What will you do if your job duties change or if your job disappears in the next five to ten years? Even if the thought hasn’t crossed your mind, in a fast-changing world where technological transformation is widespread, it becomes a more and more likely possibility. While the result of such a change is that you may struggle in your new role, or find it hard to get another job, you can take steps to ensure this doesn’t happen by future-proofing your professional development.
The importance of future-proofing your professional development
With rapid advances in technology and automation, and companies constantly shifting their business priorities, future-proofing your professional development can help you remain relevant and up-to-date in the workplace. So even if your job’s description changes or the job itself becomes irrelevant in the future, you’ll be able to adapt to the changes or land a new job easily.
Technology and automation in particular can make or break future companies and jobs. With the rise in cloud technology, mobile Internet, big data, crowdsourcing, robotics and artificial intelligence, some physical or human jobs may become obsolete as machines or online jobs replace them. But the good news is that there will be increased demand for data scientists to analyse data, engineers to design machines, and technicians to run technology. Developing high levels of literacy in science, technology, engineering, and maths can help prepare you for these in-demand roles in the future.
This doesn’t mean that the IT industry will make the other industries obsolete. In fact, technology can also be used in the fashion, creative arts, physical sciences, health, and farming industries where data collection is required.
There will also be an increased need for hard skills like digital literacy, robotics and automation, with new jobs such as avatar agents being created. Soft skills like creativity, critical thinking, communication, leadership, innovation, and emotional intelligence are becoming more important too.
In an ever-changing business world, you need to adapt and upskill to move forward.
How can you future-proof your professional development?
Here are eight ways you can future-proof your professional development to ensure you stay current and in demand:
1. Develop new skills
Tech skills and soft skills are in demand, so upskilling and being up-to-date with new tools and technology can boost your marketability. Possessing a range of skills can help you secure a new job or find work in a different industry. To develop new skills, you could join an industry body, attend talks and seminars, undertake further study, or earn a micro-credential.
Micro-credentials can help you learn soft skills like leadership and hard skills like digital marketing. Micro-credentials also ensure that your skills are current and in line with competitor’s standards. They can help prove that you’re qualified in areas like data-driven marketing, data science and cybersecurity, as well as help you get in roles that require a range of tech skills or soft skills.
2. Keep learning
Ongoing learning can help you stay relevant in the workplace, so work for a company that has a training and development program in place. Being enrolled in such a program can help you to continually acquire new knowledge. You should also know all about the latest thinking and ideas both from your profession and complementary professions. Moreover, consider learning new ways of working, experimenting with different concepts, and exploring emerging ideas.
3. Embrace change
The nature of work is always changing, especially the technological aspects of it, which affects how you work. By embracing and preparing for change, you can remain flexible and be able to adapt to the changes when they come. When preparing for change, consider what the changes mean for you, your job, and your industry so that you can determine what action you should take. You may have to complete an IT course or earn a micro-credential in technical knowledge in order to adapt to technological changes.
4. Create a network
Networking can help you build on your soft skills like communication, as well as increase your knowledge as you meet people who can share information with you. It can expand your mindset in regards to what’s possible, how things are changing, and what new opportunities are opening up. Networking can also help you identify what jobs are available as not all jobs are advertised, or you could even get a job offer from another company.
Consider developing relationships or building new connections with professionals inside and outside of your organisation or industry. You can join online forums and professional networking associations, attend industry events and activities, start a professional meet-up, or invite individuals to have lunch with you so you can talk about work-related things.
5. Stay tech-savvy
Even if new developments in technology have no relation to your current job, you should still update your technical skills if you want to stay current and in demand in this technological era. You’ll have to either learn or update your skills and knowledge in data analytics, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, the Internet of things, computer programming or coding, virtual whiteboards, wearable technology, and more. You also need to be able to use a variety of devices, such as a desktop computer, a laptop, and an iPad.
6. Be on top of industry changes and trends
Whether the changes are technological, social, political or economical, what happens in your industry is likely to affect the organisation you work for, and even your job. For example, if you’re a graphic designer and changes are made to the Adobe Suite, you’ll have to adapt so you can use the latest version to your advantage. Being on top of industry changes and trends can help you prepare yourself and gain a competitive advantage. You could subscribe to industry-related publications and attend seminars run by leading experts to keep you up-to-date.
7. Be open to new opportunities
Seek new challenges and try new things. If you get a job offer, requests for advice, an invitation to participate in an event, or maybe the chance to be a mentor, do a presentation or do volunteer work, say “yes”. Being open to new opportunities can allow you to learn new skills, make progressive career decisions, and be a more desirable candidate for future employers.
8. Know your strengths and values
You’ll have your own skills, knowledge, qualifications, awards, training, professional achievements, and ways of working that can be valuable to an organisation. It’s important that you clearly articulate your strengths and values and how you can help an organisation achieve its business goals. In turn, it can help an employer see you as a valuable asset to the organisation.
Future-proof your professional development with Deakin
By future-proofing your professional development, you can keep your skills current and your opportunities open even if the future brings disruption and uncertainty in the workplace. So take control of your future career today.is a trusted partner in corporate education and training. We offer learning and development solutions to help you prepare for the future of work. To find out more about how our micro-credentials and other services can enhance your skills and competitive advantage, contact us today.