Let's be proactive and see to our professional development
Change will not wait for us. It will simply happen. There are numerous possibilities for our professional development – from diverse shorter programmes in the form of workshops, seminars and training to more comprehensive educational programmes, where emphasis is placed precisely on the development of transferable soft skills.
The good news is that modern technologies enable education that can be successfully combined with our professional and personal obligations. Online learning is perfect for all who need more flexibility and adaptability of the learning pace in our full schedules.
Technologies will never be able to replace humans and our creativity, collaboration and emotional intelligence. These will be the key career advantages of individuals of the future.
We need to be aware that continuous professional development is the only way to keep abreast with the times and remain interesting to employers. Finally, we should not forget to also take care of our general well-being and optimal functioning. :)
The fact remains that we no longer know with any certainty what the future holds. What we do know is that workplaces are changing rapidly and intensively and whatever we are doing today, we will do it significantly differently in the future. There is no longer such a thing as one profession or one job for a lifetime.
According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, an average American holds 11 jobs from age 18 to age 48. In Europe, this number is slightly lower; however, the trend is the same.
It is important to harmonise our skills and competencies with the needs of the labour market and employers of the future.
This year's Report on the Future of Jobs published by the World Economic Forum states that in the next five years 35% of skills and competencies, which are today considered important in work environments, will change. Some jobs will disappear, others will change. Jobs that we cannot even anticipate today will become commonplace.
Which skills and competencies do global employers expect by 2020?
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