It’s never been more important to future-proof yourself. Jobs across the country will be disrupted by AI and technology in the coming years. The way we work is changing at a pace we’ve never experienced before. Our executive search team is seeing this trend in jobs from the top down. So, if you haven’t already, you need a plan for how you will keep up with new developments in your industry. You’ll need to think about how you will grow, improve, and all the skills of the future to fortify your position and continue to move forward in your career.
Skill Gaps Are Growing
According to data from McKinsey and Company, many companies are prioritizing reskilling to address existing and future skill gaps. Many lack the talent they need in the future:
- 44% of respondents say their organizations will face skill gaps within the next five years
- 43% report existing skill gaps
- 87% say they either are experiencing gaps now or expect them within a few years.
Areas where skill gaps are the most prominent are data analytics, IT, executive management, sales and marketing, and talent management.
Why Do You Always Need To Add New Skills?
Adding new skills is essential for you to stay in demand. Failure to add new skills and adapt to the changing work environment will make it more challenging for you to stay relevant. Here are reasons why you need to add new skills:
- Adapt to Change: The world is constantly evolving, especially in technology and industry. New skills help you keep up with changes, ensuring you remain relevant and capable in your field.
- Increase Employability: Employers value candidates who are versatile and can bring new skills to the table. By continually learning, you make yourself more attractive to potential employers, increasing your job opportunities.
- Enhance Job Performance: New skills can improve your performance in your current role. Whether it’s learning a new software, a language, or a technique, these skills can make you more efficient and effective at your job.
- Career Growth: Acquiring new skills opens doors to promotions, new responsibilities, and career advancement. It shows your commitment to personal and professional growth, which can lead to higher positions within your organization.
- Boost Confidence: Learning something new can increase your confidence in your abilities. It empowers you to take on new challenges and step out of your comfort zone.
- Stay Competitive: In a competitive job market, standing out is crucial. Continuously developing new skills ensures that you remain competitive against others in your field, giving you an edge when opportunities arise.
- Adapt to New Roles: As industries evolve, job roles often change, requiring different skills. Being proactive in learning new skills prepares you to transition smoothly into new roles or responsibilities.
- Personal Fulfillment: Beyond professional reasons, learning new skills can be personally fulfilling. It keeps your mind sharp, provides a sense of accomplishment, and can lead to discovering new passions or interests.
In a rapidly changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is one of the most valuable assets you can have, both professionally and personally. With that being said, let’s talk about the skills of the future.
What Are The Skills Of The Future?
Many skills will be important in the future. The skills that you will need to build on or acquire will depend on your profession. However, there is some consensus on the general skill set workers will require in the future. Below are lists of skills of the future based on reports from the World Economic Forum and McKinsey.
According to the Future of Jobs report by the World Economic Forum, these are the top 10 skills of 2025:
- Analytical thinking and innovation
- Active learning and learning strategies
- Complex problem-solving
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Creativity, originality and initiative
- Leadership and social influence
- Technology use, monitoring and control
- Technology design and programming
- Resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility
- Reasoning, problem-solving and ideation
The list is a combination of hard and soft skills with a mix of technology skills.
Research by the McKinsey Global Institute has identified 56 foundational skills that will help people be successful in the future of work. They are divided into 4 categories:
- Cognitive: critical thinking, communication, mental flexibility, planning and ways of working.
- Interpersonal: mobilizing systems, developing relationships, teamwork effectiveness
- Self-leadership: self-awareness and self-management, entrepreneurship, goal achievement.
- Digital: digital fluency and citizenship, software use and development, understanding digital systems.
This list, similar to the one above, place an emphasis on a combination of hard and soft skills with a focus on technology.
How Can I Develop The Skills I Need For Future Success?
There are plenty of ways you can work on your skills. Here is what our recruiters recommended:
- Identify Your Core Skills: Begin by thoroughly understanding your strengths and areas of expertise. This self-awareness will help you determine where you excel and where you may need to improve.
- Set Clear Career Goals: Define what you want to achieve in your career. Establish both short-term and long-term goals that align with your skills and passions.
- Find a Qualified Mentor: Seek out a mentor who is experienced in your field. A good mentor can provide valuable guidance, share insights, and help you navigate challenges as you progress in your career.
- Explore Desired Job Positions: Research the positions that interest you and match your career goals. Understand the qualifications, responsibilities, and skills required for these roles to better prepare yourself.
- Seek Constructive Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Constructive feedback is essential for continuous growth.
- Stay Informed About Your Industry: Keep yourself updated on the latest trends, technologies, and developments in your industry. Being aware of changes and innovations can give you a competitive edge.
- Pursue Professional Development Opportunities: Consider enrolling in online certification courses to enhance your skills and knowledge. Additionally, take advantage of any company-based training programs to further your expertise and stay relevant in your field.
A Final Word On Developing The Skills of The Future
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, future-proofing your career is essential as AI and technology disrupt industries at an unprecedented pace. To stay competitive, it’s crucial to continuously develop new skills. The widening skills gap, especially in areas like data analytics, IT, and management, underscores the importance of reskilling. Adding new skills not only increases your employability but also enhances job performance, boosts confidence, and prepares you for new roles as industries evolve.
Key skills for the future include analytical thinking, complex problem-solving, creativity, leadership, and digital fluency. To acquire these skills, identify your core strengths, set clear career goals, seek mentorship, stay informed about industry trends, and pursue professional development opportunities. By doing so, you can ensure long-term success in a dynamic and competitive job market.
Learn More About In-Demand Skills From Our Executive Search Team
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