Why Upskilling Matters at Any Age

Dec 27, 2024 | Career Advice, Career Training, Certificate Programs, Professional Development

In LinkedIn’s 2024 Workplace Learning Report, it was noted that “learners who set career goals engage with learning 4x more than those who don’t set goals.” It was also noted that learning amplifies connection and purpose to professional work, with 7 in 10 people saying “learning improves their sense of connection to their organization” and 8 in 10 people saying “learning adds purpose to their work.”

These statistics highlight the value of continued learning, regardless of where you are in your career. Upskilling is not just for young professionals trying to break into new careers; it is for everyone at every stage of their careers. Whether a recent college graduate, mid-career professional, or a seasoned professional, acquiring new skills can open doors to opportunities and help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving professional world.

What is Upskilling?

Upskilling refers to the process of learning new skills or improving existing ones to remain relevant and effective in your job. Unlike reskilling—which focuses on training for an entirely new role—upskilling is about deepening your expertise or adapting to industry advancements within your current field.

For example, a digital marketing professional might upskill by learning advanced data analytics tools, while a teacher could enhance their career by mastering online learning platforms. Industries like technology, healthcare, and finance are prime examples where upskilling is crucial due to constant innovation and evolving demands.

Why Upskilling Matters

For Younger Professionals to stay competitive and adapt to industry changes: Entering the workforce is just the beginning of a long learning journey. Younger professionals need to upskill to stay competitive and adapt to fast-paced changes in their industries. Skills like coding, data analysis, or project management can make a young professional’s resume stand out and lead to accelerated career growth.
For Mid-Career Professionals to grow within their field or pivot careers: After spending years in the workforce, many professionals find themselves at a crossroads. Upskilling can provide the edge needed to grow within their field or make a career pivot. For example, a graphic designer might learn user experience (UX) design to expand their client base, or a manager might study leadership techniques to advance into executive roles.
For Older Adults: To remain active in the workforce and gain confidence with new tools: Retirement is no longer the default for many older adults, as some seek to remain active in the workforce. Upskilling offers them a way to gain confidence with new tools and technologies, allowing them to stay relevant and bring valuable experience to modern workplaces. Learning skills like digital communication or proficiency in remote work tools can help older professionals thrive in tech-driven job markets.

Overcoming Common Barriers to Upskilling

Many people hesitate to upskill due to perceived obstacles. Let’s debunk a few of the most common barriers.

“I don’t have time.”
With the rise of flexible learning formats, such as online courses and self-paced programs, you can fit education into even the busiest schedules. Learning in small increments, like dedicating 15 minutes a day, can truly add up over time.When professional growth begins more of a priority, it can be eye-opening to plan out how you will make time to upskill. Check out this post by Inspirepreneur: Master New Skills in 20 Hours: Debunking Myths.

“I’m too old.”
It’s never too late to learn something new. Countless success stories showcase older adults mastering new skills and finding fulfillment in adapting to modern workplaces. The key is starting small and focusing on areas that spark your interest. Here is one of our favorite alumni success stories that debunks the “I’m too old” statement: Alumni Success Story Series with Carrie Brennan

“I don’t know where to start.”
Begin with beginner-friendly programs designed to build foundational skills. Platforms like Digital Workshop Center offer accessible courses tailored to various experience levels, helping you gain confidence as you progress. Take a moment to skim through these blog posts that highlight how you map out your goals: Career Goals & Tech Certifications: Mapping out Success & Are Certificates Really Worth It?

Upskilling is an Investment

Upskilling is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. It’s not just about staying relevant; it’s about building confidence, opening new opportunities, and enriching your professional journey. Whether you choose to enroll in a comprehensive program at Digital Workshop Center, start with low-cost courses like Microsoft Excel or Adobe Premiere, or dive into hands-on projects for self-learning, the possibilities are endless for upskilling at any age.

Ready to begin your upskilling journey? We have quarterly program start dates in January, April, July, and October. Enrollment is live for both Q1 and Q2. Enroll in one of our Q1 programs with the code UPSKILL for $1,500 off!

New Year Discount: $1,500 off ANY DWC certificate program!

Ready to elevate your skills? Save $1,500 on ANY Q1 certificate program! Most Q1 programs start January 2025. Simply attend an info session and submit your application with the code UPSKILL to take advantage of this limited-time offer.

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