“Lifelong learning” and “upskilling” are frequently two of the hottest buzzwords on the job market. In the workforce, it goes by “professional development”. That’s not without reason – accelerated digital adoption has resulted in evolving job responsibilities, and even brand-new roles.

For instance, the traditional role of a content writer has long since evolved from just developing content for physical publications and company websites. Now, their portfolio likely includes handling a range of digital platforms, from social media to blogs. E-commerce companies rely heavily on digital content creators, a new role that focuses on driving consumer demand through platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Due to this paradigm shift, employers are now also placing a greater emphasis on skills, a 2022 study has found. So, it’s important that you keep learning, upskilling and even reskilling, even if you’ve already graduated and have settled into the workforce. Here are a few more reasons why, along with some tips you can use to up your upskill game (pun intended).

Professional development in a nutshell

At the bottom of it all, professional development is designed to help the workforce keep up with current trends and advance their career.

Continuous upskilling across all industries is required in order to remain relevant. However, even if it isn’t necessary, rapid digitalisation means that a rising number of professionals will still seek out learning opportunities to remain employable and attractive to other employers.

Remember this simple truth: No one was born brilliant at their job.

Reason #1: To close a skills gap or mismatch

Whether you’re a fresh graduate or have been in the workplace for a few years, you likely understand that constant job evolution translates into some skills becoming obsolete, and others highly sought-after. In fact, according to a 2021 survey by Gartner, a third of skills needed for a role in 2017 were obsolete by 2021!

If you’re a fresh graduate, try to take time out of your job hunt to plug the skills gap. But if you’re already a professional, consider pursuing professional courses over the weekend or after work. Alternatively, if your company offers upskilling workshops, be sure to take advantage of them!

Reason #2: To continuously adapt to the changing market

Having the right skillset to fulfil a role in the present is one thing. But being flexible and adaptable enough to remain relevant and competent in the future is quite another, especially if digitalisation and technological advancements are major factors.

For instance, companies are typically affected by changes in the market, and if you’re not adaptable enough to quickly shift strategies and innovate, you’ll quickly find yourself falling behind – even if you have the right skillset.

Reason #3: To work towards your career goals

In picking up new skills, or honing older ones, you’re setting yourself up for career advancement. While professional certifications can prove your expertise, you’re also showing employers that you have the initiative and self-motivation to pick up skills for yourself. Moreover, you’re not just showing off your ability to manage yourself and your time, but also your enthusiasm about lifelong learning, as well as an openness to new experiences.

These qualities, such as self-management and time management, coupled with professional development, have the potential to open doors and new opportunities to you, and help you realise professional targets and reach your career goals!

BONUS: How you can develop yourself as a professional

With so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to even figure out where – or when – to start. But the truth is, there’s no one best way to develop yourself professionally. Instead, what skills you’re after should determine your next steps.

For instance, if you’re looking to pick up hard skills, such as data management and analytics, you’d be encouraged to attend courses with planned curricula, like those found on Udemy or SkillsFuture.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to hone a transferable skill like emotional intelligence, it may serve you better to find a mentor, instead.

As you continue to develop as a professional, and not remain in silos, you’ll start noticing your growth as a person, and also your potential to advance your career in a positive manner. So don’t be afraid to take the next step into professional development!