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Adapting to changes in the job market has become more important than ever. Whether you’re looking to move up in your current role or switch to an entirely new career, both reskilling and upskilling are valuable approaches to staying relevant and advancing professionally. Let’s explore the differences between the two, why they matter, and how SkillUp can help you choose the best path for your future.
Reskilling and upskilling both focus on acquiring new skills, but they have different purposes. Put simply, upskilling helps you build on the abilities you already have, while reskilling involves learning job skills that are completely different from those you already use. Knowing when to pursue either can shape your career in meaningful ways.
The skills you can develop with reskilling and upskilling aren’t limited to technical skills, either. You can also develop soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving to help you stay competitive in your career and show employers that you’re a lifelong learner. Staying open to learning and new experiences helps you stay ahead of the game for new opportunities.
Reskilling is the process of learning new skills that are completely different from those you already use in your current job. This can happen when your role is being phased out due to shifts in the economy or automation or if you decide your current role or industry is no longer something you want to pursue. For instance, a factory worker may choose to reskill for a career in technology or healthcare, which are both fields with strong demand and opportunities for growth.
Reskilling often involves some type of further education such as certificate programs, online courses, or classes through a local vocational school or community college. At SkillUp, we can connect you with a wide variety of online learning opportunities to help you develop the skills required for your new career. Our career path approach will walk you through the process of choosing your next career, selecting a training program, and updating your resume to reflect your new experience.
Upskilling means expanding your current knowledge to become better at your existing job or to keep pace with new developments in your field. You can think of it as leveling up skills you already have. For example, a graphic designer might learn new software to remain competitive, or a full-stack web developer might learn a new programming language to become more valuable to employers.
Like reskilling, upskilling may involve some form of additional education. Online courses are a common option, but there are several other upskilling strategies available that you may not have considered:
Reskilling and upskilling involve investments of time and, sometimes, money, but both avenues provide a wealth of advantages for your career:
Reskilling might be a better choice if:
Upskilling may be the right path for you if:
At SkillUp, we’re committed to helping you pursue skills training to maximize your career growth. By partnering with trusted training providers, we connect you with courses that align with your career goals, whether you’re looking to sharpen existing skills or develop entirely new ones.
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