‘Developments in genetics, artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing and biotechnology, to name but a few, are laying the foundation for a revolution more comprehensive and all encompassing than ever before.’ The Future of Jobs Report', World Economic Forum, 2016.
Whilst the jobs of the future are still evolving due to the accelerated pace of technology, we do know that employers need graduates that can offer more than academic proficiency. The core skills and attributes needed to work within the employment sector now and in the future require ‘cross functional skills’ that can be applied to a range of complex and fast paced work environments. Complex problem solving, active listening, critical thinking and emotional intelligence are a few examples of the key skills cited as crucial as we head towards what is being termed, ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/the-fourth-industrial-revolution-what-it-means-and-how-to-respond
(Image https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2016/04/05/why-everyone-must-get-ready-for-4th-industrial-revolution/) A note to parents: When talking to your child about their option choices, it is worth considering that the subjects and skills we as parents may consider to be vital are based on our own educational and current work experience. For example, you will see in the table below that creativity, once considered a soft or less desirable skill in the competitive jobs market is a vital skill as move towards 2020.
Skills required for employment
This thinking is not new; many reports commissioned by governments, a wide range of industries and think tanks have highlighted the need to develop skills for the future in addition to the more traditional.
Proficiency in new technologies is only one part of the 2022 skills equation, however, as ‘human’ skills such as creativity, originality and initiative, critical thinking, persuasion and negotiation will likewise retain or increase their value, as will attention to detail, resilience, flexibility and complex problem-solving. Emotional intelligence, leadership and social influence as well as service orientation also see an outsized increase in demand relative to their current prominence. WEF - The future of Jobs Report 2018
Whilst reading the information about the option choices available as parent and student, we ask that you not only think about your academic requirements and passions but also the future context of work as you graduate in 2025.
