What do you do if you need to retrain and upskill after a layoff?

Self-assessment is like making a map for your personal and job growth. Look at what you're good at and what needs work, including how you communicate and work with others. Keep an eye on where your industry is going and what skills are becoming more important. Once you know what you need to improve, you can find classes or mentors to help you get there. This way, you'll stay ahead in your career.

First: Take some time to think about your career goals and where you see yourself in the future. Write down your goals in detail, including the industry or field you want to move into and the specific roles you are targeting. Next, assess your skills: Evaluate your current skills and experience. Identify the transferable skills you possess that are relevant to the positions you're targeting in your desired field. Then do a gap analysis: Compare your current skills with the requirements of the positions you're interested in. Identify the gaps or areas where you lack the skills or knowledge necessary to excel in these roles and train to fill them.

After figuring out which skills you need, set clear goals for what you want to learn and when. Break big goals into smaller ones to make them easier to reach. This way, you can focus on learning in a way that helps you become more valuable at work

Now, it's time to find help for learning what you need. Look online for courses or check out local schools. You can also try industry events or volunteering for hands-on experience. Use all the resources you can to learn

Make a schedule to help you learn. Decide how much time each day or week you'll spend practicing new skills. Take it seriously, like a job. A schedule helps you manage time better and see how far you've come.

Networking is important for learning. Connect with people in your field, go to industry events, and join online groups. These connections can help you with advice, support, and maybe even job opportunities. You can also learn from others and stay updated on what's happening in your industry. Remember, building relationships is key.

When you got layoff, I know it's not easy, it might you break heart, spirit and mental. I know how that feels because I've been there, however I'd suggest you to take that time to refresh your mind and mental health while also expand your capabilities through retrain & upskills your skills with bootcamp, webinar, seminars, course & take certification which you think it could help you to boost your value for your future company. Believe you it that you will a find a better company out there and never give up because great things take time

After a layoff, a graphic designer decided to pivot towards digital marketing, recognizing its growing importance in the industry. Starting with a self-assessment, they identified a lack of knowledge in SEO and data analytics as critical gaps. They set goals to master these areas within six months, leveraging online platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning for courses. Additionally, they joined a digital marketing meetup group to network and learn from peers. They scheduled study hours each morning and dedicated afternoons to freelance projects that applied their new skills.

Gap Analysis: Compare your current skills and qualifications with the requirements of your desired role. Identify the skills and knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to achieve your career goals. Prioritization: Prioritize the skills and knowledge gaps based on their importance and relevance to your career goals. Focus on addressing the most critical gaps first. Learning Plan: Develop a learning plan that outlines how you will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. Consider enrolling in courses, attending workshops, seeking mentorship, or pursuing certifications. INVEST IN YOURSELF

Research any free courses that offer refresher skills training. Ask contacts for advice enhance your network and how to connect with others outside of your sector or how to enter a new sector. How would you market yourself if you were reapplying for the job you were just layed off from and use those questions for the next chapter in your career.