Professional Upskilling Overview

Professional upskilling programs offer professional development or continuing education to advance skills and continue growth within a career pathway. Some programs are offered by companies individuals are already working for to support their growth within the organization. Since upskilling programs often focus on technical employment-based competencies and skills, it is important to assess if your current or previous work experience is related to the content of the training. Upskilling can be provided virtually or in person depending on the industry or the skills. Upskilling can be done independently or in a group (i.e. employee professional development), and can be provided by or required by an employer. Individuals can also choose to upskill independently. Upskilling can be done by those seeking employment or by those already employed. Depending on the skills being learned, upskilling programs can take as long as a few days to several months or years. Since upskilling programs are typically used to progress into a more advanced role and are focused on skill development, career services are usually not offered. If using professional upskilling to advance in current employment, talk with your supervisor to learn what skills are most important for advancement. If using upskilling to prepare for transition into a new career, research the industry and review job descriptions to see qualifications. When possible, research people who are working in the industry you're interested in, talk about your experiences, and ask about what upskilling activities are most strategic for the career you're interested in.