Upskilling vs Reskilling: Which Path Should you Take for Career Advancement?

In the AI era, we’re experiencing a period of constant innovation with technological change outpacing culture. That’s just one reason why maintaining a sharp skill set is absolutely essential to succeed in today’s workforce.

Although there are thousands of skills that can help you at work, if you’re looking to get ahead in your career it’s important to narrow your focus to the core skills employers are looking for from jobseekers both now and in the future.

 

Across most industries, you’ll need a mix of both hard and soft skills in your toolbox. If you’re unsure what exactly you don’t know, try a personal skills gap analysis. And once you know which skills to target, the next step is choosing how you’ll level up your expertise: upskilling or reskilling?

What is Upskilling? 

You’ve probably heard the word ‘upskilling’ frequently in recent years, as innovations and evolutions in the workplace have influenced what’s required of workers. 

“Upskilling refers to the development of your current professional skill set to improve performance in your existing role or function,” explains Xavier Duran, global MBA director at University of Manchester Alliance Business School. “In practice, it involves staying up to date with new technologies, processes, ways of working, and trends to make sure that your ability is evolving in line with your role.”

SImply put, upskilling is all about improving and enhancing your existing skills. And it’s not only important for early career professionals and new graduates—rather, everyone can benefit from upskilling, across sectors and throughout their career.

“Upskilling is crucial for anyone looking to progress through specific professional roles, particularly in industries and sectors that experience lot of change and innovation such as tech, engineering, biotechnology, or energy,” Xavier adds. 

“At junior levels, upskilling may involve training to enhance knowledge and skills in a narrow area, through professional accreditations and further specialisation courses. As professionals reach their mid-careers and begin to manage more people, larger projects, and budgets, upskilling will often involve developing generalist and strategic business and management skills.” .

Virtually everyone can and should pursue upskilling as a strategy to stay agile, competitive, and continuously learn throughout the course of their career. It’s especially useful for professionals seeking promotions; early career workers looking to differentiate themselves in a crowded sector; those looking to diversify their skill set for adaptability; workers in industries vulnerable to automation, disruption or downsizing; and any professionals practising career activism.

What is Reskilling? 

Reskilling, on the other hand, is a strategy that focuses more on growing new skills in a different area. Although an alternate approach, it can be just as valuable as upskilling depending on your personal circumstances. 

“Whereas upskilling enhances existing capabilities, reskilling involves adding additional, sometimes entirely different, capabilities–it involves learning something entirely new instead of building on existing skills,” says Sarah Rourke, careers and executive coach at Henley Business School.

“Reskilling doesn’t always involve leaving behind previous experience–rather, transferable skills can be incorporated into the new learning that upskilling brings. Reskilling is valuable when moving from one type of work to another or changing sectors, during a significant career pivot or pursuing a complete career change,” she explains.

For example, if a marketing professional decided to reskill by undertaking software development training to transition into the technology sector, this would require a fundamental shift in their professional identity and capabilities, Sarah adds. 

For professionals seeking greater career fulfillment, a fresh start, or a big life change, reskilling offers valuable opportunities. Particular groups that may find reskilling especially beneficial would include workers in declining industries or fields, professionals vulnerable to technological displacement, individuals re-entering the workforce after an absence, and military personnel transitioning to civilian professional environments. 

Use our Business Education Planner to find the best program to meet your personal needs and goals.

Upskilling vs Reskilling: Which is Right for you? 

So, if you’re curious, ambitious, and keen to level up your skills, how do you decide whether to upskill your existing set of abilities or master a completely new range of skills?

It all depends on your needs and goals. The first step is to identify and define your professional goals and desired outcomes, advises Sarah. This can be partly driven by the surrounding environment in your sector or field.

“A key first step is for the individual to understanding the impact of trends, such as technology development, on their current profession,” adds Xavier. “Upskilling in line with these changes is essential for anyone looking to remain professionally competitive and relevant in their chosen field.”

Reskilling is all but certain to become even more important in today’s modern workforce. “Looking ahead, we’re likely to see professionals in roles made redundant by AI. As the rate of technological and economic changes accelerates, we are increasingly likely to see individuals change their careers several times over their professional lives,” Xavier adds.

For some people, the decision to reskill and prepare for life in a new industry may also not be a path they get to choose themselves. 

“It's important to recognize that skill development decisions are not always voluntary. External factors such as industry disruption, organisational restructuring, or technological advancement may require an individual to reskill regardless of personal preference,” Sarah says. 

“While not explicitly identified as drawbacks, there are implicit risks in choosing the wrong development path,” she adds. “Continuing to upskill within a declining field may not represent the best investment, when more fundamental career redirection through reskilling might be more appropriate.”

Whichever path you choose, consider the bigger picture and pursue your skill development not only for today, but for the long term.

Options for Skill Development

So, whether it’s upskilling that you feel is required to get ahead or reskilling to prepare for a new industry, what are your options for skill development? 

There are many ways you can invest in your own growth and development, as well as staying nimble and competitive in today’s job market.

Here are a few ways to build your skills for professional growth:

 

1. Get Certified

A formal qualification can deliver significant value, expertise, and opportunity especially when aligned with your specific career objectives such as to target specific positions and promotions. 

 

2. Take on More Responsibility in your Current Role

Proactively take on new responsibilities to gain more experience, skills, and knowledge and increase your

visibility across the organisation by building relationships with key stakeholders.

 

3. Develop Complementary Skills Outside the Workplace 

Pursue opportunities beyond work that address specific professional gaps, for example serving on a nonprofit board to develop governance experience valuable for senior executive roles.

 

4. Explore Professional Development Organizations

Memberships in specialist groups can provide targeted skill development in critical areas like

public speaking and executive presence. These organisations can also expand your professional network, creating valuable connections and opportunities.

 

5. Non-traditional Educational Platforms

Digital learning platforms offer accessible pathways for reskilling and provide sufficient foundational knowledge to work within a new area effectively, without necessarily requiring the investment of formal university education.

If you’re considering a large scale change in your professional life, enrolling at business school in an MBA or business master’s degree is a particularly versatile development option that can help you upskill or reskill, allowing you to explore disciplines completely outside your field

 

Unsure if it's time for a career change? Take our quick quiz to find out if now is the right moment to make your next move