Formal education has wonderful benefits. It teaches us to think, acquire knowledge in a given field and also creates access to a broad span of information. It’s a platform built on studies and theories of experienced researchers, scholars, and professors. Nobody can deny the fact that a 4-6 year in college or university can make all the difference to a person’s outlook on life, discipline and thought process.
However, formal education is just a very basic preparation for the real world. There are many real-life skills that are vital to success, which cannot or are not being taught in school. To test this truth, think about the years you spent in University and try to determine how of what you learned in school is actually being applied to your job today. What is even more interesting is the fact that many people eventually take up jobs or careers not related to their course of study and are still expected to function effectively.
In addition, people find themselves being promoted to positions which require soft skill sets like leadership, team building and goal setting, which they lack because they never learned them. I believe many people have sat in meetings where some employees just look on and pretend to understand issues being discussed.
As much as organizations could try to bridge their employee’s skill gaps, there are too many limitations like budget, funding, and handling staff time – off, for them to do this successfully for everyone.
Therefore, it is up to each employee to develop their plan to achieve personal success and also meet their organizations expectation. The onus is on an employee focused on growing their career, to take charge of their personal development and ensure they remain relevant within the organization.
Some of the things employees need to do to achieve this are:
1. Immediately carry out a personal skills gap analysis
Compare the skills you have with the expectation of your employer or skills required on your present or future job. What are the things you don’t understand on the job? What areas of your job are you not confident enough to handle? What trainings gaps do you have? What qualifications do you lack?
Also take a detailed look at your job description and identify the areas you are not comfortable with.
Then draw up a detailed list of your skill gaps.
2. Understand the Urgency of bridging those skill gaps
Anyone can get by in their present employment with a skill-gap baggage, but it’s just for a while. There is a risk that their progress on the job may be slowed down while there may come a time where they may be replaced. Supervisors and management usually carry out a continuous assessment of their staff which may sometimes be unexpressed. Your focus should be to be in the top segment always and never at the bottom.
Once you understand that you have a skill gap then the next step is to urgently make plans to bridge that gap.
3. Draw up a specific plan to bridge your skills gap.
There are several ways in which this can be done.
Internet Research…
There is a wealth of information on the internet. Set aside some time to research and study to upgrade your skills. Subscribe to personal development blogs. If some of the learning is too technical then there may be the need for formal training.
Read Relevant Books…
Some of the most successful people read a minimum of one book a month. Seek out and purchase books related to skills you need to develop and set aside time to read them.
Seek Company training…
Bring your training needs to the attention of your HR department or head of department. Follow up closely to see if there is an immediate opportunity for you and take advantage of this
Invest in Yourself
If the above options are not available or helpful, then take the initiative to invest in yourself by sponsoring yourself to attend training programs. Sign up for courses, attend relevant conferences. The cost is definitely worth your while and will obviously generate the required return on investment.
4. Develop your personal training plan.
Set up a time-bound plan to upskill yourself and stick to it. You could give yourself between 3 months – 1 year to ensure your skills match the requirements on the job or your personal career plan. Set reminders on your calendar to ensure that nothing distracts you from achieving this target.
5. Seek a Mentor.
The benefit of a mentor cannot be over emphasized. Look out for someone who is already where you want to be today and build a relationship with them. Certainly, that person will be able to give you practical tips for your self-improvement.
You are the primary beneficiary of your strong skills set when achieved. Don’t delay. Make sure you start the process of upgrading yourself today.