How to improve your skills

There was much panic and anxiety recently when some courses in Uganda were declared expired. I observed with amazement how some people got so agitated. The reality is all the courses we did and knowledge we have gathered so far is expiring every other day. Technology is moving so fast that everything we studied is becoming obsolete. The best thing to do is continuously upgrade our skills and knowledge and put our work out there for the world to enjoy. So here are some ways to improve our skills.

1. Continued Education: Consider furthering your education in your specific field. This could mean going back to school, taking online courses, or attending workshops and seminars. If there’s a certificate or degree that could significantly boost your income, it might be worth the investment.
2. Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, edX, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, Khan Academy, and many more offer a wide variety of courses on many subjects. You can learn new skills or deepen existing ones.
3. Soft Skills: Improve your communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. These skills are transferable across jobs and industries. Public speaking, in particular, is a highly sought-after skill in many professions.
4. Networking: Building relationships can lead to opportunities and can also improve your skills. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage in online communities.
5. Certifications: Depending on your field, there may be certifications that could advance your career. For example, in project management, a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is highly valued.
6. Learning a New Language: Being bilingual or multilingual can open up new opportunities, particularly in international businesses or organizations.
7. Technological Skills: Improving your IT skills is beneficial in almost every job now. You could learn how to use specific software in your field, or even learn to code. For example rapid advances in artificial intelligence and robotics are going to put many people out of work.
8. Read: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and research in your field. Read industry-specific books, articles, and reports.
9. Find a Mentor or Coach: They can provide you with specific, personalized advice and guide your development.
10. Freelance or Part-time Work: This can allow you to gain experience and skills while making some extra money. You could even start a side gig related to your field.
11. Practice: It’s not just about learning new skills but also about becoming better at what you do. Consistent, focused practice can make you an expert in your field.

Remember, you should tailor your skill improvement plan to your individual career goals and your specific industry. Different jobs require different skills, so it’s important to understand which skills are most valuable in your field. It can be helpful to talk to someone who is already successful in the role you’re aiming for to understand which skills you should focus on.

Also don’t forget that there is a direct correlation between your skills and the money you earn in your career. So investing in additional skills and knowledge is a worthwhile investment.