5 ways to upskill in Corona times
Upskilling is the process of learning new skills in your field, or in something completely new. The benefits are endless, as it opens up more opportunities for you to succeed in your work or to find new opportunities that suit you better.It is wise to take the chance for self-improvement that social distancing brings. Although we may not be able to interact as closely with each other, we now have a golden opportunity to focus on personal as well as professional development.Some of the traditional methods are attending networking events or courses. Fortunately, several opportunities are now available online.
1) Get a certification online
There are several free, or paid, online courses that you can now devote all your newfound free time to. Some of our favorite educators are Coursera, and EDex; their platforms offer access to a wide variety of courses, some of which offer certification and are provided by some of the world's leading institutions.
2) Read books & blogs
It's time to dust off those books and topics you've been putting off for ages. Reading more books by experts in your field can help you improve your skills, so that you become even better at your job. Taking the opportunity to learn something new can also help you become more open-minded in a way that can only benefit your career.
3) Networking online
While we can no longer attend events that provide networking opportunities, technology allows us to do so online. Many groups and associations host online gatherings where you can meet, mingle and share new ideas with others who are passionate about the same things.
4) Seek mentorship
Whether you already have someone you hold in high regard, or you are meeting new people through online platforms, finding a mentor is a great way to get an objective view on how to improve yourself and your career. Mentors can guide and advise you on how best to move forward in certain areas, and warn you about the mistakes they have made in the past. All meetings and conversations can take place through the preferred online platform.
5) Take a leadership course
Leadership courses are always a great advantage to have, not only for your CV, but also for your personal progress. The knowledge you gain can demonstrate to your employer that you have the skills needed to lead the organization forward. In addition, leadership courses also teach you practical things that can be applied in all areas of your life.The consequences of social distancing do not all have to be negative. We have the chance now to empower ourselves and improve the quality of our working lives, which will be crucial for the continued success of society.Focus on what you do best and become a Gigger today!