As robots continue to join workplaces across the country, upskilling for career longevity has never been more important. But recognising the need to keep your skills relevant in the age of automation and undertaking this process are two very different things.

In my last blog, we explored the importance of embracing, not fighting, automation and AI. We looked at why you must identify the higher-value tasks you could perform to remain relevant once your repetitive, time-consuming duties are automated.

Preparing for these more advanced duties requires upskilling. In this blog we’ll provide tips on how you can do this without breaking the bank.

Firstly though, it’s important to focus your upskilling efforts appropriately. There’s no point upskilling in competencies that won’t add any value to your career. When selecting which higher-value tasks you should focus your upskilling efforts on, there are three key areas to keep in mind.

Where to focus your upskilling efforts

The first is to avoid upskilling in any area that involves routine or repetitive duties and is therefore susceptible to automation.

Secondly, ensure your upskilling efforts bring you one step closer to becoming a genuine hybrid EA. Given that the number of pure traditional EA roles is decreasing as employers instead opt for candidates with varied skills – from whom they gain greater value – you must diversify your capabilities to remain competitive. This could mean diversifying into areas outside the traditional scope of an EA.

For example, an EA in a small firm could upskill in accounts payable or an EA in a manufacturing business could gain a forklift license. You could develop and add project management skills to your repertoire, or you could become an expert in data collection and analysis. Look beyond your job description and consider what other areas you could assist in when required that would make you more valuable to your employer.

Thirdly, it’s important to develop your commercial acumen. While the traditional career move from administration to PA to EA continues, candidates today need to gain exposure to other departments to develop a higher level of commercial acumen, so you can contribute to an organisation operationally and participate in strategic business initiatives as your career advances.

Of course, don’t neglect your technical and software skills, which must be kept up-to-date in response to rapidly evolving technological change.

How to upskill

Now that we’ve looked at where to focus your upskilling efforts, let’s focus on the how. Here are our 5 tips to help you upskill without breaking the bank.

1. Ask for stretch opportunities at work

Taking on a project outside your usual remit is a great way to develop new competencies. To find an opportunity, start a conversation with your boss. Often your executive is the key to having your name put forward to be part of an internal project. Alternatively, be proactive and identify an area where your organisation could benefit from focused attention and how you could contribute.

Make sure you think through how working on a stretch project will impact your current workload before approaching your executive.

2. Stay plugged in

Follow industry leaders and thinkers via LinkedIn, TED Talks, Twitter and other social media. Keep your eye out for informative webinars or podcasts recommended by your network.

3. Join an industry or professional association

Membership of an industry or professional association can also tick a lot of the boxes for skills and career building, particularly if it has a strong continuous learning program and networking events.

4. Relevant courses outside of the workplace

Formal short courses can also be used to acquire knowledge and skills, but before you embark on any study make sure you research any course of interest for the long-term relevancy of the skills you would gain.

There are also a plethora of online tutorials on how to use new technology and software applications too.

You could consider looking into “Moocs” – the nickname for Mass Open Online Courses. Moocs allow you to study for free with some of the leading education institutions in the world. Some of the top tech companies also offer courses. While you won’t end up with a formal qualification, you will acquire new expertise.

5. Learn at work

Peer-to-peer learning is a new trend. If you work in a large organisation, can you set up a study group with other EAs? Or could you ask a colleague to teach you a skill you want to acquire?

If you can generate enough interest amongst colleagues, you could also suggest to your executive that a learning session be organised featuring a senior member of staff or that an industry leader be invited in for a lunchtime talk.

Remember, the requirement to upskill is essential for any office support professional, at all level, to remain relevant and advance your career. The value of a constant learning mindset cannot be overestimated given how rapidly automation is impacting the traditional duties of an EA.

About this author

Alex Jones is Regional Director of Hays in New South Wales, with full day-to-day operational responsibility for several Hays business units.

Over his 17 year career with Hays, Alex has held a variety of roles. Alex started recruiting in London for Hays Education, where he placed secondary school teachers. He moved into managing teams very early in his career before relocating home to Sydney in 2007 to manage and expand Hays Education in Australia.

Since then, Alex has managed a variety of teams in both the public and private sectors. His success was quickly rewarded with promotions to Senior Manager and then Regional Director six years ago.

Alex is currently responsible for the Construction & Property, Office Support, Policy & Strategy, Healthcare, Education and Executive business units of Hays in Sydney and Newcastle.

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