2020 Vision: Upskill to Stay Focused on Future Employment

“Change is the only constant.” So said Greek philosopher Heraclitus, and it’s as true today as it was in 500 BC – especially when it comes to the job market. New technology, our growing population, ever-evolving trade deals – everyone must plan for the world of tomorrow, and, with the cost of living not going down anytime soon, it’s vital we start by future-proofing our careers.

So, what skills will be in most demand?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which predicts the number of new jobs created in a field over the coming decade, predicts that IT professionals, Business Analysts, and Marketing Specialists will be most valuable to future employers. Specifically, businesses will be looking for candidates with multiple skill sets that combine complementary disciplines, so investing in courses such as an Diploma of Information Technology and Advanced Diploma of Information Technology Business Analysis could stand you in good stead tomorrow.

As for marketing, understanding data is key: software is evolving all the time to enable product developers to better understand their customers and pre-empt their needs – but without humans to communicate meaningful insights that come from data, gathering information is only half the battle. For this reason, a qualification such as a Certificate IV and Diploma of Marketing and Communication might be worth considering – after all, algorithms can gather – and even interpret – data, but companies will still need real people to turn those findings into products, services – and messages – that matter to customers.

Generally speaking, the future looks brightest for people who consistently upskill – even while already employed, and for those who ‘think global’ – that is, embrace the world’s multicultural economy. (Speaking more than one language is a definite plus, too!) The employers of tomorrow will seek worldly candidates who study vocational courses in their spare time and see education as an essential tool not just for securing a job but retaining it as it evolves. Now more than ever, deciding what to study is more than just learning more about what you love – it’s about looking at the future of businesses, and the roles within them so that financial security can be a constant in YOUR life!