Skills of the Future
A new age of work requires new skills to be able to prosper and be more successful in the future. Technology has advanced and is advancing at an astounding rate. Self -driving cars will eventually change the way we commute and up to 5 million jobs will be replaced by automated machines. This is why its important to keep up to date with the most important skills we will need by 2020.
Essential skills include the following:
Creativity: The ability to create something out of ideas is an essential skill needed now and in the
future. The ability to look at different problems and come up with a creative solution is a valuable
skill to have.
People Management: Automated machines have the ability to do maths and analyse but, they can’t
replace humans when it comes to leadership and management skills.
Communication & Coordination Skills: Effective communication and coordination skills with people
will be in high demand in every industry.
Empathy: Automated machines acquire many skills but they can’t replace humans when
It comes to empathy, caring, and sensitivity skills. Demand for people with these skills will still be
high in the future as we will always need healthcare and childcare workers.
Decision Making: The ability to shorten down extensive amounts of data in order to make more
informed decisions will be much needed in the information age.
Service Orientation: Patience, attentiveness, knowledge of products, time management skills
and ability to read customers are skills that will always be in demand and cannot be replaced.
Negotiation: The ability to work productively with businesses and individuals in order to reach
A compromise that works well for all parties involved is a key skill for future businesses.
The top 5 Career Sectors:
- Caregiving
- Information Technology
- New Media and Social Intelligence
- Lifelong Learning
- Adaptability and Business Acumen
In the future, more machines will start to take over lots of different jobs but one thing they can’t replicate is human feeling. If they do master human feeling, it will take a very long time so demand for these skills will be very high. Careers in Healthcare, Childcare, Management, Teaching and Tutoring will thrive.
Half of the skills needed in the future are to do with emotional functioning, the remaining half are more to do with making connections at work. Working with others on different projects and programmes will be a must and the more you know yourself and your ability to manage your emotions will be extremely important especially in leadership and managerial positions.
If you think you need to work on any of the above skills, have a look at our QQI Distance Learning and eLearning courses – There are many to choose from and covers everything from Healthcare, Childcare, Business Management, Special Needs Assisting, Training & Development, Digital Media and many more.
Get yourself ready and prepared for the future and you will be well ahead of the competition!