You're aiming to advance your career. What potential barriers to learning new skills should you overcome?

Two potential barriers to learning new skills to advance one's career are managing schedule and investment in the learning process. To overcome these barriers, I think that to manage a proper learning schedule, it is advisable to list down all your target learning topics in an Excel timeline so that you can learn each topic at your own pace and adjust it, if necessary, along the way of learning to meet your needs and also keeping track of your progress. As for learning investment, instead of paying for all the courses, you can try some courses on free learning platforms.

Staying current with technology can be a concern. Skilling up by asking what some of the most current platforms are in the workplace helps. Examples: ? Slack, Teams, Google Meet, and other internal platforms that many businesses use to connect with other employees. Research how those work, and ask others in your network if they use these features in their daily collaborations with teammates. ? Skill up using LinkedIn Learning and consider certifications should you see particular software programs required in a job description. By being proactive about technical barriers, you will gain confidence and skills that will better position you as a viable candidate who can step in and do the job.

Time crunch can significantly hinder learning new skills by limiting the hours available for focused study and practice. With packed schedules, it becomes challenging to allocate dedicated time for learning, leading to rushed or incomplete understanding. This can result in increased stress and decreased motivation, as well as difficulty in retaining information. Moreover, balancing work, personal commitments, and skill development can be overwhelming, potentially causing burnout. Effective time management and prioritizing tasks are crucial to overcome this barrier and ensure consistent progress in acquiring new skills.

The time crunch is real! As someone with a full time job who loves learning, I often bump up against this very same issue. The most important thing here is to organize your time. Like this article suggests, look at your calendar and dedicate time to your weekly responsibilities. This includes everything from work to grocery shopping to rest and rejuvenate time. Once your schedule is complete, look at your week and see where it makes sense to fit in time for learning new skills. Even if it’s just an hour a week, that is a fantastic place to start.

I cannot say enough about what people are calling, “The University of YouTube.” Yes, many formal education programs cost money, but thanks to the internet, there is so much out there available for free. Learning is more accessible than ever. My personal favorite place to learn something new is YouTube. From podcasts by experts to education-based channels, there is something for everyone. To demonstrate a new skill, it is helpful to put it to use and have some results to show. For example, in an interview you could say, “I listened to resumed writing experts online (new skill) and with that knowledge I redid five people’s resumes (putting it to use). All five people got interviews and job offers as a result of my work (result).”

This requires thorough research and self-assessment. Look at job descriptions for roles you aspire to, speak with mentors or colleagues in advanced positions, and seek feedback from your supervisor about areas for improvement. Understanding the exact skills you lack is the first step toward closing the gap. Once you know which skills to focus on, outline a plan that includes various learning methods such as online courses, workshops, seminars, and hands-on projects. Allocate time in your schedule for regular study and practice, ensuring that you’re consistently working towards your goal. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses tailored to different industries and skill levels.

For many careers, there is a barrier to entry such as required formal education and skills. For instance, you can’t become a licensed electrician without going through the proper trades training and you can’t become a certified teacher without a bachelor’s degree in education. If this is a factor in your career goal, it can help to start off in positions that work closely with your target career (e.g., vet tech, para-pro). Then break down that bigger goal of education into achievable steps so you can start on that journey with more confidence. Many times, there are financial assistance programs, like scholarships and even employers, that will help you afford school.

I also believe acknowledging that job searching is tough and disheartening is an important part of the process. Yes, not getting an interview sucks, and it’s okay to feel annoyed or unmotivated because of that. The follow-up to this is remembering why you are in the process of shifting careers. Gather your social supports, lean on your career counselor, and remember why this shift will be so meaningful in your life. Having this positive network of people behind you is a major element to staying strong in the face of tough situations.