With fantastic digital innovations comes challenges, one of which is the speed of the change in consumer behaviour and organisations adapting quickly enough to meet the shift in demand. Another consideration is skills shortages, the future of work is threatened and as our world is being disrupted equally, the demand to adapt and have the relevant skill for the market need may be a challenge.
As current skills become obsolete, individuals and organisations will need to upskill to be relevant in future. Some jobs will be going into extinction, new skills will need to be learned, and people will need to upskill to enhance existing skills to remain competitive or at least have a job!
According to the World Economic Forum, while the Fourth Industrial Revolution may be disruptive to many occupations, it is expected to also create a wide range of new jobs in fields such as STEM, data analysis, computer science and engineering. Research indicates that there will be strong demand for professionals who can blend digital and STEM skills with traditional subject expertise, such as digital-mechanical engineers and business operations data analysts, who combine in-depth knowledge of their industry with the latest analytical tools to quickly adapt business strategies. (WEF)
For Sub-Saharan Africa, the most significant long-term benefits of such jobs are likely to be found in the promotion of home-grown African digital creators, designers and makers, not just digital deliverers. So how does this impact you? You may want to take your destiny into your own hands, here are five (5) points to guide you to the world of future work.
• Self-Promotion – You have to learn the art of selling yourself and calling out your positive skills and expertise. Look at yourself as a CEO; this will include your presentation, branding and messaging. Be consistent in your approach and always deliver…to promote your self-have a story and tell it well. Don’t sell yourself short
• Creative mind: Do things differently, look for a more straightforward, easier way that a task can be done this is how to add value. Have a holistic view of issues, the key here is to consider different factors without dwelling on it too much. To be stay relevant you need to think and be innovative, and this will come from your creativity.
• Problem-solving: Have cracking problem-solving skills, don’t be shy to take on what appears to be an insurmountable task, think about it this way if you can conquer it then it makes you a hero doesn’t it! With digital transformation, you need the ability to figure out this new technology and quickly get on board.
• Be aware – Be on top of your game with information and news, follow trends and current affairs including global updates. Have a varied interest that may not directly impact you so that you can engage in a decent conversation; you don’t know where the next opportunity lies.
• Keep learning – as they say, if you stop learning you stop GROWING. So read books, check for the latest information and be abreast of crucial skills that are evolving in your industry and ensure you learn the craft. Go for networking events, training either classroom or online or hire a coach or get a mentor your professional career development give you the extra edge, and you are always relevant.
With the above and more, you can withstand the test of time and remain relevant in the fast-paced digital world.
About The Writer
Olubukola M. Babajide is an IT Consultant with over 15 years’ experience within various industries. A Project/Change Management Lead, with vast experience in Business process re-engineering, Web development, HR, Regulatory & Compliance programmes. She is an award winner of the African Entrepreneur award –UK 2016, “Inspirational Entrepreneur” category. Bukola is the founder of social enterprise, Female Techpreneur a global hub to empower women into STEM roles and as digital entrepreneurs. She also runs Business and Career Network (Employability and Recruitment Services).
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