Skill trends are constantly evolving. What was in demand several years ago may no longer be relevant today. To consistently thrive in your career, you must be prepared to adapt continually.
Since changes can occur almost without warning (like the AI boom, for instance), it's crucial to upskill yourself at least once a year. This keeps you current and in control of your career, rather than letting your job or employer control you.
High-income skills provide flexibility, enabling you to navigate job and business opportunities more easily. Because they are in demand, possessing these skills makes you a more attractive candidate to hiring managers and recruiters and gives you greater leverage as a freelancer. However, merely possessing high-income skills isn't enough. Like any skill, it needs to be honed and developed frequently, often more than you might expect.
These skills are often part of industries and markets that shift rapidly, such as technology or marketing. Staying updated on trends and changes that might impact your work is essential, in addition to your annual upskilling.
For example, if you worked in marketing before the AI boom, you would have seen how rapidly the industry changed with the emergence of new AI-powered apps and tools that generate designs, write copy, and perform many other tasks. Failing to upskill and adapt to these changes could leave you obsolete.
The more you upskill, the more specialized you become, which enhances your credibility and quality of work. High-income skills pay well because they are either rare or provide strong tangible value to the businesses they serve, solving problems that directly impact a company's ability to make more money. Becoming specialized in a high-income skill enables you to generate unique and creative solutions, allowing you to command higher pay rates and salaries.
If you're wondering where to begin, here are three high-income skills you might want to consider learning this year. These can be learned through boot camps and online learning platforms, with both free and budget-friendly options available:
1. Audio and video editing
Every day, millions of pieces of content—from videos to podcasts—are released for marketing, education, and entertainment by start-ups and established businesses worldwide. These need to look polished and professional, which is where audio and video editors come in. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, A/V editors are in high demand, with a 7% job growth rate.
Where You Can Learn It for Free:
- Udemy offers a selection of free courses.
- WsCube Tech
- Great Learning
- Reed (in the UK)
2. Digital marketing
Digital marketing is a rapidly evolving and expanding industry, projected to grow by 6.87% by 2028. Professionals with digital marketing skills are in high demand, with the BLS predicting 6% growth on average in the U.S. Given the prevalence of online business, shopping, entertainment, and work, digital marketing is a valuable skill to have. Digital marketing managers can earn up to $124,000.
Where You Can Learn It for Free:
- Semrush
- HubSpot Academy
- Meta
- Coursera
3. Google Analytics
According to Salary.com, the average salary for someone skilled in Google Analytics is $125,593 a year. This skill is versatile and useful in roles such as SEO manager, SEO specialist, and social media analyst.
Where You Can Learn It for Free:
- Google Career Certificates (via Coursera)
- Google Analytics Academy
- Great Learning
Do any of these skills interest you? If so, with a good internet connection and a laptop, there are no excuses not to start building these high-income skills today.
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