The markets are becoming extremely competitive , so much so that one is almost always under extreme pressure to keep themselves upto date with the developments happening in their respective field.
Alot of skills that were top notch in our parents generation , became downgraded by the time we entered our career life and we faced challenge to groom ourselves in the new and buzzings sets of skills to compete in the market.
For example typing and computer skills , basic use was what was the need of the hour in our parents generation , extensive technology knowledge became a dire requirement by the time we started career.
Question now comes to mind, what kind of skills do you foresee , that will be much in demand in the next generation, how do we help our kids to develop strong skills that will help them struggle less when they are ready to start their career ?
1- soft skills- being able to work with many people of different backgrounds, sometimes not in the same location, and get the stuff done. the EQ or emotional intelligence is becoming critical...
2- technology savy and a quantitative strengths, with tons of data and info in every field, how you use that info is important..not just a stats, marketing and finance area..or engineering. e.g. a successful professor will use data on quizzes and tests and determine what areas need focus, be active by providing material and be accessible online ..its no longer what it was just a few years ago
3-adaptability- things are changing at such a rapid pace, u have to be agile and adapt
4- have an entrepreneur or entrepreneur mindset.... innovate, build, improve...
5- continue learning...part of adaptability
6- network, promote, engage -- build a brand
Thanks X2, a very helpful insight. How do you recommend can we inculcate/introduce these skills to the fresh youngsters entering the job market? What kind of activities can you recommend?
involvement in organizations during college and high school, earlier is ideal. That helps build skills to work with people. adaptability, emotional intelligence etc.
similarly in clubs, business case competitions and even small grant based competitions, the innovation spirit can be challenged, and how to take an idea to a reality can be taught.
There have to be classes as well, we focus on material but not skills in using that knowledge in the optimal manner.
one of my favorite business school experiences was a class in social and business skills, totally judgement free...assuming that you know nothing, and then going over things like how to eat properly using the right utensils, proper dressing and grooming, how to introduce people, how to work a room, how to be more personable ..on phone and in person, working wit people from different cultures..it had no degree impact, no grade and was voluntary on weekends. Loved it and every single person who went through it, found value,
Common sense. Sadly, I've been told by my friend that when he interviews young interns these days they call him "bro" and the "n word" in an interview and talk in all sorts of other slang. It is to the point where he had to excuse himself and go in the other room and laugh....that is how ridiculous kids from this generation have gotten. This is the generation of "let me take a selfie" instagram is NOT going to teach people how to behave professionally. Sadly, that's all young people of today know how to do.