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Get ready for applications this year with Upskilling Month

Book open Reading time: 4 mins

That's a wrap on Upskilling Month 2022! If you missed out on any of the weeks or you need to come back and review what you've learned in October, you can always refresh your memory using the links below.

What is Upskilling Month? 

Upskilling Month happens every October and is dedicated to all things upskilling and career-learning-related. Nestled during a time when most soon-to-be graduates are applying for their first roles, it's a great way to learn the extra skills you need to really get ahead on your applications. However, it's not just for those in the midst of job applications; learning about how to navigate your early career is important, regardless of where you're at. 

How do I take part and does it cost anything? 

It's completely free to take part in Upskilling Month - you just need to be a Bright Network member. Bright Network is free to join and, once you do, we'll send you emails to keep you on track with your learning during Upskilling Month and help you out with extra tips and resources. If you're not a member already, you can sign up using the button below. 

Become a Bright Network member

Get free access to career advice, exclusive events, networking opportunities and more with your very own Bright Network membership.

Want to get a taste of what we covered during Upskilling Month 2022? Keep reading to learn more. 

Upskilling Month 2022

Upskilling Month 2022 is now over but you can still explore the resources shared and topics covered below:

Week 1: Application processes

Learn how to navigate the application process with advice and tips on everything from how to create a stand-out CV to how to impress in an interview. In this Bright Network Academy Application Processes course, you'll learn from employers like WTW as well as ex-lawyer, Jake Schogger and come away with step-by-step knowledge on how to create and submit a winning application.

Want a quick read? Head to our CV advice hub or our interview hub to learn more about how to tackle these important parts of the application process.

Week 2: Transferable skills

In week two of Upskilling Month, we're talking all about transferable skills. While employers do value core competencies of a role, they also value transferable skills in a candidate. Depending on the role, some employers will look at the transferable skills you have over whether you have all of the key competencies a role requires, as these can often be taught.

In this Bright Network Academy Transferable Skills course, you'll learn from employers like EY and Lidl as well as top industry experts on how to develop key transferable skills. Discover how to network, how to present well, how to take feedback and how to solve problems creatively. 

You can also read more about key graduate career skills within our advice hub. 

Week 3: Digital skills 

Digital skills are some of the top skills graduates feel like they're lacking. Ironically, these are skills that are becoming increasingly important in today's world, regardless of role and are an asset to impress employers with as your go through your applications. In this brand new Digital Skills course, you'll learn how to use social media for business as well as how to start your coding journey. 

If you're dedicated to learning a coding language, learn how to get started with Python and the practical uses of Python. Each course is led by certified Python instructors and you'll come away with the basic knowledge needed to code in this commonly used language. 

Week 4: Commercial awareness

The final week of Upskilling Month is all about commercial awareness. This is an important skill to have, especially as you're going into interviews with potential employers. Being able to talk about current events and how they relate to your role will show employers your interest and dedication to your sector of choice. 

In this Bright Network Academy Commercial Awareness course, commercial awareness expert Chris Stoakes takes you through everything you need to know about developing this key skill from how to develop it to how to understand financial markets. 

You can also hear from Chris Stoakes in our monthly commercial awareness podcast, 'Thinking Commercially' on Spotify, Apple and Google - we'll be releasing a brand new episode in the final week of Upskilling Month so stay tuned!

Just because Upskilling Month is over for this year, that doesn't mean the learning has to end. You can always browse Bright Network Academy more widely to learn more skills and build your knowledge of different sectors or take a look at our career advice and Career Path Guides for a quick read. Happy upskilling!