The workplace continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Technologies like AI and machine learning have taken the world by storm and completely changed how we work and operate today. A striking revelation in a report by Dell Technologies suggests that 85 percent of jobs that will exist in 2030 have yet to be invented. And that’s only five years out!
Looking back, we realize that this pattern has been present throughout history. Think about professions, such as switchboard operators, lamplighters and ice cutters – once common occupations but now entirely obsolete. Today, organizations relentlessly pursue AI engineers, data scientists, tech experts and even social media champions! Who would have ever known? What we do know, however, is that the skills required to thrive in this ever-evolving job market need to be consistently developed and updated like never before.
How does someone prepare for a career landscape that presently doesn’t exist and is, truly, still being shaped? In this blog, we discuss a few practical ways by which you can adapt better to changing market dynamics and develop skills to equip yourself for tomorrow’s workplace.
Cultivate Transferable Skills
The key lies in identifying and developing skills that aid in building career resilience in a rapidly changing business environment.
Digital Fluency
Digital fluency is now a workplace non-negotiable. Today’s workplace requires individuals to possess skills that allow them to thrive in an environment that relies heavily on sharing information and communicating largely via efficient digital technologies. Considering how market trends are rapidly progressing, one must prioritize investing time in learning new digital tools.
Data Literacy
Data literacy is crucial for organizations, as it empowers employees to make accurate data-driven decisions that help improve efficiency and open doors for business growth and innovation. AI has transformed global workplaces and will continue to do so in the future. Data literacy skills are in high demand now and sought after by most organizations.
IBM reports that 46% of organizations are investing in data literacy and skills as they prepare to become more data-driven. As an employee or future employee, be sure to take up learning opportunities offered by your organization or engage in other educational workshops and online courses to develop a deeper understanding of data ethics and the use of various analytical tools.
Critical Thinking
Research by McKinsey indicates that demand for critical thinking skills will see a sharp rise by 2030, as routine tasks become increasingly automated. The report also states that executives in Europe and the United States have expressed a need not just for IT and data analytics but also for critical thinking and creativity. Individuals must use this as an opportunity to broaden their industry-specific or technical skill base by taking additional courses and seeking guidance from seniors and other professionals.
Keep a Growth Mindset
Embrace Lifelong Learning
As business dynamics evolve at warp speed, individuals must embrace lifelong learning to enhance their career prospects, stay relevant in a competitive job market, boost employability, and foster personal and professional growth. A Pew Research Center survey reveals that 87% of workers believe that they require continuous training throughout their careers to keep pace with workplace changes.
View Challenges as Opportunities
Having a growth mindset allows you to take on setbacks and challenges as opportunities to learn, develop, and grow personally and professionally. This means that you’re open to developing your abilities through dedication and hard work, rather than viewing talents as fixed traits. Challenge yourself often and step out of your comfort zone to maximize your learning opportunities.
Practice Adaptability
As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average employee will change jobs about 5-7 times in their working life. This means adaptability to changing and new environments is now a required skill. Individuals must continuously embrace change, seek new opportunities, develop skills, remain open to feedback and learn from supervisors and peers.
Be Future-Ready Now
As automation and AI continue to reshape our business environment, unique human attributes like critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and ethical judgment will be much sought-after skills. And the most successful future professionals will be those who build adaptability, learn continuously and reinvent themselves with emerging opportunities.
At Crosworks, we take pride in empowering individuals with clarity, direction and focus to use their skills to perform their best work. Schedule a free introductory call to learn about Career Assessment and future readiness.