Charles Darwin once said, “The one most adaptable to change is the one that survives”. Now, that being said, change is a constant, and adapting to change is part of our evolutionary path. Adapting and adjusting to the changing environment in which one finds themselves is a matter of survival. 

During the 90s’, we weren’t as dependent on technology as we are today. For example, back then, marketing professionals focused more on conditional marketing such as print ads, radio, and television commercials. Fast forward to today, marketing professionals utilize digital technology to take advantage of the widespread smartphone culture, and that technology has become an extension of our bodies. 

Now that the Millennials are the mainstay and while Gen Zs are joining the workforce, the future seems bright for both generations. However, in order to stay competitive in the job market, one should have the necessary skills to stand out. 

In the ten next years, the working landscape isn’t going to be the same, while the pace of technological evolution will outpace the current skills we have today. The over-reliance we have on technology to do everything from small to large time-intensive tasks will persist into the future. The essential skills needed to cope with the changes are crucial for tomorrows working landscape. 

Our World In The 2030s’

The pace at which our technology is transforming our lives is mind-boggling. As technologies mature and advance, and innovative breakthroughs continue, so will the requirements to getting hired. While the grasp of technology in our work is inseparable, the current skill sets that we have today could be outdated in ten years’ time. 

The current breakthroughs with AI automation, cloud computing, software development, and the much-taunted Metaverse brings opportunities for those that are prepared to adapt, on the other hand, complacency and the unwillingness to learn new skills will lead to you become outdated and undesirable with the future working landscape. 

As stated previously, new technologies are being introduced, and while most of them are still in their infancy, some are in the growth stage of their life cycle. The tech industry is the most notable and high-demand industry today and is expected to grow as the years go by. In fact, the US technology sector holds 33% of the world’s market share. Our innate nature to constantly innovate will only drive the industry to new heights. That being said, having the necessary skills in the future jobs market involves learning new skills to stay ahead of the competition. 

Cognitive Flexibility

Cognitive flexibility refers to our ability to adapt to constantly changing circumstances. As technology progress, we expect an even faster-paced working environment. The ability to handle or switch mental processes to generate appropriate behavioral responses will not only be sought after, but it will also become a necessity. 

Digital Literacy

Digital literacy simply means having the necessary skills you need to live, learn, and work in a society heavily dependent on digital technology. We live in a world where we have been so accustomed to our mobile phones, computers, and other digital devices that we are now in a co-dependent existence with technology. Furthermore, the importance of digital literacy as a skill to have today and in the future must not be underestimated. 

Being digitally literate would help you land a job based on your skills in how you use Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools. Learning information and communications technology is crucial because you are expected to interact with people in a digital environment. 

Coding

Perhaps one of the most important skills to learn is coding. Coding drives our digital world. Every single website, smartphone app, computer program, and even microchip requires coding. It is estimated over the next ten years 1.4 million jobs will be related to computer science, while only 400,000 of those that graduated in computer science are qualified to do coding. Nevertheless, that is still a huge number. Ultimately, career development in computer science is one of the best choices to make. 

Soft Skills

Soft skills otherwise known as people skills are interpersonal attributes you need to succeed in the workplace. Candidates with strong soft skills are in high demand because they have excellent communication, and interpersonal skill, high emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a reliable decision-making process which makes them a valuable asset to any organization. 

• Communication – the ability to effectively express yourself in the workplace.  
• Interpersonal – ability to effectively interact with others. 
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – the ability to perceive and control, and emotions in yourself and others. 
• Adaptability – the ability to overcome unforeseen circumstances or obstacles. 
• Decision-making – the ability to make choices based on gathered information and assessing an effective course of action. 

The Bottom Line

That being said, this article will help you with all the necessary skills you will need to pursue a career path in the next ten years. Acquiring skills such as cognitive flexibility, digital literacy, coding, and soft skills would make you an in-demand candidate in every industry. Although we can’t predict the future, certain trends provide us with a better understanding of how we should adapt to these changing times.