How do you update your skillset to stay competitive?

One thing that I've found really helpful is to do some market research beforehand. This research, alongside your self-analysis, will give you a great view of what you need. I recommend the following approach: 1. Define what is the role/ specific position you are interested in; 2. Research (you can use job descriptions, found online) what are the key skills required for that position; 3. Complete your self-assessment (list of skills) and do a gap analysis between the two (this and the list of skills from point 2.); and 4. Highlight any material gaps. Once you know the gaps, is all about identifying the most effective way to close them, e.g. a new certification, a side project to get involved in, etc.

1. Self-assessment: - Identify your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. - Seek feedback from peers, managers, mentors, or clients. 2. Goal clarification: - Define your career goals and desired skill set. 3. Skill comparison: - Compare current skills with those needed for your chosen path. 4. Online tools: - Utilize online tools for skill gap analysis. 5. Continuous learning: - Stay open to learning and improving regularly. 6. Adaptability: - Embrace change and be adaptable to evolving skill requirements.

1. Take stock of your expertise: List your technical and soft skills: Consider your strengths. Reflect on your past experiences: Analyse projects where you excelled and identify the skills you utilized. 2. Identify your aspirations: Define your ideal career path: What roles excite you? What type of work environment do you seek? Research in-demand skills: Explore job postings and industry reports to understand skills relevant to your desired career. 3. Compare and contrast: Compare your current skillset to the demands of your aspirations: Identify areas where you excel and opportunities for growth. Prioritise skill gaps: Focus on the skills that will make you a strong candidate for your desired roles.

In my opinion, to update your skillset and stay competitive, you should start with an honest assessment of your current skills in relation to your long-term career goals. Identify any skills gaps or areas where emerging trends indicate a need for new expertise. Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals for skill acquisition can help streamline this process and keep you focused.

To get better at what you do, figure out your strengths and what you want to achieve. Check yourself by thinking about what you're good and not-so-good at, what you like, and what's important to you. See how your skills match up with what you need for the job you want.

It is a burden for some roles that there is a sense of constant up-skilling, and it can be difficult to constantly do this. I recommend to students that they find resumes in the wild from freelancers who are building projects/portfolios that they can identify with, and highlights specific skills that they themselves either do not have or are not proficient in. Using accessible resources like Udemy and YouTube, you can find helpful and reliable resources to self-skill yourself. You are not expected to be an expert but everything compounds the more effort / time you put into it!

Here's how to understand what is in demand: 1. Start by Exploring Job Openings: Look for at least six job postings that intrigue you. Analyze the skills and requirements listed to understand what employers are currently seeking. 2. Compile Your List: Identify the keywords and skills that resonate with your experience and aspirations. These insights will be your goldmine. 3. Upgrade Your Skillset: Do your diligence over the skills that are relevant for you and plan how you can upgrade them on your skillset. Being a lifelong learner is one of the most prosperous way for cultivating career growth at any stage of your life!

In my opinion, once you have assessed your current capabilities, the next step is to strategically choose relevant and in-demand skills that align with your career goals and the market's needs. Doing so ensures that the time and resources you invest in professional development provide a significant return in terms of job opportunities and career growth.

Check on the Market, for what is HOT right now. As they say, things people want is what sells most. Make sure to know the latest and most widely adapting topics, skill up in the most relevant ones.

Muitas vezes não temos certeza do que buscamos e ficamos fazendo vários cursos e aprendendo várias coisas e não focamos em um ponto especifico, e o que possivelmente ocorre e que você gasta muita energia em muitas coisas e nenhuma delas é realmente alcançada. Quando você foca em uma meta por vez fica mais fácil entender o que precisa ser estudado e o que faz sentido ou não aplicar para aquela meta em especifico.

In my opinion, after pinpointing the skills you need, it's vital to find the best learning resources and methods that cater to those skills. This could include online courses, workshops, webinars, conferences, or even traditional degree programs, depending on the depth of knowledge you're seeking.

Nowadays, there are so many amazing resources and methods to develop your skill set. One of my favorite tools is online job simulations. Not only do you get hands-on experience on how your future career might look like, but it also trains relevant skills for future career interviews. This is especially useful for those in the earlier stages of their career development or those considering a career change.

"Show not tell". Whilst courses and training have a place designing and executing proof projects that help you learn but also leave you with a demonstrable output are a much better way of signalling value to your prospective employer / client. In the climate and sustainability space community energy projects are growing and typically run on volunteer work. So you can develop your business case, fund raising, technical, community building and accounting skills (as examples), AND be making an impact from day one AND be developing a network AND have a CV point to talk about. If you are at the very beginning of though and want to find a course, make sure it is one based around community, even if online. "Look for people, not for jobs"

Attend webinars, workshops, and training sessions related to your field. Stay updated with the latest research and developments. Earn professional certificates that show you're trained in a specific skill or software relevant to your industry. Use online learning platforms like Coursera to learn new skills and get certified.

There are numerous excellent online resources available for acquiring new skills, and the most exciting aspect is that many industry-recognized certifications can be obtained for free! It's essential to continually enhance your skills throughout your career or diversify your skill set if you're considering a career change. Obtaining a certification close to the time you're planning to pivot demonstrates to recruiters that you've recently acquired a new skill set that you're eager to apply in your daily work.

When you are a mid career professional looking to make a transition, time pressure is real. We only have a fixed amount of time to achieve everything so it is often MOST helpful to decide what you are willing to NOT do in order to make time for the things that you want to do. Once you have a view on your time line for transition, your goal for completing a demonstrable output of your new skill then you need to list the activities that you will stop, even if just temporarily. The other classic approaches, even the A.I. generated content managed to get right; goals setting, tracking, accountability blah blah blah. All true, but taking on something new should not be additive, your success will increase if it replaces another time demand

In my experience, what helps is an accountability buddy. Monitoring your progress with someone else not only helps you stay on track but also allows you to celebrate together achievements! Having a community aspect to our goals is a wonderful experience

Time management is a real burden till you don't know how to do it. At the end, it's all about time. Make sure to manage it well, if you can't control it.

E necessário criar um plano que seja mensurável e especifico com tempo de cada tarefa ser executada e criar várias metas menores para ir alcançando, isso permite ter uma visão melhor do que precisa ser feito, consegue ir acompanhando o progresso e ainda fica mais motivado a cada pequena meta feita.

Use your new skills and start working on projects. While you're building, collect them and store them on a portfolio site. As you build, showcase every process so that people or potential employers & clients will take notice of your work.

Everything is created to be used somehow. Make sure to have something made out of your learnings, be it a tech stack or a new skill. Practice it and have something to show: Not to others, but to yourself first.

Conhecimento sem ação não serve para nada, e sempre importante a cada conhecimento adquirido aplicar ele de forma prática, para ir aprendendo melhor e validando como eles funcionam.

Make sure you keep learning new things and improving what you already know. Think about what you've learned, what you've done well, and what you found challenging. Also, consider updating your resume, portfolio, and online profiles.

A tool that helped me to make these reviews more fun was to simulate a professional board meeting When reviewing your results, invite a few of your friends and ask them to be your "supervisory board" Ask them for feedback with regards to your progress and insights on how you got progress further in your journey

I believe every skill has the tendency to be profitable, but in this fast-paced world, the development of the skills you have is just as important. Through self-evaluation, the internet as well as people who you work directly with, ask them to objectively evaluate your skills and where you may need room for development to constantly improve yourself and grow.

Self-assess first: identify strengths and weaknesses through online tests, feedback, or comparing yourself to current job postings. Once you know your skill gaps, explore learning options! Online courses offer flexibility, certifications validate expertise, and bootcamps or degrees can bridge larger gaps. Remember, learning is lifelong. Attend industry events, subscribe to relevant publications, and join online communities to stay on top of trends. Gain hands-on experience by volunteering or freelancing in your target field. Integrate new skills into your current role to showcase initiative and refine your abilities.

Before you go off and upskill yourself to death, spending time, money, and energy retooling, understand what skills you will need not only today but in the near future as well. To stay competitive, enhance your social IQ, emotional intelligence (EQ), and cultural IQ alongside technical skills. Assess and set goals to improve these areas, focusing on active listening, empathy, and cultural awareness. Engage in relevant training and apply these skills in diverse settings. Seek feedback and adapt to grow in these competencies. This holistic approach to skill development enriches communication, leadership, and collaboration, making you more adaptable and effective in today's globalized and diverse work environment.

Stay informed about recent developments in your field by regularly reading magazines, blogs, and newspapers to keep updated on trends and opportunities. Enhance your knowledge and network by attending workshops, seminars, conferences, and book publishing events, gaining valuable insights and connections. Regular interaction with the top people in our field. Listen to the industry leaders and try to identify future trends. Maintain relationships with seniors or individuals with significant wisdom in your field for guidance and perspectives that help navigate your career path effectively.