HR Insights

How to Create a Career Development Plan with Upskilling

Blonde employee holds laptop with excitement about upcoming upskilling opportunities
Julie Johnson headshot.
Julie Johnson
Talent Acquisition Partner
September 27, 2024
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Leveling up your career game and landing that dream job doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. If you’re ready to make big moves and turn ambition into action, you’re in the right place. Let’s make your next career flex your best one yet. 

Today, we’re here to help you spot opportunities to enhance your skill set, expand your knowledge, and make your career dreams a reality.

How to Spot Opportunities for Skills Enhancement

If you’re on a mission to become the best version of your professional self, you’re probably wondering the best place to start. 

Simply put: the secret lies in spotting opportunities to enhance your skills. Here’s where to start…

Look for Gaps in Your Resume

Male employee sits outside on steps and spots gaps in his resume

Have you ever looked at your resume and felt like something was missing? Perhaps you’ve been excelling in one area, but there’s a glaring lack of expertise in another. 

Career development and upskilling provide an opportunity to bridge that gap. 

Think about the skills and qualifications that top employers in your field are looking for. Are there any trends or emerging technologies that you haven’t leaned into yet? By pinpointing these gaps, you can identify the missing puzzle pieces that will make your resume shine even brighter.

Follow Natural Interests + Strong Suits

When it comes to skills enhancement, one of the most effective strategies is to leverage your natural interests and capitalize on your strong suits. 

What gets you all fired up? Is it crunching numbers, helping people, or creating killer marketing campaigns? 

Following your natural interests and strengths can lead you to opportunities where you can excel and grow. Additionally, by aligning your skill enhancement journey with your natural interests and strong suits, you are more likely to stay motivated, engaged, and committed to the learning process. 

Identify Skills Necessary for the Future

Leadership is gathered at a table and a group of three look for skills that will be needed in the future.

In today’s fast-changing world, it’s all about staying ahead and picking up the skills that’ll prepare you for whatever comes next. Take a proactive approach to anticipate the needs of employers in next year’s job market, rather than just focusing on your current skill set.

Start by conducting research on industry trends and emerging job roles. Identify the skills that are projected to be in high demand.

Once you have identified these future-proof skills, assess your current proficiency levels in each area. Pinpoint the gaps between your existing skill set and the skills that will be vital in the future.

Building the right skills now helps set you up as a highly-desirable, forward-thinking professional, who is ready to tackle new challenges and jump on fresh opportunities without missing a beat.

Why Skill Enhancement is Important

Female employee holds laptop and shares the importance of upskilling

It’s clear that skills enhancement is key to staying ahead of the game. As industries shift and technologies reshape job requirements, the constant pursuit of new skills is essential for maintaining your competitive edge. 

Leveling up your skills isn’t just about keeping up with the times —, it also opens doors to new opportunities for career growth and advancement. 

By making continuous learning and development a priority, professionals can future-proof their careers, broaden their skill sets, and position themselves as the valuable assets they are. 

Landing Your Dream Job

One of the most compelling reasons to invest in skills enhancement is its direct impact on your ability to land your dream job. 

Yep – you know that dream job you’ve been eyeing for ages? 😉

Aligning your skill development with the specific requirements of a potential future role can significantly enhance your candidacy. Employers are not only looking for candidates with the required qualifications. They are also looking for individuals who possess a diverse set of skills and competencies. 

Expanding Your Mind

Engaging in continuous learning and skill development exposes you to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of thinking that can enrich your personal and professional life. 

The process of exploration and learning not only fosters growth but also cultivates a mindset of curiosity and adaptability. Expanding your skill set sparks the creativity and innovation needed to inspire fresh ideas and creative solutions.

Establishing Yourself as a Go-To

A group of colleagues sit around a table working to establish themselves as industry go-tos

Imagine being the go-to person in your field, the one everyone looks up to for advice and expertise. By enhancing your skills, you position yourself as a leader in your industry, opening doors to exciting opportunities and collaborations.


A study by the Pew Research Center revealed that individuals who continuously learn and upskill are 45% more likely to be promoted at work. You read that right! Expanding your skill set not only makes you a more valuable asset but also establishes you are a resource in your field.

How to Create Your Career Development Plan

Getting started with upskilling by creating a career development plan requires a strategic and intentional approach. 

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Find a Mentor

A female mentee confides in her mentor about her career development plan

The right mentor can provide you with guidance, advice, and insights based on their own experiences and expertise, helping you navigate challenges and make informed decisions. 

Additionally, building a strong mentor-mentee relationship can not only accelerate your skill development but also broaden your professional network and open doors to new opportunities in your career.

Explore Opportunities for Continued Education

In the year 2024, knowledge is at your fingertips. Take advantage of online resources such as books, webinars, and courses to learn new skills and stay updated with the latest trends in your industry.

Engaging in continued education can help you expand your professional network, connect with like-minded individuals, and discover new opportunities for collaboration and career advancement. 

Overall, prioritizing continued education is a powerful move to sharpen your expertise and set yourself up for long-term success in your field.

Don’t Neglect Soft Skills

While technical skills are crucial, soft skills play a significant role in defining your professional success and effectiveness in the workplace. 

Soft skills encompass attributes such as communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, all essential skills for thriving in any given role. 

A 2019 study by LinkedIn found that 92% of talent acquisition professionals and hiring managers believe that soft skills are equally or more important than technical skills when evaluating candidates. 

Adding soft skills development into your career development efforts doesn’t just boost your abilities, it also makes you a stronger, more well-rounded candidate for any role. 

Okay, now who wouldn’t want that?

Partner with That’s Good HR

A TGHR shakes hands with a client who they've helped create Employee Upskilling Programs for

Here at That’s Good HR, we understand the value of continuous learning and skill enhancement. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect opportunities that align with your goals and aspirations. 

When you partner with us you gain access to a network of top employers and personalized career guidance that puts you on a path of learning, growth, and success. 

The future belongs to those who are willing to invest in themselves. Reach out to That’s Good HR today and let’s turn your career dreams into reality.

HR Insights

Embracing Company Growth: 5 Ideas for Employee Upskilling 

Fulfilled, happy, and smiling male employee
Greta Cline, CFO
Greta Cline
Partner, CFO/COO
September 13, 2024
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Every business owner wants to get the best out of their employees while driving business growth.

That’s why investing in employee growth in 2024, is not optional. It is an absolute must. You need a workforce that is equipped with the latest skills and knowledge – and that’s where upskilling comes in.

What It Means + Why It Works

What do we mean by upskilling? We’re talking about providing your team with the continued education, skills, and training needed to meet the evolving demands of your clients. 

There are so many different ways to invest in the continued education of your employees and even more benefits. Here are a few we recommend:

Boosted Business Growth

Two employees whose upskilling has helped boost company growth

Investing in upskilling your workforce is like planting seeds for future success. 

When your employees gain new skills, they become more efficient and productive, setting the stage for business growth. Imagine having a team that can handle tasks with ease, streamline processes, and reach record-breaking productivity.

But it’s not just about efficiency – upskilling also makes your team more adaptable. In today’s fast-changing business landscape, being able to pivot and adjust to new trends is important. With a skilled and versatile workforce, your business can stay ahead of the curve and explore new opportunities as they arise.

Safe to say that when you invest in upskilling, you’re not just boosting your team’s current abilities – you’re laying the groundwork for long-term growth.

Increased Employee Retention

You know, the old saying that goes, “People don’t leave bad jobs; they leave bad bosses.” 

There’s a lot of truth to that. 

When you invest in your employees’ development, you’re saying, “Hey, we don’t just value you as someone who fills this role. We care about your growth, your skills, and your future with us.”

And you know what happens when employees feel valued and supported? They stick around. In fact, according to a survey by SHRM, “76% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers continuous training.” People want to work for people who are invested in their growth and development. 

When you show that you care about your employees’ development, you’re not just increasing their skills; you’re also increasing their dedication to your company, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Your Company’s Reputation

Job seeker looking for a company with a reputation of investing in continued education for employees

Imagine being known as the company that develops your employees and invests in their long-term career success. By prioritizing employee upskilling, you not only attract top talent but also build a reputation as a company that is committed to its employees.

Did we mention, that a reputation for prioritizing employee upskilling can help establish your company as a socially responsible and “people-centric” organization? This can positively impact how your company is perceived by potential customers and clients, leading to a virtuous cycle of increased support. 

Overall, investing in employee upskilling not only benefits your workforce and your bottom line, it also contributes to building a strong, respected, and influential reputation for your company within the industry and beyond.

The Benefits of Upskilling for Employees

A group of employees who are happily engaged with their work

So you’ve heard the advantages that upskilling brings to employers and their organizations, but what about the benefits to your employees? It’s no surprise that, The benefits of upskilling extend far beyond the organizations in which employees work.

Did you know that a survey by LinkedIn revealed that a whopping 94% of employees would be more inclined to stick with a company that invests in their growth and development?

This is just one demonstration of the relationship between upskilling and employee satisfaction. Let’s talk about a few others.

Improved Quality of Work

As individuals engage in continuous learning and growth, they gain confidence, expand their knowledge, and boost their efficiency within their roles. 

This newfound expertise and confidence can translate directly into a better quality of work, as employees are better equipped to tackle challenges, make informed decisions, and drive innovation within the organization. 

Ultimately, an investment in upskilling can foster a sense of purpose and satisfaction – one that comes from sharpening one’s abilities and expanding professional horizons.

A Better Workforce

A large group of employees sitting at a long table, helping one another learn and grow.

As each team member focuses on improving their skills, it’s like adding pieces to a puzzle. Your whole team becomes stronger and more capable of taking on challenges together. 

So, when individuals are able to invest in their growth, they’re also boosting the team’s potential at the same time. 

Plus, upskilling creates a collaborative atmosphere where everyone is learning and sharing new ideas. As people get better at what they do, they become resources for their teammates, and the team as a whole benefits from having skillful, knowledgeable folks who can tackle anything that comes their way. 

It’s a recipe for success that just keeps getting better as everyone grows and learns together.

More Invested Employees

A study by Axonify revealed that 9 out of 10 employees who receive workplace training are more engaged in their roles. 

Being fully invested at work is not just about showing up and completing tasks—it’s about feeling a deep connection and commitment to your role and the organization. This level of emotional and intellectual engagement can have numerous positive effects on employees’ well-being and professional growth. 

Firstly, when someone feels emotionally connected to their job, they are more likely to find meaning and satisfaction in a job well done, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and overall happiness in the workplace. 

Additionally, being invested at work also promotes a sense of responsibility and ownership over tasks and projects. This level of accountability can boost motivation, drive, and productivity, as employees are more inclined to take initiative, set high standards for themselves, and strive for excellence in their work.

5 Ways to Upskill Your Employees

Employer searching online for resources for employee upskilling

Now that we’ve explored the countless advantages that employee upskilling brings to both organizations and their employees, we hope it’s evident that investing in employee training, development, and continued education has an extremely positive ripple effect. 

Let’s explore the more immediate ways you can begin to implement employee upskilling initiatives: 

Develop an Employee Development Plan

This could look like sitting down with your team members to identify their current skills, areas for growth, and career aspirations. One of the best times to do this is during employee onboarding. 

By creating a personalized roadmap for their professional development, you can outline specific goals, training opportunities, and resources needed to help them enhance their capabilities and advance their careers. 

Remember, a tailored approach not only shows that you value your employees’ growth but also sets them up for success in the long run. 

Offer Certification and Education Opportunities

One of the most immediate ways to kickstart employee upskilling initiatives is by offering certification and education opportunities to your team members. 

By providing access to certifications, workshops, and educational programs relevant to their roles and career goals, you are not only investing in their professional growth but also enriching their skill sets. Encouraging employees to pursue certifications in their respective fields or exploring further education options can lead to increased expertise, confidence, and job satisfaction. 

So, consider introducing certification and education programs as part of your upskilling strategy and watch your team thrive!

Nurture Soft Skills

Don’t forget the importance of soft skills. 

Courses that focus on critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving can enhance your employees’ overall performance and collaboration.

For example, effective communication training helps individuals convey ideas clearly, listen actively, and work more cohesively in teams. 

By prioritizing these soft skills through tailored courses or trainings, organizations can foster a more innovative, communicative, and productive workforce.

Mentorship and Coaching

Pairing employees with mentors or providing coaching opportunities can truly be a game-changer for employee upskilling. 

By connecting individuals with experienced mentors, employees can benefit from personalized guidance, advice, and knowledge sharing, accelerating their professional growth and skill development. 

Additionally, career coaching or mentorship can provide a supportive environment for employees to receive constructive feedback, learn from real-world experiences, and enhance their problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Cultivate a Learning Culture

Fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes lifelong learning can have a profound impact on an employee’s desire to upskill. 

Investing in learning resources such as workshops, courses, and learning platforms demonstrates a commitment to employees’ professional development and equips them with the tools needed to enhance their skills and knowledge.

And lastly, don’t forget the importance of leading by example. When leaders actively engage in their own upskilling initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to personal growth, they set a powerful example for their teams to follow. 

Establish Employee Upskilling Programs with That’s Good HR

That's Good HR team standing in a line and smiling

At That’s Good HR, we understand the importance of upskilling your workforce and investing in employee development. Our guidance can help you navigate the path to success with confidence. 

From developing personalized development plans to providing cutting-edge training solutions, we are here to support you every step of the way. Ready to embrace the full potential of your team? 

Contact That’s Good HR today to learn more about how we can help elevate your business through employee upskilling. 

Job Advice

Repackage Skills, Plus Upskill for New Career Opportunities

Hannah Replogle
September 22, 2022
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Looking at your career goals and feeling stuck? Did you know you can repackage skills from previous work experiences for new opportunities with in-demand industries and/or work to upskill within a current position or placement? It just takes five simple things. Ready to redesign what work might look like for you and make yourself even more hirable? Let’s dive in.

Five simple ways to repackage skills 

  1. Be aware and open to opportunities
  2. Be open to change
  3. Be a lifelong learner and embrace self-directed learning
  4. Listen and observe
  5. Be intentional about your career goals

Because of the “Big Quit,” many organizations have become more interested in hiring candidates with nontraditional backgrounds and skills that transfer easily. Although experts have observed that the economy may be starting to level out, there are still a large number of companies hiring for vacated roles and newly created positions. With a talent shortage still plaguing many industries, it could be an ideal time to make the shift to a new field of interest by repackaging your skills or upskilling. 

Transferable skills vs. upskilling

A transferable (or portable) skill is an ability or expertise which may be used in a variety of roles or occupations. It easily shines from one job to the next, or one industry to another. Upskilling is a practice where employers teach their employees new and additional skills to benefit the company, also making employees more marketable. As Forbes Coaches Council Member Tracy Levine recommends, “The question in 2022 is less about “the job market” and more about targeting high job growth areas. My advice is to develop skills for the new growth areas with talent shortages.”

Upskilling vs. reskilling

Another similar term you may have heard is reskilling. The difference between the two is that upskilling is the process of a candidate becoming more knowledgeable and developing new skills to support their current position or career path, and reskilling is learning skills necessary to move into a new role within the company.

Let’s connect the dots

TGHR can help you look at opportunities in new ways and connect the dots. How, you ask? 

  • By getting to know the real you
  • Analyzing your resume and work history with a fresh set of eyes 
  • Discussing relevant in-demand skills, knowledge and experience 
  • Showing you how to better highlight the key aspects of your job history
  • And, best of all, giving your resume a voice 

You don’t have to be defined by your work history or previous job descriptions. Your ideal job match is out there. You matter, your skill set matters and the match matters. Our recruiter team loves helping job seekers be more intentional about their career search, uncover hidden gem transferable skills, expand their knowledge base and embrace the journey! 

Ready to advance your career path? Contact us today to learn more about our free personalized job solutions.

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