How does learning new skills boost your career?

Your skill set is made up of the abilities, experiences and qualities you've gained from your job experiences. Everyone has a unique skill set shaped by their interests, technical abilities, career path and natural talents. By working on and learning new skills and knowledge, you can get better at your job and boost your chances of career development. People usually divide their skill set into two main categories:

1. Soft skills
2. Hard skills

Knowing the difference between these two types and figuring out where you can improve can help you build a complete set of skills.

Soft skills

Soft skills are all about how you interact with others. They're the people skills that make communication and teamwork work well at work. Some people might find certain soft skills easier than others, maybe because of their personality or how they work. But you can also get better at soft skills with practice and training. These skills can be useful in any job, no matter what field you're in. Some examples of soft skills include:

• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Conflict resolution
• Creativity
• Time management
• Negotiation
• Persuasion

Employers highly value soft skills. So, if you take the time to figure out what you're good at and work on any areas where you're not as strong, you'll be a great candidate for the jobs that you are looking for.

Hard skills

Hard skills are the measurable and teachable skills that employers require for your particular job. They include expertise and technical know-how that are important for doing your job well. Usually, hard skills are taught through formal education or training programmes, which means employers can check and assess them. Here are some examples of hard skills:

• Graphic design
• Accounting
• Computer programming
• Data analysis
• UX design
• Mathematics
• Foreign language fluency
• Event planning

When employers are hiring, they'll evaluate candidates' hard skills and experience to see who's the right fit for the job. That's why it's important for you to be able to prove and show any hard skills you've listed on your resume.

If you're thinking about changing your career or moving up in your current job, working on your skills is a smart way to do better at work, make your CV stronger and open more job options. You can learn and get better at most skills with practice or training. Here are some ways you can build your skills:

1. Find yourself a mentor

Connecting with a mentor who you look up to is a wonderful chance to learn. A mentor can also be helpful if you're thinking about career development or changing the industry. They can give you a glimpse into their industry through mentorship or shadowing, so you can see if it's the right fit for you before making any big decisions.

2. Immerse yourself in books and articles

Because of the internet, there are numerous ways to learn and improve your skills and knowledge. You can read books to learn something new or stay updated on what's happening in your industry by joining online forums and reading journals. Make sure to spend some time learning more about a skill or industry each day.

3. Take classes or training programmes

Some skills are hard to learn on your own, like programming. If you want to learn a technical skill that needs some guidance, it's a good idea to join a class or course.

If you want to learn technical skills, GBS can help you do so. The institution offers numerous industry-specific courses that can help you learn new skills and provide guidance throughout the way for career development.

4. Evaluate job descriptions for your preferred role

Figuring out your ideal job will help you figure out which skills you need to work on to reach your career goals. Look at job ads from different companies to see what skills, qualities and experience they're looking for. Then, you can plan to improve and succeed in your career.

5. Enrol in company training programmes

Lots of companies offer training sessions and workshops to help their employees get better at their jobs. If certain skills would be useful for you to learn, talk to your manager and ask if there are any training chances available. If you're curious about a specific department at your company, you could ask your manager if you can shadow someone in that department.

This will give you an insight into what it's like to work in different roles in your company, so you can figure out if a certain job would be a good fit for you.

In today's competitive job market, certain skills are highly sought after by employers across various industries. These in-demand skills not only enhance your employability but also open new opportunities for career advancement.

From technical proficiencies to soft skills, staying up-to-date with the skills that are in demand can significantly boost your professional growth. Let’s explore some of the most desired skills that employers are looking for.

1. Effective communication

Good communication is important no matter what job you do. Keep track of times when you solved tricky problems by talking things out with your coworkers. It's important for future employers to see that you can explain your ideas to anyone in their company and understand others’ viewpoints as well.

2. Planning and time management

Planning and time management are important skills for every job. Show evidence of your administration skills to your next interviewer to prove that you can work hard and do well in your job.

3. Enthusiasm and motivation

Your future employer is counting on you, so it's important to show them that you're excited about working and eager for career development. Make sure to demonstrate your enthusiasm during the hiring process. Feeling unmotivated can also affect your work with your current employer. If you're always feeling uninspired at work, it might be a sign that it's time to look for a new job.

4. Initiation

Taking the initiative in your job is important. Your employer wants to see that you can make decisions on your own. Start by taking small steps and be careful. You have plenty of time in your career to learn new skills and grow. Just make sure not to do things that are beyond your authority.

5. Teamwork

Employers want to see that you can work well with the team to finish tasks. Look for opportunities to work in groups and talk to people from every department of the company. This will show your future employer that you can get along with everyone and communicate well to get work done.

6. Leadership

Leadership means taking charge and delegating tasks effectively. Most job roles need leadership, especially as you move forward in your career. Try to find opportunities to lead projects and team members as soon as you can to start building this important skill.

7. Problem-solving

Training can help you, but sometimes you'll have to come up with a new solution on your own. Make a note of times when you had to figure something out. Use these experiences in your interviews.

8. Adaptability

In your job, you'll need to focus on certain aspects, but it's also important to know what your coworkers do. This helps you work together better. Being flexible means being patient and understanding when others need time. Find examples of how your flexibility will help the company.

9. Self-reflection

Knowing what you're not good at is almost as important as knowing your strengths. Your future employer wants to see that you're aware that you're not perfect. If it's relevant, discuss the areas you want to improve in the new job, along with the skills you already have.

GBS is a well-known higher education institution in the UK, known for its specialist courses in fields such as business, accounting, finance and more. With a wide presence in major cities of the UK, the institution is dedicated to its mission of “changing lives through education”.

GBS can help you gain desired skills for career development through its range of courses, guidance and first-class teaching facilities.