Skill development is critical for personal and career advancement. It entails the systematic improvement of certain skills. Many people describe it as a cycle of learning, practicing and obtaining feedback. Unlike general knowledge, a "skill" corresponds to the ability to perform a task with a prescribed output, often within a specified amount of both times and energy.
To put it another way, Skill development is the process through which individuals develop skills and gain experience to be:
- Able to find employment or advance in their careers
- Able to launch or grow their business
- Confident in earning a living independently (via freelancing, entrepreneurship, promotions)
While there are several different skills, skill development really can be classified into three broad categories:
- Hard skills (or technical skills) Hard skills are those skills that can typically be counted, measured or evaluated, and they typically relate closely to a specific occupation or career (e.g., web development and graphic design). Some examples of hard skills include:
Digital marketing
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Web design and coding
Accounting and finance
Graphic design and video editing
Data analytics and reporting
- Soft skills (or people skills) Soft skills are not easily measured and evaluated but are necessary for effective collaboration with others in the workplace. Think of soft skills as the relationship-building skills that you need to have a successful professional career.
Communication
Self-esteem
Time management
Leadership
Problem-solving
- Life and professional skills Skills associated with life and professional development are often referred to as "life skills," but they can also be seen as the foundation for your success in life and in your professional life.
Decision-making
Managing stress
Adapting to change
Why should we focus on skill development?
