Inexpensive Ways To Upskill
Upskilling Is Critical In Navigating The Professional Landscape
"A commitment to ongoing skill-building is critical in today's workplace. Employers seek employees who possess a diversity of skills, and the marketplace demands workers who can adapt to changing landscapes."
~Bryant McGill
As the financial services industry continues to evolve, professionals must constantly develop new skills and stay up-to-date with industry trends to remain competitive and advance in their careers. However, upskilling can often be costly, and many professionals may feel like they don't have the time or resources to invest in their professional development. Fortunately, there are many inexpensive ways for professionals to upskill and stay ahead of the curve.
Take advantage of free online resources
One of the most cost-effective ways to upskill is to take advantage of free online resources. There are many websites, blogs, and online courses that offer free information and resources on a wide range of financial topics. For example, websites like Investopedia, The Balance, and Yahoo Finance offer free articles and resources on various financial topics, while online course providers like Coursera and edX offer free courses.
Attend webinars and virtual events
Many organizations in various industries offer free webinars and virtual events on a variety of topics, from industry trends and new regulations to emerging technologies and best practices. These events can provide opportunities to learn from industry experts, gain practical knowledge and skills, and network with other professionals in the field. Additionally, many of these events are recorded and available online, so you can watch them at your convenience. Joining professional organizations may be more beneficial. There may be an upfront membership cost; however, many organizations offer free in-depth events for members. Most also offer discounted membership rates for students and young professionals, and some even offer free memberships for those who qualify.
Participate in industry and/or company-sponsored competitions
Participating in industry competitions can be a fun and engaging way to upskill while also gaining exposure and recognition in the industry. Many competitions offer opportunities to work on real-world problems and develop innovative solutions, which can help you hone your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Additionally, participating in company-sponsored competitions can help you build your portfolio and demonstrate your skills to leadership within your company.
Take on stretch projects
Stretch projects provide an opportunity to learn new skills and gain new experiences that can help you develop professionally. By stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges, you can acquire new knowledge and expertise that will be valuable in your career while also building your portfolio and demonstrating your skills to leadership within your company.
Attend industry conferences
Attending industry conferences can provide opportunities to learn from industry experts, gain insights into emerging trends and technologies, and network with other professionals in the field. While some conferences can be expensive, there are often discounts available for students and young professionals, and some conferences offer free registration for those who qualify. Additionally, many conferences offer virtual attendance options, which can be more cost-effective than traveling to attend in person.
Upskilling doesn’t have to be expensive; there are plenty of ways professionals on a budget can increase their knowledge base without breaking the bank. From online courses or certifications to joining professional organizations or attending webinars—there’s something for everyone regardless of how much money they have available for career development training activities. Taking advantage of these opportunities now can set you up for success later down the line so don’t miss out!
