If you need to upskill or just want to broaden and enhance your skill base, there are many ways to do this without having to complete university study. While many university courses represent effective upskilling, tertiary study is not for everyone and may not even provide the skills and experiences that you need and are seeking. This post explores what upskilling is, why it’s useful, and how you can upskill without going to university.
What Exactly Is Upskilling?
Most simply put, upskilling means that you engage in some kind of course, training, or program to gain a set of skills needed to carry out specific duties and build on the education that you already have.
Contrary to popular belief, upskilling does not essentially involve a return to university or vocational education institution. An array of courses are now available in online and face-to-face study modes from providers like Careers Australia. This flexibility in terms of delivery mean that it is possible to upskill at an affordable price and in line with your own lifestyle and needs.
What Is the Benefit of Upskilling?
Almost invariably, the main reason for opting to upskill is to increase your employability. A formal qualification enables you to apply for a range of jobs, but the acquisition of additional skills increases your appeal as a candidate for employment or a promotion, over and above your competition.
Ways of Upskilling That Do Not Involve University:
Get as Much Experience as You Can
It is a very good idea to accumulate as many experiences that demonstrate your commitment and passion to your ideal job as you can. Having these experiences is one thing, but taking the time and effort to reflect on what they have taught you and how you have benefitted from them is critical. It’s worth including these experiences, together with your reflections on what you have learnt and the benefits realised, on your resume.
Create Your Own Experiences
This is more realistic for certain jobs than others, but using resources such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social networks to connect with people who have experience and status in your chosen industry is an effective way to network and innovatively grow your skill base.
Know Your Job and Your Industry
If you are prepared to study your job and industry, you will acquire new skills that work to your advantage. Read as much as you can about your job, know who the leaders are in your industry, and develop your passion for the role so that it is completely obvious and authentic.
Research Relevant Courses and Training Opportunities
Perhaps the costs of going to university are a deterrent to you undertaking further study. Be aware that a range of affordable (and even free) courses and training programs can be found for some roles and industries, especially online. It’s definitely worth making the effort to find out what is available.
The great news is that it’s definitely possible to upskill and enhance your employment prospects without having to go to university. In fact, some of the most practical, impressive, and sought after opportunities for upskilling involve no university study at all.
