The new interactive learning hub will offer skills-uplifting initiatives, career advice, and other resources.
Upwork Marketplace Announces Launch Upwork Academyan education center designed to help professionals build their independent businesses.
Massive resignations have seen many Americans leave traditional jobs to move into positions that allow them to work remotely. Based on CNBC, the trend of workers leaving their jobs is unlikely to end any time soon, with some experts predicting an end to job loyalty. In a recent research of Microsoft, a surprising 52% of Gen Z and millennial workers said they are likely to consider switching jobs this year, up 3% from 2021.
Instead of switching to another full-time employee job, many of these people will turn to freelance. A recent job research found that 59 million Americans — about 36% of the entire U.S. workforce — are already performing some type of skilled freelance work by 2021.
UNDERSTAND: The most in-demand skills for freelancers in 2022 (Tech Republic)
Upwork Academy launched
Workers who are considering switching to freelance work can find the change frightening or isolating. Upwork Academy was founded to address the needs of these workers, with a variety of upskilling resources, mentoring, and educational opportunities to help freelancers build their brands and businesses. surname. The academy includes the release of 11 on-demand education courses on how to take advantage of the platform’s growing freelance opportunities. Additionally, it will provide connectivity to the Upwork community.
“Most people who come to Upwork for the first time are unfamiliar with freelancing,” said Francis Murphy, Upwork’s vice president of community. “Being part of a business is not like you were interviewed, you got the job and the company guides you through the first steps. Upwork Academy is our way to do it for freelancers. ”
Upwork Academy includes courses on topics like creating profiles and submitting proposals. Upwork also introduced Training Academy cohort, designed to help users succeed. The Upwork Skills Certificate is now included in Upwork Academy. It features skills assessments, test preparation materials, and opt-in certifications for web, mobile, software development, and design and creativity.
“We see a growing need for new skill sets in the technology sector, the development sector and for IT professionals,” said Murphy. “We know these skills are in demand by businesses around the world. We want to make sure the talented people on our platform represent all of those areas. At launch, we let users verify their development skills through certificates. There are 20 different certifications for mobile web development. When our clients look at these professionals, they can see they’ve been certified by Upwork. “
UNDERSTAND: Tech workers aren’t getting the high-skills they need during the pandemic, report says (Tech Republic)
Improved content and community platform
Upwork’s new initiative includes a complete redesign of Upwork Community, including a new homepage, updated forums and features for increased functionality and scalability. The company also plans to launch a Career Path Database later this quarter. It includes photos, videos and audio of personal stories that illustrate the paths people have taken to reach their different careers. Tutorials and worksheets will help users achieve their goals.
“Upwork is a tool and a unique opportunity for each person to use it. The new services in Community are built to meet those unique needs, says Murphy: education, discussion, thought leadership, and more. “Our community has been positioned as a support channel for a long time. While we’re still here to help, we’re now delivering more through content, connections, and community building. ”
Advice for freelancers
Murphy offers tips for freelancers looking to build a successful career. He emphasizes the importance of creating an effective profile. “Profiles are an opportunity to reach the wide range of clients we have on Upwork, ranging from small businesses looking to hire a one-time employee to our corporate clients, which are some of the largest companies,” he said. in the United States and the world.
Drafting a compelling proposal is also important. “Some members of the Upwork community said, ‘I’m sending all these proposals out and I’m getting nothing in return.’ Sometimes it just takes a little guidance to get it right,” he said.
Murphy emphasizes being specific because freelancers are looking for specific skill sets. “If you have a niche in your niche, whether you’re in a broad field like mobile development or web development, what is your specific niche? What do you offer that others do not? “
New community groups and events
Upwork will launch more than 20 community groups, which the company describes as “a place to collaborate and celebrate for Communities to connect, learn, and grow around themes like identity, industry, interests, and impact.” These include location-based groups from countries like the United States, Philippines, Pakistan, Kenya, Egypt, Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Germany, with more planned for later this year. Other new additions include an events platform, Community Events series, interactive workshops, and the Upwork LIVE Support for Talent event in Ukraine.
To celebrate the release of Academy, Upwork will be hosting virtual events on June 7 at 9 a.m. PDT. It will explain Upwork’s new on-demand talent pool and discuss an improved Community experience for independent professionals.
