Introduction
If you’re looking to upskill in tech, you may be wondering how to get your boss on board. After all, upskilling can require time and money, both of which are often in short supply at businesses.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can make a case for upskilling to your boss. First, emphasize how upskilling will benefit the company as a whole. For example, if you’re looking to learn new coding skills, point out how this could help the company develop new products or improve existing ones.
Second, show how upskilling will benefit you personally. For instance, if you want to learn new project management skills, explain how this will make you a more effective and efficient worker.
Finally, offer to pay for some or all of the costs associated with upskilling yourself. This shows that you’re committed to the process and are willing to invest in your own development.
By following these tips, you should be able to convince your boss that upskilling is a worthwhile investment for both you and the company.
Phrasing it like you’re checking out a technology to help the business
If you’re looking to upskill in tech, it’s important to approach your boss with a clear plan in mind. First, explain why upgrading your skills will benefit the company. Then, outline what you hope to achieve and how much time and money you’ll need to do so. Finally, be prepared to answer any questions your boss may have. By presenting your case in a thoughtful and professional manner, you’ll increase your chances of getting the green light from your boss to upskill in tech.
Say you’ll share your newfound knowledge with the team
If you’re looking to upskill in tech, one of the best ways to convince your boss to give you time and money for training is to show them how it will benefit the team. Explain that by learning new technologies, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and contribute more effectively to projects. Share your plans for how you’ll use your new skills to benefit the team, and offer to share your knowledge with others once you’ve learned it. By demonstrating how upskilling will benefit both you and the team, you’re more likely to get buy-in from your boss.
Pointing out that you’re getting rid of a single point of failure
If you’re worried about a single point of failure, make sure to point it out to your boss. They may be more willing to give you time and money to upskill if they know that you’re aware of the issue and are taking steps to mitigate it.
Ask to lead projects where upskilling is part and parcel
If you’re looking to upskill in tech, one of the best things you can do is ask to lead projects where upskilling is part and parcel. This way, you can not only get the training and experience you need, but also show your boss that you’re serious about making the most of your talents.
Tell them what learning opportunities you need, and why
If you’re looking to upskill in tech, it’s important to first articulate what learning opportunities you need and why you need them. This will help your boss better understand how investing in your education will benefit both you and the company.
Some key points to touch on include:
-What specific skills or knowledge you hope to gain
-How these skills or knowledge will benefit the company (e.g., increased productivity, improved customer satisfaction, etc.)
-Why traditional methods of learning (e.g., online courses, attending conferences) aren’t sufficient
For example, say you want to learn more about web development so that you can build better websites for the company. You could explain that by gaining a deeper understanding of web development principles, you’ll be able to create faster, more user-friendly websites that result in increased traffic and conversions. Additionally, you could mention that online courses are often too general and lack the personalised feedback needed to truly improve your skills.
The Nuclear Approach: When all else fails
When it comes to getting your boss to invest in your professional development, sometimes you have to go nuclear. If you’ve tried everything else and you’re still not getting what you need, it might be time to take a more assertive approach.
Start by situating yourself as an asset to the company. Explain how learning new skills will make you a more valuable employee and how it will benefit the company as a whole. Be specific about what you want to learn and why it’s important.
Then, lay out your case for why investing in your professional development is a wise investment for the company. Show them how it will save them money in the long run or how it will help the company achieve its goals.
If your boss still isn’t convinced, try going over their head. Talk to HR or another senior manager about your situation and see if they can put pressure on your boss from above. Sometimes it takes someone else advocating for you to get the ball rolling.
At the end of the day, remember that you’re ultimately responsible for your own career development. If your boss isn’t willing to invest in you, then it’s up to you to find other ways to learn new skills and grow professionally. There are plenty of resources out there, so don’t give up!
Try to see things from the other person’s priorities
It can be difficult to get your boss on board with spending time and money on upskilling in tech, but it’s important to try to see things from their priorities. They may be worried about the cost or the time investment, but if you can show them how upskilling will benefit the company as a whole, they may be more open to the idea. Try to emphasize the importance of staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology, and how upskilling will help you do that. Show them how it will benefit not just you, but also the team and the company as a whole.
Remember that for managers, it’s often cheaper to upskill you than lose you
As a manager, it’s often cheaper to upskill an existing employee than to lose them to a competitor. By investing in your employees’ development, you can create a more engaged and productive workforce while reducing turnover.
If your organization won’t let you upskill, consider other options
If you feel like your organization is falling behind in the digital age, you’re not alone. Many employees feel like they can’t keep up with the ever-changing landscape of technology. The solution? Upgrading your skillset through education and training. But what if your boss isn’t on board?
Here are a few things to consider if your organization won’t let you upskill:
1. Talk to your boss about your goals.
Make it clear that you’re not looking to leave the company, but rather to improve your skills so that you can be more valuable to the organization. Discuss what kinds of training or education would be most beneficial, and how much time and money you’re willing to invest.
2. Consider other options for learning.
There are plenty of ways to learn new skills outside of traditional education, such as online courses, webinars, and even free resources like YouTube videos. If your boss isn’t willing to invest in your development, take matters into your own hands and find ways to learn on your own time.
