Why waiting for others to invest in your career might just be holding you back

There lived a marketer named Jane.

Jane was a talented digital marketer. But she realized that her skills were slowly becoming obsolete.

She approached her employer about the training she needed to upskill, but unfortunately, the organization couldn’t accommodate her requests.

“Let’s wait till next year”— said the HR Learning Manager

Jane’s colleague, Samina, had the exact same need. But instead of waiting a year, she paid for the course.

Both Jane & Samina were up for a promotion. And guess what, Samina got it! And the same HR told Jane that Samina got ahead due to her proactive upskilling.

The moral of the story?

Don’t count on others for your success. Invest in your career proactively!

In marketing, you need to stay ahead for your personal ambition and career survival. Upskilling should be on every marketer’s to-do list, and banking on your employer to cover the cost might not be the wisest choice. So, let’s don our learning caps and delve into the fascinating world of upskilling.

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According to Marketing Week’s 2023 Career and Salary Survey, an alarming 33.5% of marketers lack opportunities to enhance their skills at work. The problem is more prevalent in B2C (32.9%) than B2B (30.1%). The most significant gap among marketers working in companies operating in both B2B and B2C (38%).

The gist of it? You can’t rely on your employer for upskilling!

The marketing landscape is in constant flux. New technologies, platforms, and strategies emerge at lightning speed.

To remain competitive and relevant, marketers must continually adapt and expand their skill sets. Upskilling not only secures your career’s future but also boosts your company’s value, making you an irreplaceable asset.

But should you wait for your employer to finance your upskilling journey?

So, here’s the deal: If you’re among the fortunate few whose employer supports upskilling, grab that chance with both hands!

But if you’re in the less privileged group, step up. Be proactive and take the reins of your professional growth.

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Consider upskilling as a personal investment. By acquiring new skills, you enhance your marketability. That can lead to better job prospects. You also increase your chances of promotions & higher raises.

Plus, there’s no need to empty your wallet — countless affordable, high-quality online courses, webinars, and workshops can help you hone your marketing expertise.

Take, for example, our friend Mark. Mark recognized his company’s lack of upskilling opportunities but refused to let that stop him. He spent one-third of his salary to get into a Product Marketing course. The course allowed him to network with fellow marketers to exchange ideas. Consequently, Mark not only improved his skills but also became an invaluable resource for his company.

The takeaway? Don’t depend solely on your employer for upskilling opportunities. Emulate Mark and seize control of your career path.

Happy upskilling!

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