How to Upskill Without Going Back to School
| If you’re not continuously learning new skills, you could become obsolete quicker than you might think. How can you build new expertise without leaving your job to pursue a traditional undergraduate or graduate degree? Here are some alternate pathways. * Certifications. Certifications validate your knowledge and capabilities in a specific area—which is especially important if you’re looking to transition careers and don’t have a lot of work experience in the field you want to move into. * Online courses. There’s a wealth of learning platforms out there that allow you to learn on your own schedule. While taking individual classes may not seem comparable to a four-year degree, the outcome can be quite similar. * Internships or rotations. If you’re between jobs, an internship can help you get your foot in the door of a new organization or industry. If you already have a full-time job, consider whether your boss would allow for a rotation in another area of the organization. * Stretch assignments. If you have the bandwidth, ask for work from another department at your organization that will teach you new or higher-level skills and give you an opportunity to demonstrate them on the job. * Mentorship. Mentors can provide so much more than a listening ear. The right mentor can provide new perspectives on your gaps—and how to fill them. |
| This tip is adapted from “5 Ways to Acquire New Skills Without Going Back to School,” by Marlo Lyons |
