If we’ve learned anything since the start of the pandemic, it’s that we don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. We can’t predict change - and when change does happen, it can happen quickly. Just think about how many times in the past year you’ve been walking down the street or catching up for coffee one day, only to be in a COVID-related lockdown the next!
Change is inevitable and constant, and evolving with it is crucial to your success. Evolving means you’re staying relevant. It wasn’t that long ago that experience was the biggest attribute you could bring to a job. Today, however, change is happening faster than ever - and continued skills renewal is a critical advantage to bring to a job. It’s all about your ability to constantly re-skill so you can stay on top of what’s happening in your field.
Change is transforming the job market in every area and employers are looking for team members who can adapt quickly.
Adapting to new technologies and processes through lifelong learning is key to staying relevant, whether that be in your current field or a new career. Making a conscious commitment to continual education as you move through your career will be foundational for your future success.
If you’re thinking about what’s next for you, here are some thought-starters...
Four things to consider when career planning:
- Trend spotting: Look at the current trends facing your industry – whether that’s through industry publications, reports, job ads or looking at development opportunities in your field – so you can update and evolve at the pace of change.
- Map and analyse: Map out the direction in which you or your team are going and conduct a skills-gap analysis to chart the experience needed for what’s next.
- Plug in holes: Look at ways to fill a skills gap. Short courses and microcredentials can help you fill those gaps with skills that are in high demand. In 2021, that’s in areas like data, artificial intelligence, change management and innovation.
- Leverage your network: Building strong networks within your industry is as important as growing relationships with people outside of it. Connecting with others increases your visibility, opens up opportunities you may not have been aware of, and connects you to potential mentors.
Make 2021 your year by growing your knowledge and expertise with university-level study from UTS Open.
