With advancements in artificial intelligence, many college students are worried about their future careers. This is a reasonable worry to have – AI is expected to take over some jobs from humans. Since 2000, AI has phased out millions of manufacturing jobs across the globe.
However, artificial intelligence is also expected to create jobs for humans. By 2025, AI is projected to create 97 million new jobs that can be performed by humans.
As a student or recent college graduate, there’s a lot you can do to future-proof your careers. Here are some ideas:
Learn Emerging Technologies
College is the perfect time to start learning about emerging technologies and how they could impact your career. From artificial intelligence to blockchain and machine learning, there are a plethora of new technologies that are changing the way we work and live.
To future-proof your career, make the effort to learn new technologies, especially those relevant to your industry. Take online courses, attend seminars, and learn through free online resources such as:
- YouTube videos
- Podcasts
- Blog articles
- Webinars
Additionally, you can network with professionals in the field who can provide valuable insight into how these technologies are being used in the workplace.
By taking the initiative to learn about emerging technologies now, you can ensure you are well-prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that may arise in the future.
Build Soft Skills
When it comes to soft skills, humans will always have the upper hand over AI. Currently, AI lacks the emotional intelligence that governs the way humans interact with each other and make decisions. Artificial intelligence also lacks higher cognitive skills that enable brainstorming, complex problem-solving, and creativity.
In workplaces of the past, soft skills were often perceived to be inferior to hard skills. In workplaces of the future, however, soft skills are expected to be in high demand. A McKinsey report projected that the demand for social and emotional skills in the United States would grow by 26% between 2016 and 2030.
College students who want to build their relevance in tomorrow’s workplace must, therefore, invest in building their soft skills alongside hard skills. For instance, if you’re a software developer, learning soft skills such as how to resolve conflicts and manage a team can give you a competitive advantage over other candidates.
Some of the best soft skills to future-proof your career include:
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Empathy
- Persuasion
- Leadership
- Resilience
- Creativity
These skills can help you stand out in the job market, as employers are increasingly looking for candidates who have strong soft skills. You can develop these skills through activities like volunteer work, internships, and joining student organizations.
Develop a Strong Professional Network
Did you know that around 80% of job openings are not advertised? If you’re relying solely on job listings to find opportunities, you’re doing yourself a huge disservice.
How do people find these unadvertised job opportunities? Simple: through networking.
To future-proof your career, it’s important to hone your networking skills while still in college. Begin with making friends with your peers, connecting with professors, and building strong mentorship relationships. Then enlarge your network to include alumni and other industry professionals.
Don’t know where to start?
Research professionals in your field and send connection requests on LinkedIn. Additionally, you can attend relevant seminars and other industry events. Make sure to properly introduce yourself and what you do. Keep your connections warm by engaging with their posts on social platforms, congratulating them on their wins, and offering your help where necessary.
These relationships will come in handy down the line when you’re looking for jobs or internships. Key individuals in your professional network can provide leads to unadvertised and advertised opportunities, give you priceless advice, or even write recommendations to help you land your dream job.
Stay Flexible With Your Career Goals
In today’s fast-changing workplace, nobody should have their career plans set in stone. As you explore and learn emerging technologies and develop your soft skills, you may find your career goals shifting. While having a career development plan is advisable, you must also be flexible enough to quickly adapt to these shifts.
Consider taking courses in different fields, joining a professional organization, or attending networking events to learn more about various industries. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try out different jobs, industries, and roles.
Keep an open mind and consider opportunities that you may not have initially thought of. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and explore different paths that may lead to a fulfilling career.
Having a flexible approach with your career path will keep you open to possibilities and future-proof your career.
Cultivate a Global Mindset
The world will continue to grow more interconnected in the future. More and more businesses are hiring culturally and geographically diverse teams. It’s advisable for college students, therefore, to always think global when it comes to their career development.
How can you develop a global mindset? Start by making the effort to understand other culture and learn new languages. You should also be open to new ideas and experiences.
Studying abroad is one of the best ways to prepare yourself to become part of a global workforce. Though study abroad, you get to interact with diverse individuals and expose yourself to different cultures.
By proactively expanding your worldview, you can open up a world of new opportunities and be better prepared for the future.
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