“Future-proof” has been the buzzword in recent years. The rise of the Fourth Industrial Revolution—a fusion of technologies that blurs the lines between physical, digital, and biological—is expected to change that world we know. It has the potential to raise global incomes and improve the quality of life for many people. But it is also expected to disrupt labor markets, displacing workers with machines, thus the need to future-proof.
By 2022, the skills needed to perform jobs will have changed, according to the Future of Jobs report. It is not enough to be proficient in technology to stay relevant. One also has to bring “human skills” to the table—skills that include creativity, critical thinking, attention to detail, emotional intelligence, and resilience.
We talked to Wingspan Consulting founder Cristina Castaneda, who shared some insights from attending the recent Global Summit of Women in Lisbon, Portugal, about how to stay on top of a fast-changing world.
“It’s never too late at all to future-proof yourself,” said Cristina. “Technology is constantly evolving, and we need to be on our toes. Even as new solutions are being discovered, new problems are coming up. With the rate that things are changing, we need to keep learning and adapt quickly to be able to stay relevant.”
If you’re looking to change roles or careers, take stock of yourself. “Ask yourself: What are your competencies? What are your soft skills? For example, during the pandemic, many of our healthcare professionals expressed their desire to shift to less-demanding roles and industries. Nurses who’d like to work from home can continue to practice their expertise and competence in telemedicine or in health management information system,” said Cristina.
Find out what future demands are to determine what skills you need to get trained on. “Jobs in the future require a combination of hard skills and soft skills,” Cristina shared. “So if you find yourself short on the soft skills, get the necessary training.”
Changing careers isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly, especially for individuals who have families depending on them. “If you are the family’s breadwinner, you need to plan your moves very well so that the transition doesn’t affect the family,” said Cristina.
In this article, Cristina shares five tips to help you remain relevant in the changing workplace:
1. Maintain a digital mindset. Thriving in this fast-paced world means having a good understanding of technology and digital transformation—and along with these, issues such as cybersecurity, fake news, and deep fake—and being comfortable enough to use it to improve the ways we do things.
2. Keep learning. During the pandemic, many of us have gained a few hours of time that was once spent on commuting. Use that time to invest in yourself. “Be a lifelong learner,” Cristina said. “Never stop studying. Get a degree or a certification. Attend seminars and training programs. Sign up for LinkedIn Learning. The pandemic has amplified online learning, and there are so many people online who are excited to share their knowledge with the rest of the online world.”
Take advantage of online learning offered at work. Don’t just focus on the hard skills. Soft or “human” skills like people management, emotional intelligence, interpersonal relations, and empathy are valuable skills that will help you succeed in the future.
3. Volunteer for hands-on learning. For those looking to transition to new careers, having taken certification from online courses but finding it hard to get hired for a new role they’re eyeing, Cristina recommends doing volunteer work.
“Look for companies that will take you in as a volunteer. Most startups don’t have the money to hire people, but working for them is guaranteed learning. You get to apply the theories you’ve learned to real-life scenarios. What’s good about it is you’re no longer a newbie in the workforce, and you come armed with a degree and experience from another industry that may be still be relevant to them. It’s a win-win: That volunteer experience may lead to new opportunities.”
4. Expand your network. “Don’t forget the power of networking. Your degree, certification, and experience will amount to nothing if you don’t know how to present yourself and communicate your ideas,” Cristina said.
Aside from meeting different people, it is also important to choose who you’re networking with. “Surround yourself with people who can help you achieve your goal, learn from their experience, and build trust and confidence. And without you knowing it, you are already there.”
5. Find a mentor. Mentors are a source of knowledge and can help you with your professional or personal growth. They can also help you expand your network by introducing you to their contacts.
Many people who have gone to Ivy League schools and prestigious universities are able to tap a network of influential and successful people who can mentor them, but other individuals may not have the same access. Your alumni association is a good place to network. “Find people from your university or school who have become successful in the field that you’re looking to transition into and introduce yourself. It all boils down to how you present yourself,” Cristina advised.
“LinkedIn gives you access to network with so many people, and if you are not so confident going up to them and introducing yourself in real life, doing so online is much easier. You just need to be honest enough to say, ‘I need help.’ Not a lot of people will admit to that. There are so many people who are willing to provide mentorship. It’s all a matter of being sincere and authentic in what you want to achieve.”
Similar to the earlier advice about surrounding yourself with people who are as hungry for success the way you are, it’s also important to find a mentor whose values, beliefs, and ethics are aligned with yours.
“Finding a mentor is like a courtship in that you’re trying to get to know this person that you’re eyeing to be a mentor,” Cristina said. “Before I approach anyone, I try to find out more about this person’s background and see if this person is a good fit for me because the element of trust in the mentorship process is key.”
If you’ve successfully transitioned to a new career or industry, we’d like to hear from you! Tell us what advice has worked for you.