The Guide to Rediscovering and Upskilling Yourself

As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, businesses have acted quickly, requiring employees to work from home to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus. While we don’t yet know the full impact of COVID-19, companies not only face the sudden need to effectively manage business-wide remote working arrangements, many have also found themselves in the positions where they need to implement employee pay cuts, or furlough and lay off staff to minimise operational costs.

Whether your job has been affected, this crisis presents a good opportunity to take a hard look at yourself – your strengths, skills passion and goals – and in turn, revisit your career journey. Where did you come from, where are you now, and where should you head to next?

Experts at Robert Walters and our friends at just add water, have devised a guide for anyone to rediscover their career and upskill themselves. We encourage everyone to make full use of the pockets of time available during this period of social distancing to recharge themselves, refresh their career plans, and hone their craft for a better tomorrow. Even as we are forced to adapt to a new way of living and working, we can always take back control of our lives and careers by rediscovering and upskilling ourselves.

Rediscovering Your Career: Practical Steps

The guide recommends starting with four key questions to help you reflect and plan:

1. Who do I want to be, and why?
   Take time to clarify your purpose and intent, considering not just your professional ambitions but also your interests outside of work. Sometimes, the meaning you find in hobbies or personal projects can inspire new directions in your career.

2. Where am I now?
   Assess your current strengths, skills, and achievements. Update your CV and online profiles, and seek honest feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors. Remember, transferable skills gained outside of work can be just as valuable.

3. Where do I want to be, and by when?
   Define your future goals and set a realistic timeline. Be open to lateral moves or new experiences that might not seem like direct steps towards your goal but could provide valuable skills and perspectives.

4. How do I get there?
   Identify practical actions you can take now, such as upskilling in areas relevant to your goals. Explore available resources, including online courses, webinars, and government-supported training schemes. Regularly reflect on your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

Five Questions to Guide Your Upskilling

To make your upskilling journey effective, ask yourself:

• What am I interested in learning more about?
• What will make me shine at work?
• What will make me less frustrated at work?
• What will help me develop a competitive advantage outside my job?
• Am I thinking holistically about my development, balancing soft and hard skills, and using a variety of learning resources?

Resources to Support Your Growth

There is a wealth of resources available to help you upskill and adapt:

• Online courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, LinkedIn Learning, and Google Digital Garage offer flexible, high-quality learning opportunities.
• Career advice: Stay up to date with industry trends and career tips from reputable sources, and take practical steps like updating your CV, refining your LinkedIn profile, and practising interview skills.
• Webinars, podcasts, and videos: Engage with bite-sized content on topics that interest you, from technical skills to personal development.
• Personal wellbeing: Upskilling is not just about professional growth. Prioritise your physical, emotional, and mental health, and explore new activities that support your overall wellbeing.

Looking ahead, remember that rediscovering and upskilling yourself is an ongoing journey. By regularly reflecting on your goals, embracing new learning opportunities, and taking care of your wellbeing, you will be well positioned to adapt and thrive, whatever the future holds.

If you need further guidance or support in your career journey, do not hesitate to reach out to the Robert Walters team for expert advice.