What are the most effective ways to develop new skills and knowledge when making a career pivot?

1 Assess your current and desired skills

The first step to developing new skills and knowledge is to identify the gap between your current and desired skill set. You can do this by conducting a self-assessment, asking for feedback from your peers, mentors, or managers, or reviewing the job descriptions and requirements of your target role or industry. Once you have a list of the skills and knowledge that you need to improve or acquire, prioritize them based on their relevance, urgency, and feasibility.

2 Set SMART learning goals

The next step is to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) learning goals for each skill or knowledge area that you want to develop. SMART goals help you focus on the outcomes that you want to achieve, track your progress, and adjust your actions accordingly. For example, instead of saying "I want to learn Python", a SMART goal would be "I want to complete an online course on Python basics and create a simple project using Python by the end of the month".

3 Choose the best learning methods and resources

Learning new skills and knowledge can be done in various ways that suit your learning style, preferences, and availability. For instance, online courses and platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, and edX provide high-quality content, interactive exercises, and certification. Books and podcasts on Amazon, Audible, Spotify, or other platforms offer insight into different topics. Mentors and coaches are also available to give personalized feedback, advice, and connections. Alternatively, you can practice your knowledge by participating in projects and challenges through online platforms, competitions, hackathons, or freelance opportunities.

4 Seek feedback and support

Learning new skills and knowledge is not a solo endeavor, and you can seek feedback and support from others to help you improve and grow. Joining communities and networks related to your target role or industry can provide valuable insight from other's experiences, while also expanding your network. Additionally, asking for feedback from mentors, coaches, peers, or managers can help you identify your strengths and areas of improvement. Finally, seeking support from friends, family, or colleagues can encourage you, motivate you, and hold you accountable to help cope with stress and maintain your confidence.

5 Review and reflect

The final step is to review and reflect on your learning journey and outcomes. You can measure your results by comparing your current and desired skill levels, evaluating your performance on projects and challenges, or taking assessments or tests. Reflection can also be helpful in identifying key learnings, challenges, and opportunities. Additionally, it's important to celebrate milestones by rewarding yourself, acknowledging your efforts, and sharing your stories. This will reinforce motivation, satisfaction, and growth.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?