The job world out there is becoming more and more competitive, but nowadays, people are starting to look more seriously at the skill development required to help mould, create and define a career for the longer term.
Firstly, we must consider both hard and soft skills as being equally important. Perhaps in the past, greater emphasis was placed on hard skills, as these are somewhat easier to measure and quantify. Let us not underestimate this going forward, because key hard skill attributes that can define you as a preferred candidate for a job, or even promotion along your career path, start with technical proficiency as a fundamental.
Secondly, in this era of the data explosion, analytics and data literacy have become necessary. You need to ‘speak the language’ of big data, data modelling, data velocity and data architecture, and so on, and most of all, be able to demonstrate an analytical mind in interpreting and using information to solve complex and intricate problems.
Another key consideration is the knowledge and practical use of Artificial Intelligence and associated emerging technologies that will change the face of the future. These include technologies such as neuromorphic computing, AI of Things, personalisation, everything-to-grid energy and precision fermentation, but we must not forget the existence and continuing growth of Machine Learning, IoT, Blockchain and Quantum Computing.
With the advent of the data explosion, there are, and will continue to be, more and more emerging technologies arising. This gives rise to the final point regarding hard skills relevance, and that is specialisation. In terms of career definition, this could be the X factor. In fact, it has already started.
Consider this example: a general exponent of medicine is called a General Practitioner, but medical professionals now want to be defined as specialists, which increases their earning capacity, increases their social standing and also offers a more defined career pathway. However, they still have to go through all the fundamentals of a General Practitioner first before specialising.
The point here is to always be looking for ongoing education and accreditations in specialised areas, as the data explosion has given rise to specialists called Data Engineers, Data Interpreters, Coders and Business Analysts.
Now let’s consider how soft skills are equally, if not in some fields more, important. For so long, soft skills have been considered as something you either have or you don’t, but now soft skills are a major prerequisite in hiring and certainly give people with these skills a strong opportunity for growth, promotion and determining a long-term career.
So, what do we consider key soft skills that can help you stand apart from others? My all-time favourite is the ability to speak in public, create and deliver an awesome presentation, influence others through the power of the spoken word and generally be someone with all-round strong communication skills.
I always remember these words: “I have never come across a great leader who is not a great communicator!” To define your career in leadership, the ability to communicate is a non-negotiable.
In today’s fast-paced environment, it is imperative to demonstrate adaptability and flexibility. Adapt quickly to change and see change as an opportunity, not a threat. Show agility when dealing with adversity and opportunity, and champion these qualities to others.
Everyone wants better solutions, so problem-solving through Design Thinking and Critical Thinking is another area that can help define you. In the case of Design Thinking, this means becoming a paradigm buster, an out-of-the-box thinker and someone who sees things others don’t.
Call it Creative Thinking—it doesn’t matter. It is thinking, just thinking differently, and not everyone can do this. Critical Thinking involves looking at the various options and logically determining the best outcome based on all the evidence available.
Leadership and teamwork management are an integral part of any business, organisation or group, and effective leadership in today’s environment has become an art form. However, to be defined as a leader who gets the best out of the team requires a huge investment in continuous learning.
There is no higher honour than knowing you are a respected leader among people, but it does not come overnight. Demonstrating leadership potential by taking responsibility when offered is a great way of being noticed for this potential.
There is no silver bullet here, just an appreciation of the roles that hard skills and soft skills equally share in helping you define your career…good luck.
Richard Coller is an Assistant Professor - General Management and Lecturer at our Sydney campus.
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