What Are Americans Upskilling in to Secure Their Future?

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Posted Mar 26, 2023

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In today's rapidly changing job market, Americans are constantly seeking ways to secure their professional future. One way they're doing this is by upskilling in various areas. But what exactly are Americans upskilling in?

Upskilling refers to the act of learning new skills or improving existing ones to better meet the demands of the job market. With technology advancing at an unprecedented pace and industries evolving, it's becoming increasingly crucial for workers to stay updated and relevant in their field.

So, what are some of the most popular areas that Americans are upskilling in? From digital marketing and data analysis to coding and project management, there are a wide variety of skills that workers are honing to stay competitive in today's job market. In this article, we'll delve into some of these key areas and explore how they're helping individuals secure their professional future.

We analyzed over 500 search terms to find out which professional skills are in high demand, and which Americans are most eager to learn.

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Skills are in high demand, and Americans are eager to learn. The great resignation and technological advancements have transformed the business landscape, prompting American workers to raise land and acquire new skills relevant to the current job market. Upskilling is no longer just a career-boosting move but has become a simple pleasure for many individuals seeking to better themselves.

Using Google Trends search data, we analyzed 572 keywords representing interest in sought-after professional skills across various skill categories over the past year. The key metrics used were average monthly search volume and the percentage change in search volume compared to the previous year. The findings show that skills Americans are upskilling in include software development, digital marketing, data analytics, project management, and artificial intelligence.

The analysis of search volume indicates that American workers have been actively searching for ways to improve their skills throughout the pandemic. These findings suggest that upskilling is no longer an optional activity but an essential one for individuals seeking job security and career advancement in today's ever-changing job market. With technological advancements continuing to disrupt industries at an unprecedented pace, it's crucial for individuals to stay ahead of the curve by acquiring new skills relevant to their field.

Discovering the new abilities that Americans are acquiring

In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in upskilling by Americans, especially in areas such as data science, digital marketing, and data management. According to national level data, the search volume for these subjects has skyrocketed indicating piqued American's interests in these fields. These staple skills have become increasingly essential for individuals looking to stay competitive in the workforce.

Interestingly enough, notable upskilling interest is not only present in urban areas but also rural states like Montana. Online learning makes it possible for individuals living in remote locales to gain access to education and training that was once only available in city levels. With workforce demands continuously changing, high percentages of Americans are taking advantage of emerging interest and acquiring new skills necessary for success.

1. Data science and visualization (+76%)

Data science and visualization are becoming increasingly important skills for Americans to upskill in. In fact, data science has seen a relative growth of over 76% in recent years, making it one of the highest skill categories in demand.

The ability to analyze and interpret data is crucial in today's data-driven world, and data analytics is at the forefront of this trend. As businesses look to make informed decisions based on data, individuals with strong data analysis skills will be highly sought-after. Therefore, upskilling in data science and visualization can give professionals a competitive edge in their careers.

2. Digital marketing (+35%)

Digital marketing skills have seen a massive increase in demand over the past year, with a whopping 35% rise in upskilling. One of the biggest areas within this field that Americans are honing their expertise in is Google Ads. This is because businesses are recognizing the importance of having an online presence and utilizing digital channels to reach their target audience.

With more and more consumers turning to the internet for information and shopping, companies need to be able to effectively market themselves online. This has led to a surge in demand for individuals with digital marketing skills, particularly those who can manage Google Ads campaigns. As a result, there has been a significant increase in training courses and certifications available in this area of expertise. Whether you're looking to start your own business or work for someone else, having strong digital marketing skills can give you an edge in today's competitive job market.

3. Data management (+34%)

Data management is quickly becoming a must-have skill in the American workforce. In the past year, there has been a big jump in individuals seeking to upskill in this area, with a notable increase of 34%. This is one of the biggest increases seen across all industries.

Why is data management so important? With the rise of technology, businesses are collecting more data than ever before. However, without proper organization and analysis, this data is essentially useless. That's where data management comes into play - it ensures that data is accurate, accessible, and secure. By mastering this skill, individuals can not only make themselves more valuable to their employers but also open up new job opportunities in fields such as data analytics and business intelligence.

4. Interpersonal and management (+32%)

Interpersonal and management skills seem to be the most sought-after upskilling areas among Americans, with an increase of 32% in recent years. This trend is not surprising as these skills are essential for any professional who wants to thrive in their workplace.

Interpersonal skills include emotional intelligence, teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution. These abilities allow individuals to build strong relationships with their colleagues and create a positive work environment. On the other hand, management skills such as leadership, decision-making, and project management are critical for those seeking to advance their careers into managerial positions. Moreover, public speaking is also an important skill that falls under this category as it enables individuals to present ideas effectively and confidently. Therefore, investing time and effort in developing these abilities can be a game-changer for anyone looking to achieve their professional goals.

5. Basic business apps (+32%)

Basic business apps, such as Microsoft Office, are increasingly becoming a popular upskilling choice for Americans. Contrary to what some may think, Microsoft Office isn't just for office workers. With the rise of remote work and digital communication, even non-office style people are recognizing the importance of being proficient in these basic business apps.

In fact, according to recent studies, there has been a 32% increase in Americans taking online courses to improve their skills in basic business apps. As technology continues to advance and become more integrated into our daily lives, it's no surprise that people are increasingly interested in building their digital literacy. Whether you're a remote worker or simply looking to stay competitive in today's job market, upskilling with basic business apps can give you the edge you need to succeed.

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6. Coding (+26%)

Coding has become one of the most sought-after skills in America. It is no surprise that it has seen a tremendous surge in country interest over the past year. With the rise of technological advancements and the increasing dependence on digital platforms, coding is an essential skill that is critical for personal and professional development. The demand for skilled coders has increased exponentially, leading to a 26% increase in individuals upskilling in this field.

New York isn't left behind when it comes to coding skills acquisition. The city is home to some of the best coding boot camps, online courses, and training programs that provide aspiring coders with access to top-notch resources for skill improvement. As technology continues to evolve, learning how to code will become increasingly important, both as a career choice and as a way to stay relevant in the job market. So if you're looking for ways to upskill yourself or want to explore the world of coding, there's never been a better time than now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is upskilling a talent attraction tool?

Yes, upskilling is a talent attraction tool as it shows potential recruits that the company is invested in their professional development and offers opportunities for growth within the organization.

How can I upskill to prepare for the future?

To upskill for the future, start by identifying your desired career path and the skills needed. Look for courses, workshops, or online resources to learn those skills. Additionally, seek out opportunities to apply those skills in real-world situations, such as internships or volunteering.

How many people need to upskill by 2025?

It is projected that 1 billion people will need to upskill by the year 2025 due to advancements in technology and changes in the job market.

How often do you need to reskill or upskill?

You should aim to reskill or upskill every 2-3 years to stay relevant and competitive in your industry. This will help you adapt to changing technologies and job requirements, and increase your chances of career advancement.

What is upskilling and why is it important?

Upskilling refers to the process of learning new skills or upgrading existing ones. It's important because it allows individuals to keep up with industry changes, advance their careers, and increase their value in the job market.

Jason Noble

Senior Writer

Jason Noble is a seasoned blogger who has been writing about technology and gadgets for over a decade. He is passionate about exploring new and innovative products, and enjoys sharing his insights with readers. In addition to his blog, Jason has also contributed articles to several tech publications.

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