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Many parents, including myself, are worried about the future of our children. We often ask what is the most appropriate course, degree, or specialization they should embark on. However, do we really have the answers? While universities do their best to recommend the best suitable pathway, is that what the kids really want to pursue?
When I was young, my brother, who sponsored my studies, always encouraged me to pursue IT. However, being stubborn, I instead chose to study design since I was interested in the arts then. Since then, I have never worked in any design job. Instead, I have been in the IT industry for the last two decades. Along the way, I have done many types of work, from logistics and procurement to customer service and business process outsourcing. Finally, I found my passion in the IT industry when I was in my early-30s. Having found my turf, I worked even harder to reach my goals, even without an IT foundation and background. Surprisingly, I survived and thrived in the industry.
What’s happening today? Many of us are familiar with the concepts of digitalization and digital transformation today. Furthermore, these have been identified as one of the fastest growing sectors in Malaysia for the year 2022, as reported by Reuters for MIDA. While this growth will benefit Malaysia as a whole, we need to remember that it may also create a digital divide for people who are not familiar with digital technology or are not digital natives. Therefore, it is important for us to continue to educate and support these individuals as we embrace this technological evolution.
With the current revolution, companies need more digital thinkers in their organizations as these digital thinkers embrace the internet from a young age. Most digital thinkers and natives are from Generation Y, the Millennials. We cannot evade the fact that businesses need more digital thinkers to navigate them through this digital era according to Joris Merks-Benjaminsen, author of Think and Grow Digital.
It’s important to recognize that many large organizations consist of employees from different generations, which can result in a multigenerational gap. This gap refers to differences in attitudes, behaviors, beliefs, and practices between various age groups. As more companies adopt newer technologies, differences in usage, views, and work ethics can become more apparent. The unique cultural, economic, and social experiences of each generation can lead to communication gaps and challenges in the workplace.
What does the future of work have to do with the above? In my opinion, the future will be unlike previous generations. New generations think, work, and communicate differently. This is evident with Generation Z, who have their own unique language.
What’s there for in this future of work era? As I research for more information, interestingly there are three prominent focuses that can help to navigate us for the future are
- Staying informed about global and industry trends is crucial as it provides awareness of upcoming challenges, opportunities and helps us adapt to venture towards success.
- Cultivating a lifelong learning mindset, especially in essential soft-skills like critical thinking, can help develop the ability to analyze information critically and make informed decisions that cannot be replicated by machines.
- Plan for career flexibility. This is interesting as preparing for career flexibility becomes pivotal as the future requires us to adapt to the transition of roles and industries. With that, it is highly recommended that one should develop a strong personal brand that reflects their unique skills, experiences, and professional values, thus making them apparent in this dynamic job market today.
Are you ready for your future roles? It’s crucial to recognize that the future of work is marked by rapid changes, which will present a mix of challenges and opportunities. By concentrating on three key areas of preparation, you can equip yourself to navigate the future with confidence and success. While we may not be able to predict every shift, being prepared is within our control.
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