth.
3. Creating a Plan of Attack
For many, feeling unsure of where to go next is the biggest hurdle. With no destination in mind, how can you start your journey? A good mentor can help you set a clear, realistic plan for your career. They can help you break down a big idea, like shifting department or even changing industries, into small, manageable steps. Having a plan returns your sense of control to make the whole process feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
4. Building Up Confidence
Times of change can be stressful- whether you are trying to catch up on a skills gap or transitioning to a new role. A mentor provides support and encouragement. They’ve likely faced similar challenges and can share how they overcame them. This can give you the confidence you need to take that leap. Plus, a mentor can often introduce you to people they know in your industry or prospective field, which can open up doors you might not have found on your own.
5. Being The Voice of Experience
Once you have chosen your upskilling or reskilling course, a mentor can further add to your understanding by sharing the aspects like unwritten rules and day-to-day realities that you may face moving forwards. This practical knowledge is key to truly understanding a new career path.
How to Find a Mentor
So, where do you find a mentor? It’s easier than you might think:
- Ask your organisation. Many organisations run mentoring programmes geared towards specific business areas. See if there is one that you can get involved with.
- Ask your network. Reach out to people you know on LinkedIn or in your current workplace to see if there is anyone who would be willing to (even informally) step in, or if they could recommend a formal practitioner/programme.
- Join professional groups. Many industries have associations that offer mentorship programs. These networks can span multiple companies within a sector for a wide variety of experience and input.
- Check your alumni network. Your old school or college might have a network of former students within your industry that you can connect with who could provide advice and guidance around the challenges you are facing.
The fact is that upskilling and reskilling are no longer optional- they’re a key part of staying relevant in today’s job market. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. By finding a mentor, you can gain the guidance, confidence, and real-world advice you need to navigate these changes and build a secure, successful future for yourself.
To learn more about how your organisation could use mentoring to augment upskilling and reskilling of workers, check out our Developing Effective Mentoring Programmes page.