The feeling is inescapable: You must master AI before it takes you over. And you’d better be on top of advances in blockchain, sustainable energy, and data science, or you’ll be left at the bottom.
It has long been an accepted truth that we must always be learning new skills in order to increase our salary, stability, and standing. But experts are now raising interesting points about the relative payoffs of skills development.
Do the time and money invested in these skills by individuals and companies always result in substantial career growth? And how can you make sure that they do?
There are a number of reasons why even the acquisition of new competencies can be difficult.
If you are in a position to pursue career development, then consider these potential disadvantages.
Put simply, the new expertise you gain from courses or certificate programs may not be in demand in your role or profession. Depending on your industry, it’s possible that current and prospective employers may value practical experience more than certifications and theoretical knowledge.
Yes, if you’re in a rapidly evolving field like engineering, IT, or finance, you do need to be aware of industry trends and take action to stay ahead of newcomers and remain adaptable and prepared. But in general, just demonstrating that you’ve gained emerging skills doesn’t guarantee salary increases or promotions.
You will have to show how you can now perform your job more efficiently or that you’re ready to move up the ladder thanks to those new abilities. There is no benefit if they don’t directly relate to your job function. And without input and advice from those above you in the food chain, your efforts could result in no meaningful recognition or reward from your organization.
So how do you take a strategic approach to avoid these pitfalls?
Enhance your decision-making by asking yourself if the new skill will really enhance your job performance. Make sure it is relevant not only to today but to future job opportunities.
Find out what your company offers in terms of continuous learning. Understand their business objectives. Inquire about which skills are in demand in your specific workplace.
As we’ve stated, it’s not a numbers game—just acquiring certifications isn’t enough. For learning emerging skills to pay off, you have to stay informed, hands-on, and connected in your industry while looking for ways that upskilling or reskilling can tangibly smooth your path to advancement.
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