The skills required to succeed in the workplace have constantly evolved – for example data scientists didn’t exist ten years ago – while in January the Japanese firm Fukoku Mutual Life Insurance laid off 34 people and replaced them with an artificial intelligence system. PwC released a report this week predicting that 30% of current jobs in the UK could be at risk due to automation in the next 15 years, and some research puts the impact as higher, and new jobs will continue to be created that don’t even currently exist. Against this backdrop, data shows that the average 18 – 24 year old will stay in their current job less than four years, and more than half will take a sideways move in their career to explore roles and to gain new skills.
So how can you prepare to be successful in your future career amidst constant change?
- Motivation – Understand what motivates you and the transferable skills you most like to use. This will allow you to take advantage of new opportunities which arise.
- Personal Brand – Determine what your ‘personal brand’ will be, i.e. what you would like to be known for; e.g. expertise, experience, attributes. People recognise who you are and associate you with specific things, it will be easier to build strong relationships and source suitable opportunities.
- Professional Network – Plan and build your professional network, starting at university. Many jobs are found through this way, and it helps you stay aware of current trends and needs in your sector.
- Future-Proof your Skills – Think about what skills will be needed in the near future in your sector, for example language skills, problem solving using technology, virtual collaboration, analysing big data and cross-discipline working. Read our job profiles for information about sectors, including industry bodies and information sources to follow. Develop new skills by taking on new roles or projects in a university society, at work or completing MOOCs.
- Consider skills that are anticipated won’t be lost to automation:
- Social Intelligence, Creativity, and Perception and Manipulation (e.g. fine motor skills that are difficult for robots to replicate) (Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael A Osborne from Oxford University).
- “Creative and critical thinking will be highly valued, as will emotional intelligence.” (Jon Andrews, the head of technology and investments at PwC).
- Complex Problem Solving, Cognitive Flexibility (e.g. dealing with change) (Report by EY).
- Big Data (see Masters in Business Analytics & Consulting at Loughborough University and other universities)
For help identifying what motivates you, your key skill set, transferable skills, developing a networking plan or a plan to to develop your skills, book either a 15 minute CV/application appointment, 30 minute 1:1 Careers Consultation or alternatively drop into the Careers Help Point.
