Reskilling and upskilling for a post-COVID world

We have been placed in quarantine for approximately eight months now causing the virtual environment to become a norm for us all. Though no end is closely in sight, we are continuing to stay positive that in due time, COVID-19 will be a thing of the past. We have all worked hard to adapt to the virtual environment, but what happens when it is no longer necessary? After all the change we had to go through adapting to the pandemic, there will likely be another learning curve. This expected learning curve can be reduced however and we can start preparing for it as soon as we can by continuing to reskill and upskill, and here’s why and how:

The continuation of a virtual world

The pandemic forced us into a virtual world where we had to adapt to working from home. Once we return to our in-person lives, whenever that may be, will this change? Or have we completely adapted to this virtual environment. 

There is a good chance that there will be many things which will stay online, such as certain jobs and courses. That being said, we shouldn’t expect everything to return to an in-person format and it’s possible that this online shift won’t be a temporary situation. If you haven’t adapted your skills to fit the current time, it is extremely important to do so as soon as possible just in case certain things stay online. 

Students looking for internships or preparing to leave post-secondary education should continue to practice working effectively in a virtual environment and improving their skills to better fit the future of the working world. There is no clear direction for the majority of jobs so students should be prepared for both online and in-person jobs.

Whether we are required to work from home, or return to the office, adaptability is a very attractive skill to have regardless of the situation. Learning how to problem solve and adapt to any challenges will be beneficial in multiple aspects of your life.

Leading the crowd

As a student, adapting and improving your skills can be seen as a hugely positive attribute to employers. When moving to a post-COVID world, companies which were facing increased struggles are going to be on the lookout for new talent to get their businesses back on track. 

One thing we have been taught is the importance of adaptability, and that is something which employers will be looking for. Rather than experience, employers may look towards the skills you have built despite the added roadblock of working virtually. The employers will see your determination to upskill, reskill, and how you made the most of your time learning online.

Preparedness for change

Continuing from the last point, jobs are changing and one way to impress employers is to show that you are prepared for that change. 

Reskilling and upskilling can show this preparedness and eagerness to continue learning. If you are going for an internship position, learning is encouraged and the dedication you have shown to upskilling and reskilling could be the deciding factor to land you the position. 

The world has never been less predictable and it’s important that we do everything in our power to stay competitive and keep our skills sharp. Whether classes or jobs stay online, or return to in-person, we should always be prepared for change and be able to adapt to it.

Ways to improve

There are many different ways to reskill and upskill, such as opportunities through your school or through other courses online. Work-integrated learning can be a huge factor in developing your skills, and this method of learning is one which Riipen firmly believes in. 

To help students develop their skills, Riipen has created opportunities joining together companies and educators to bring students projects to develop real world skills. If you sign up on Riipen, you will be able to work on projects to gain work integrated experience and build up skills to make the most of your time, and prepare yourself for your future career. If you are interested in learning more and how Riipen can help you, visit our website or contact our team at sales@riipen.com to get started. 

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About the author

Austin Gumbs is a Marketing Intern at Riipen and is currently a third-year University of Toronto student studying Business. He enjoys getting involved with his University community through his work on different clubs. When he isn’t working on extracurriculars, you can find him at his desk watching various Netflix shows and YouTube videos, playing games, or working on a new hobby of his: glass painting.

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