In the past few years, the nature of job-related skills has changed significantly. Jobs that existed a few years ago don’t exist anymore and new jobs have emerged specifically due to the massive wave of the digital transformation sweeping the industry. New jobs that didn’t exist before, require an all-new set of skills, and older jobs have undergone a considerable transformation with respect to skills.
Undoubtedly, knowledge of new job trends is important to keep yourself updated and ready for the industry. However, what matters more is acquiring new skills. Fresh graduates and employed professionals should watch out for new skills and keep them aware of job trends. Both need them equally.
New jobs are emerging
The penetration of internet and digital connectivity has led to a deluge of data and with it new technologies have emerged. Blockchain, artificial intelligence, and deep learning are primary examples of this trend. Advance technologies have led to a spurt of new job roles, business processes, and operations.
These new technologies have led to the betterment of services and products and efficiency of the workforce but working with these technologies demands a novel set of skills. The responsibility to upskill and gain exposure lies with graduates and professionals, or risk getting redundant. Universities and colleges play an important role in craft courses that cater to the rising demands of the industry. Further, students entering colleges should be more discerning in choosing courses and go for holistic courses.
Earning industry-relevant credentials and globally recognized certifications further pave the way to learn new skills and establish a professional repo for continued growth. Professionals should ensure that they are taking vendor-neutral certifications from global institutions for wider job opportunities.
As roles are adapting to meet the demands of the present business landscape, re-certifications will boost your image and make you more credible to employers by showing continued passion and knowledge for the job. Global credentialing bodies are familiar with the changing dynamics of the job, making re-certifications increasingly common.
Partnering with educational institutions
Higher education institutions are the first place where employers look to hire competent workers. Lack of industry-specific knowledge and job-related skills are often missing in fresh graduates. In the present situation, this holds more prominence.
Haida Tahir, Director, Contingent Workforce Central, Kelly Services says, there is a need for higher education institutions to tailor their courses to meet industry standards, regardless of subject or degree. There’s no sliver of doubt that employers always face a challenge while hiring fresh graduates who appear clueless about happenings in the industry.
Given the present scenario, there’s a need for partnership between the industry and higher education institutions to help fresh graduates gain exposure and understand what is important to employers, before they become part of the workforce.
While top credentialing bodies can take charge of equipping employed professionals with in-demand industry skills, it falls upon higher institutions to train fresh graduates and make them ready for the industry.