The world, and the technology that keeps it running, is changing more and more quickly every day. With change comes new jobs, which need a completely different skill set than the ones we use in our careers today. Although this may seem daunting, you can stay ahead of the game by diversifying your skills right now. Here’s what you should focus on. These skills were determined in a study by the Institute for the Future for the University of Phoenix Research Institute.
Social Intelligence and Sensitivity
Social media is taking over the business world, so knowing how people tick is becoming extremely important for success. The widespread use of personalization, both on and offline, means that you should take into account every individual’s unique circumstances and preferences when interacting with them in order to be successful. Learn how to ask questions tactfully, and use the answers you get in return to interact with people more efficiently.
Cross-cultural Competency
The world is getting closer and closer to becoming a global market, which means that soon you may be interacting with people from different continents and cultures on a daily basis, whether it’s in person, or through video and phone calls. Speaking multiple languages is helpful, but what is most important is having at least a basic knowledge of different cultures and how they do business. Being able to interact successfully with people halfway around the world can set you apart from the competition.
Media Literacy
With all of the new technology that has been released over the past few decades, you will need to be familiar with as many forms of digital and social media as you can. Video is huge – working with text will become less and less important as time goes on. It’s also going to be really important to know how to work and collaborate virtually. Things like Skype and Google Hangouts mean that you don’t have to be in the same room as someone to work with them anymore.
Adaptivity and Transdisciplinary Skills
Companies no longer want someone who specializes in just one thing. You’ll be more likely to succeed if you have multiple skills that you can combine in an efficient way. It’s important to be able to see the big picture during the work process – that’s how big ideas happen. It’s also important to be able to adapt to new situations and think outside the box. Chances are, someone at some point in time has has a similar idea to yours, so how can you make your ideas original?
Design Mindset
Because products and services are being developed with personalization for the customer in mind, you will benefit from being able to see a problem and “design” something to solve it. Maybe it is a new product or business solution, but it could also be something as simple as a process for getting something done in the workplace. Combining creative and systematic approaches this way will help your ideas stand out.
