The way we work and the kind of jobs we do have been irrevocably changed by the events of 2020. According to the recently published Future of Jobs Report 2020 from the World Economic Forum, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the rate at which the working landscape is changing. Not only are brand new job roles emerging but also the need for new skills. These future skills will be key in helping candidates – yes, you! – stand out in the ever-changing jobs market. Here are the top 5 future skills that employers will be looking for by 2025 and why you should be building on them now.
Future Skill #1 – Analytical thinking and innovation
Being able to think analytically was top in the World Economic Forum’s list of sought-after future skills. In fact, the ability to problem solve effectively is a common theme across all the skills mentioned in the list.
To think analytically (as opposed to critically) is to break down a complex problem or information into its component parts. An analytical thinker sees the ‘big picture’ view and identifies the key pieces of information. This skill helps you to spot trends and patterns, enabling you to act one step ahead of your competitors and help future-proof your business.
The innovation that comes from analytical thinking will be well-thought-out and informed by facts. It will demonstrate your in-depth knowledge and understanding of a company or process, leading to you ultimately making better decisions.
Future Skill #2 – Active learning and learning strategies
Active learning is an experiential approach to learning new skills. Mastering active learning can speed up and enhance your understanding, which will prove vital in the fast-paced and evolving jobs market.
Active learning enables you to deepen your knowledge through enquiry, collaborative working and activities such as undertaking case studies. Paired work and group discussions not only offer you a different point of view but also a space to share your own ideas and analysis. You should start building on these learning strategies now – don’t wait until you’re on the job hunt!
As a student at UBIS, you will have access to a hands-on learning practice. Our courses offer you many opportunities to engage in improving your active learning. Our smaller class sizes encourage a deeper level of discussion amongst students and we are firmly focused on supporting you with practical experience in the world of business.
Future Skill #3 – Complex problem solving
Businesses face a range of complex problems to solve every day. From creating more efficient systems to crisis-management within an international team, companies are dealing with a wide range of challenges. Increasingly, these problems are overcome with ‘big data’ and Artificial Intelligence, but companies still need employees to be experts at finding solutions.
Like analytical thinking, complex problem solving requires the ability to drill down to the detail of a situation while still holding on to the ‘big picture’. Good problem-solvers are able to draw on the perspectives offered and reach the conclusion that best serves their team. Developing your problem-skills will make you a great teammate and someone with the ability to look at things a bit differently.
Future Skill #4 – Critical thinking
Hang on, haven’t we covered this skill in analytical thinking? A common misconception many of us make is that analytical and critical thinking are the same. While there is a degree of overlap, critical thinking is relies more your judgement as well as information.
Critical thinking is the future skill that we can use to interpret the often overwhelming amount of information that we access every day. It is the ability weigh up sources of information, scrutinise their content and then form an opinion or conclusion. From conducting reasearch, to compiling an annual report, to considering the truth of a social media post, critical thinking is important in all aspects of our professional and personal lives.
Future Skill #5 – Creativity, originality and initiative
It’s a sad fact that many of us don’t consider ourselves to be creative. This common misconception often stems from our own narrow ideas of what creativity is. If we can’t sing or dance, paint or play a musical instrument, we consider ourselves not to be creative people. This assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.
As with the other future skills on this list, creativity is fundamentally about problem solving. It is the ability to recognise and implement solutions and ideas and think in a different way about things. Creativity is driven by empathy and an understanding of what people need, a deeply human skill that is highly valued in the increasingly automated business world.
Creativity is perhaps the most forward-looking of all the future skills on this list. When you take the initiative to implement your ideas, you can anticipate the needs of your company or team. You will be demonstrating entrepreneurship and confidence in your own ideas. Working creatively shows others that you don’t need to rely on technology to innovate within your sector.
Look after your future self
Problem solving will be important to employers in future, but it is clear that people-focused skills will also remain highly sought-after. Even in a digitalised working world, candidates with the ability to work well with people will remain in demand. Being able to collaborate effectively will draw out the best in you and the teams you work with. Responding to the needs of people is just as important as up-skilling digitally.
It is significant that 40% of workers’ skills will need to change in order to meet the demands of the future of work. Get ahead of the curve and identify the future skills that you want to start working on today. Your future self will thank you for it!
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