Why Upskilling is Essential for
Mid-Career Professionals
See also: Career Management Skills
Professionals in the middle of their careers are in a unique position, having skills and experience that meet the needs of their job, while still having many years left in an ever-changing, disruptive workforce.
Being competent at your work as a mid-career professional can, however, also carry the risk of becoming “too comfortable”. This may manifest as not trying as hard at work, a lack of motivation, or an unwillingness to upskill or reskill.
A recent report by OECD highlights how many mid-career professionals could benefit from upskilling and reskilling, but do not engage with the training as much as their younger peers.
Upskilling and reskilling allow mid-career professionals to stay engaged, expand their knowledge base to suit a rapidly evolving technological landscape, and prepare for what is coming next, which aids career longevity. Even professionals who are at the top of their game career-wise can put their career at risk if they are not willing to continually grow and educate themselves.
If you are a career-driven individual who does not want to be left behind, the question now becomes quite simple: how do you upskill as a mid-career professional? Let’s dive into this.
Key Skills Needed to Stay Relevant
With the recent emergence of new technologies in the workplace, particularly AI, many of the skills required for mid-career professionals revolve around technology and adaptability:
AI and machine learning-based knowledge: As AI tools and automations become more prevalent, understanding how and when to use them is becoming more necessary.
Data and analytic literacy: Making informed decisions at work is more reliant than ever on proper data analysis, which requires the ability to interpret, analyse, and visualise data.
Digital proficiency: Competency in current and emerging software relating to your industry is pivotal to help maintain and improve output.
Other soft skills are also required to ensure mid-career professionals do not fall behind:
Adaptability and resilience: The ability to adapt to rapid changes in the workplace is vital in today's fast-paced world.
Critical thinking: Knowing how to solve complex problems through the evaluation of information and critical thinking is an important skill in all jobs and career paths.
Communication: Being able to translate complex or technical terms into simple ideas and decisions can help bridge the gap between different teams in a workplace.
Upskilling vs Reskilling
Upskilling and reskilling are two methods you can use to level up your skills and expertise.
Upskilling is the development of a current professional skill set to improve performance of that skill in an existing role or function. It is about enhancing the skills you already have, which can be done by staying up to date with new technologies or processes, discovering new ways of working, and following sector trends to ensure you are evolving in line with the industry. Upskilling is most relevant for those looking to step it up in their current role or for those aiming for promotion within the same field.
Reskilling involves procuring new skills, potentially in a different area of work, to add to your portfolio. Reskilling does not always involve ignoring or leaving behind previous experience, and transferable skills can be incorporated into the new learning. Reskilling is particularly valuable for those considering a mid-career pivot or career change.
The skillset you currently possess versus the skillset you desire will determine whether your learning would be considered upskilling or reskilling.
How to Upskill or Reskill as a Mid-Career Professional
Professional development can improve confidence, productivity, and performance at work, so there is great incentive for organisations to support employee growth. This can be shaped in many ways, including:
Professional training: Engaging with professional development training courses can help you stay on top of your game and give you a more competitive edge within your industry. Asking your employer to help fund relevant training courses is a mutually beneficial arrangement that they are generally willing to assist with.
Mentorships: Most larger organisations have mentorship programs in place that offer multiple benefits. They can help accelerate professional development, provide mentees with career guidance, and allow mentors to impart their knowledge. Many businesses have also reported increased employee job satisfaction and higher employee retention rates when mentorship programs are available.
Professional development organisations: Memberships to specialist groups can help provide targeted skill development for areas like public speaking and executive presence, while also expanding your professional network by connecting you with like-minded individuals. By forging important connections, you can stay engaged with the right community and open up the potential for future learning and opportunities. Some businesses may be open to funding membership fees.
For smaller businesses or those without a budget for professional growth, self-directed learning can also be used for upskilling or reskilling. This could be through:
Consuming industry blogs, podcasts, or other media that relate to your field of work.
Engaging with tutorials to learn how to do specific tasks or use certain software.
Volunteering for or freelancing on side projects can help build a specific skillset.
Connecting with industry professionals via free platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights, advice, or feedback.
Looking to the Future: Embrace a Mindset of Continual Growth
For mid-career professionals, embracing an upskilling mindset is the key to securing relevance, confidence, and longevity for the latter half of your career. The future demands more than experience—it requires technical proficiency, strong communication, and analytical agility.
The journey begins with a choice: to move beyond comfort and actively cultivate the skills that matter. By exploring your development options, engaging in professional training or mentorship, and pursuing self-directed learning, you take control of your professional narrative.
Remember, investing in your skills now is the most effective way to future-proof your career. Stay curious, seek growth, and approach each new challenge as an opportunity to learn. Your career is not a static achievement but an evolving story—ensure the next chapters are written with intention and confidence.