How to upskill whether you're working full-time or a full-time job seeker

Making time to upskill is important. Whether you're actively employed or searching for your next great role, upskilling readies you to take on more and stay competitive.

There are many reasons to upskill. Our world changes regularly. New technology, tools and professions are constantly being minted. To stay in the mix, upskilling is essential (and reskilling is worth considering too).

Do you need to upskill or reskill?

Let's start with what upskilling is and isn't. Upskilling is not reskilling, but both are useful.

"Upskilling is when employees learn new information and skills to help them do their current job better."¹ This process was made for employed individuals who want to do better in their existing role, or job seekers who want to find a similar role to what they're used to.

"Reskilling refers to learning new abilities to take on a different job role or function."¹ This is for employed individuals who want to move into a new department or function, as well as job seekers who want to find a new challenge that is a better fit.

While the differences are subtle, they are important. Upskilling helps you be ready to perform work you are comfortable with at the highest level (and could even get you promoted!). Reskilling trains you to try something new, even within the same four walls.

In-demand skills

When you think about upskilling and reskilling, it's wise to consider which skills are most needed in the current market. We've assembled a list of growing areas.

Technology-forward

AI literacy

AI-literate workers can earn more money. AI literacy also keeps you at a competitive level, as this kind of skill is now a baseline expectation in many career paths. If you want to dive into this upskilling area in more depth, read 4 ways to boost your AI literacy.²

Data visualization

Making complex data easy to understand is vital because it can help businesses tell stories.⁴ Whether you're outlining successes or shining a light on areas that need improvement, charts and other visuals can accomplish that.

The old standbys

It's hard to master critical thinking, adaptability, communication and customer service without actively practicing, so that's exactly what we recommend you do!

You can improve through simulation or real-life work. AI may also be useful when it comes to a simulation partner. Just feed it a prompt and ask it to help you practice in whatever area you feel you need to work on.

Critical thinking

AI can give very authoritative answers, even when it's incorrect, which is why developing skills to vet assumptions, inconsistencies and determine what's true is important.⁵

Adaptability

"The people who succeed through disruption are willing to adopt new ways of working and let go of habits that no longer serve them."⁵

If you can learn to keep moving forward and innovating while staying cool, calm and collected, you'll always be at the top of a hiring team's list. Volunteer to jump into new software, help with conversions from legacy systems and more. The chances you take and the attitude you apply to them are where it's at.

Communication

Intention in communication matters.⁵ While technology exists to speed up efficiency, knowing exactly what you're saying is just as important as efficiency. A vital portion of clear communication is earned through active listening. While it's a skill all on its own, spending time learning through listening can improve overall communication.

Customer service

While AI has entered the customer service industry,⁶ people will always be needed, and the great thing is that kind of technology frees up space for unparalleled in-person customer experiences. If you master providing those, the world is yours. ⁶

Highly technical

Risk management

If you like details and tracking, you may want to consider adding risk management and user experience skills to your bench. One resource you can use to get started is Coursera's Introduction to Risk Management.⁷

User experience

Providing a better experience in apps or on websites is a strong area to consider. NN/G⁸ offers comprehensive training on the subject.

Cybersecurity

More ingenious hacking schemes are coming into play every day, and many companies are looking for protection. For example, employment of information security analysts will likely grow 21% by 2035. That's about 14,100 openings per year.³

Experience-driven

Project and account management

You can learn project and account management skills on the job or for free through the Project Management Institute!⁹ Some of the roles allow you to start at a junior level and skill up naturally, while others will be looking for certified individuals. Review job descriptions, determine your target and set your course based on what you find.

When to learn new skills

After work: Practice the 5-9 after your 9-5 with free or paid coursework!

Shadowing: Shadow someone at work or find a long-term mentor to help you get where you want to go.

Professional development: Utilize professional development funds or time pockets when they're offered. Many employers have this built in as a benefit. When in doubt, ask.

Conferences: Getting a different perspective and earning new skills from conferences (online or in-person) is smart. Big companies regularly provide free online events.

Whether you're looking to go down a new career path or be better in your existing role, training and development can help you develop. And once you earn some new skills, apply for one of our open roles. You never know! It might be the one.

*Note: Beacon Hill does not endorse specific companies for upskilling or reskilling. Examples used throughout this article were presented purely to show the breadth of options in the market.

Sources and inspiration

1. Upskilling vs. Reskilling: Definitions, Differences, and Small Business Impact
2. 4 ways to boost your AI literacy
3. Information Security Analysts
4. What is Data Visualization for Data Science?
5. How to Use Human Skills & Skillspotting to Create an AI-Ready Workforce
6. AI in Customer Service — A Complete Guide
7. Coursera: Introduction to Risk Management
8. NN/G
9. Project Management Institute

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