As you advance in your career, you'll likely find opportunities to expand your skillset.
Upskilling could lead you to a management role or more exciting projects in your work. While skills can develop naturally throughout your career, many choose to actively upskill to meet their professional goals. Similarly, some companies promote upskilling to foster growth opportunities from within.
What is upskilling?
Upskilling is the process of expanding and enhancing your current skill set, aimed at improving your performance in your existing role or preparing you for new responsibilities within your industry.
Whether it’s through formal education, attending workshops, or engaging in self-directed learning, upskilling enables you to not only increase your value to your employer but also open up potential pathways for career advancement.
What is the difference between upskilling and reskilling?
Upskilling involves improving and expanding your current skill set to enhance your performance in your existing role or prepare for new responsibilities within the same industry. In contrast, reskilling focuses on learning entirely new skills to transition into a different role or industry.
While upskilling builds on what you already know, reskilling equips you for a career change.
Benefits of upskilling
Progress towards a goal
Develop new skills to move closer to your personal or professional objectives.
Qualify for a promotion
Enhance your skills to become a strong candidate for new opportunities.
Earn a higher salary
People with qualifications have higher salary outcomes than those without qualifications^.
^Source: www.abs.gov.au 2023
How to upskill
Learn in-demand skills
A great way to upskill is by enrolling in a course that targets the skills you need for career growth. RMIT offers postgraduate, vocational, and undergraduate courses that will equip you with the necessary knowledge and qualifications to excel in your career. These courses are structured to provide both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring you're well-prepared for the demands of your industry.
Find a mentor
Having a mentor can be invaluable when upskilling. Look for someone with experience and insight in your field by reaching out to someone you already know, attending networking events, or connecting with an industry organisation.
RMIT’s mentoring program provides 1-on-1 career mentoring for students and first-year graduates, pairing you with seasoned professionals who can offer guidance, share industry knowledge, and support your career development. This relationship can open doors, offer new perspectives, and help you navigate your career path with confidence.
Brush up on your resume
A well-crafted resume is crucial for showcasing your skills and achievements. Take advantage of RMIT’s Career Connect, a free service for current students and recent graduates. It offers advice on job searching and applications, guidance on writing effective resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles, as well as preparation for job interviews. This service also provides career guidance, planning, and support, ensuring you're fully equipped to present yourself professionally and pursue new opportunities.
Make connections
Building a strong professional network can greatly impact your career success. Attend various events to meet industry professionals, exchange ideas, and stay informed about the latest trends. These connections can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and continued learning, making networking an essential component of your upskilling strategy. RMIT has alumni chapters around the world that can help you remain connected and inspired throughout your career journey.
Why upskill at RMIT
Top 10 in Australia
RMIT is ranked in the top 10 universities in all of Australia and in the top 125 universities globally*.
Industry connected
RMIT’s courses are created with input from industry professionals to prepare students for the future.
Flexible learning options
Many of RMIT's courses offer part-time and online options to accommodate work and life commitments.
*Source: QS World University Ranking 2026
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