Naturally, no one can look into the future and see what kind of jobs will be available and the skills needed to perform those jobs, but we can make intelligent predictions. 

The world of work is changing as a result of digital and AI-powered technology, which is forcing workers to acquire new, in-demand skills and prepare for careers in the future. As technology becomes more widely used, 50% of all workers will need to retrain by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report. This is quite the number, and when you think about it there is a 50% chance that you might be one of those workers. Instead of waiting till you’re forced to upgrade your skills in the future, it is best to start now. 

According to Forum predictions, by 2025, machine adoption might surpass that of human labour, resulting in the loss of 85 million jobs. This might lead to the creation of around 100 million new occupations, which will need ever more sophisticated human-machine and algorithmic interaction.

Increased use of technology will result in a shift in skills needed for different occupations, and skills gaps will remain significant. Employees who remain in their positions will also see a major shift in the essential competencies required for their positions. Thus, businesses and workers must make plans for the future and begin putting them into action.

So what are those skills you need to learn to make yourself competitive in the future? Keep reading as I’ll outline 10 skills that are a must-have for the future. 

1. Mental adaptability

There will be a myriad of possibilities that will come with the advent of new technology, and you need to have the mental fortitude to adapt to these new changes. 

Are you able to go through many difficult concepts at once and adjust to changes? If so, you’re demonstrating traits that employers and recruiters greatly appreciate in advanced multitaskers.

The primary skills in demand that will enable businesses and their workforces to accept and drive change are flexibility, adaptability, and learning capacity. You must therefore invest in cultivating your creativity, your capacity for adopting diverse viewpoints, and your ability to apply information to a range of circumstances.

2. Using digital tools and reasoning computationally

The requirement for people with the corresponding digital abilities is growing as long as the globe keeps using highly complex, ever-evolving technology.

It’s quite likely that you’ve heard of STEM, but not a lot of people know about SMAC (social media, mobile, analytics, and cloud). Digital literacy provides opportunities beyond what was previously considered feasible when it comes to developing technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data science. 

The development of this kind of technology will be emphasized greatly in the future. As such, gaining knowledge in data visualization and exploration, computational intelligence, natural language technology, and other cutting-edge tech fields will be extremely valuable in the future.  

3. Evaluation and smart decision-making

Humans will always handle the subjective aspect of data analytics, even if robots and automation technologies may outperform people in other areas like computation and diagnosis.

People will also be needed to explain the meaning and importance of numbers to the general public and teach others about analytics.

Critical thinking will also be necessary for the workforce of the future which includes logical reasoning, mastering agile thinking, searching for pertinent information, and understanding organized problems.

4. Social and emotional intelligence

Emotional and social intelligence are characteristics that are unique to humans, whereas everything else can be replaced by artificial intelligence and digital technology.

Some fields need these attributes to be extremely essential. For instance, there is a growing need for workers in the healthcare industry, indicating that some positions will always need people. 

Your future career may need you to interact directly with people, therefore being empathetic, collaborative, and having strong communication skills will be essential. Therefore, you will need to develop abilities necessary for productive teamwork, forming connections with others, and advancing shared objectives. You must also be willing to embrace sociability, humility, and empathy, and inspire trust.

5. Leadership ability

Strong and intelligent people who can take charge in various situations and lead people will always be in demand no matter the era. Leadership skills are extremely important to cultivate and will keep you at the top of the list of employers. 

Future leaders will be determined by several in-demand qualities, including but not limited to role modelling, decisiveness, grit, tenacity, creating an inspirational vision, the capacity to deal with ambiguity, and the ability to effectively handle difficult situations.

6. Imaginative and inventive thinking

Even if a 2018 World Economic Forum survey said that robot automation will generate more employment than it would eliminate, you’ll still do well to keep up your creative faculties and preserve an inventive mentality.

Similar to possessing exceptional social intelligence, inherent creativity is an attribute that is difficult for modern digital technology to reproduce. You’ll be right as long as you can think creatively.

7. Technology skills 

Tech skills are already in high demand, and this demand will only increase. From the trend we have seen in the past, technology will permeate more aspects of our lives and will be required in many more industries in the future. So having tech skills will put you in high demand in the future’s workforce.

Some of the best tech skills to learn today include cloud computing, cybersecurity, large data analysis, virtual reality, blockchain technology, UX, machine learning artificial intelligence, etc. 

8. Digital proficiency

Since technology now permeates almost every function, digital literacy is essential and no longer a choice. Even in fields where software development is not their primary duty, professionals must embrace programming and digital literacy in general, have practical experience with data analysis and statistics, and strive toward computational and algorithmic thinking.

Understanding digital systems (such as smart systems, cybersecurity, and tech enablement) and a foundation in digital ethics are additional in-demand skills for digital literacy and fluency that are critical for every profession.

9. Collaboration efficiency

Even while certain jobs need independence, collaboration is almost a must for completing the task efficiently. Thus, the capacity for teamwork will be essential.

In addition to having exceptional dispute-resolution skills, the capacity to inspire others with varying personalities, mentor and empower them, and promote inclusivity.

10. Self-control

Attention is also focused on emotional intelligence, maturity, and self-control. Employees must be able to recognize their strengths, understand their own emotions and triggers, and exhibit integrity, self-motivation, and self-control to meet these requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the only way we can arm ourselves for whatever changes may occur in the future is by empowering ourselves with the necessary skills and knowledge today. It doesn’t matter which field you are employed in or are planning to be employed in, having the above skills will give you a more competitive edge over your peers.