If you work in tech, it’s likely someone has told you that you should always be upskilling. Mattias Andersson shares his step-by-step process on how you can choose what to upskill in next. The tech landscape is shifting, and you want to make sure you don’t become redundant in the future. Perhaps ChatGPT and generative AI has got you worried about your job security, or you’re just generally trying to keep ahead of the curve.
However, the big question is, where do you even start?
Knowing where to upskill can be a big point of anxiety. To misquote Douglas Adams, “The number of digital skills you can learn is big. Really big.” Worse, it’s always changing — you might know what the hot skill was in 2021, but two years later, it might be completely different. The result? Decision paralysis. Cue Google searches and Reddit queries, like:
What’s the best technology skill or tool to learn this year? , What tools and skills should I spend my learning time on? ,What is an in-demand tech skill that pays me a lot of money?
Of course, this results in you being bombarded with conflicting opinions and information, trying to find the “right” and “perfect” choice. All of this takes precious time and, in the end, you might not even get a proper answer. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and tech professionals must stay up-to-date with the latest skills and knowledge to remain competitive in the job market. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 50% of all employees will require reskilling or upskilling due to the adoption of advanced technologies. With the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and other disruptive technologies, the need for upskilling has never been more critical. In this article, we will explore the importance of upskilling for tech jobs and provide practical tips on how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
Let us first define what exactly upskilling is. It refers to the process of learning new skills or improving existing ones to stay relevant and keep pace with the rapidly changing job market. In the context of the tech industry, it means acquiring new technical skills and knowledge to keep up with the latest technologies and trends.
The impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the tech industry cannot be overstated. The rapid advancement of technology and the potential job displacement it brings underscores the urgency for tech professionals to continuously upskill and adapt to changing industry demands. This means that tech professionals need to upskill to remain employable and competitive in the job market.
Upskilling, done effectively, can lead to increased job security, higher pay, and more opportunities for career advancement. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, upskilling could lead to an average increase in wages of 5% to 15%. By continuously improving their skills and knowledge, tech professionals can position themselves for success in the tech industry and achieve their long-term career goals.
There are several types of skills that tech professionals should focus on upskilling, including programming languages, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. According to the most recent IT industry report by LinkedIn in 2021, the top five most in-demand tech skills are Python programming, data analysis, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. It’s important to note that the tech industry is dynamic, and skill requirements may evolve rapidly. Tech professionals should stay proactive and adaptable, continuously updating their skill sets to align with emerging technologies and industry trends.
To upskill effectively, tech professionals should take advantage of online courses, attend workshops and conferences, and join professional organizations. There are numerous online courses available, including those offered by Coursera, Udemy, and edX, among others. Professional organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers also offer workshops and networking opportunities for tech professionals worth exploring.
Networking and building relationships in the tech industry is also important in upskilling. By leveraging connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry leaders, tech professionals can learn about new emerging trends, discover interesting opportunities and gain valuable insights into the industry that may have been otherwise challenging to access through individual efforts alone. Your network becomes your net worth, by cultivating meaningful connections, you unlock a world of possibilities.