Future-proof Your Career with Reskilling: Important 4 key skills
Accelerated globalisation has brought forth modern technological constructions, and more are underway; retrenchment practices will continue due to restructuring, reorganisation, and downsizing. The idea is to remain relevant and competitive wherever you are, and by reskilling with these four sought-after skills like (1) data analytics, (2) artificial intelligence, (3) environmental & sustainability management and (4) critical thinking to futureproof your career.
5-minute read
By Destiny Goh
Upskill vs reskilling: what’s the difference?
Organisations perform upskilling to ensure employee skill sets won’t be obsolete; reskilling is a process of self-learning (or employee training) to learn a brand-new skill.
What you can reskill in this digital age:
1. Data Analytics
‘Leveraging data-driven insights and information allows you to make informed decisions when you know what profits to make.‘
Companies in Singapore are moving towards making data-driven decisions. For example, data analytics from social media tells a Marketing professional what content/product is best received by their audience, and for every interaction made, it channels into sales revenue. Once the team knows what works best, they will redirect their efforts to more targeted marketing.
Algorithms and raw data are analysed from information sources to provide strategy-guided decisions, insights to maximise profits, performance optimisation, and competitive edge over competitors through specialised systems and software.
Leveraging data-driven insights and information allows you to make informed decisions when you know what profits you—this saves time, energy, and money. To address problem statements, you can begin by asking questions and preparing the required data for processing and analysis. The findings let you to act wisely and bring forth resolutions.
Here are some platforms where you can pick up data analytics:
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
‘Singapore will pour more than $1 billion into artificial intelligence (AI) development over the next five years.’
According to a survey by Forbes Advisor, 97% of business owners expect ChatGPT will bring forth positive changes to their business, highlighting the relevance of Artificial Intelligence more than ever. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.
Figure 1: types of Artificial Intelligence, source from IBM
Aside from enhanced career opportunities, harnessing AI intellectually challenges you in exciting ways to solve complex problems through developing intelligent systems that perform arduous tasks, saving time and improving efficiency and accuracy—as predictive models and algorithms tend to make accurate predictions based on historical data and information.
For example, Canva, a design tool, has recently incorporated Magic Design, using AI to design templates or images by entering simple texts to describe what you need without creating complicated artwork from scratch. In medical lines, AI tools are used in radiology to analyse CT scans, MRIs, x-rays or injuries that the human eye might miss.
Here are some platforms where you can pick up artificial intelligence:
3. Environmental and Sustainable Management
‘ESG sector jobs in Singapore have increased 257% in the last three years between April 2019 to April 2022.‘
With Singapore’s Green Policy 2030 in motion, construction trends are inclining towards green buildings and more inclusive designs and incorporations of digital technologies.
The market’s focus is shifting towards using resources in smart, environmentally-friendly ways, transport and even green finance; more companies and businesses are shifting their agenda towards climate change for the concern about their environmental impact–how climate crises will affect their future.
With more demands for environmental sustainability, you can take this opportunity to develop expertise in analytical skills, financial acumen (for those interested in investment analysis), and sustainability expertise.
You will require a deep understanding of environmental and social risks to suggest long-term improvements. As this field constantly evolves and regulations change, staying adaptable is important.
Here are some platforms where you can pick up ESG:
4. Critical Thinking Skills
‘In a survey conducted by PwC’s Global Workforce, 68% of people think the critical thinking skills they gained will still be crucial in the next five years.’
Critical thinking is still sought after by many hiring managers and leaders who seek to elevate potential individuals. While character is important, competency is just as crucial; this trait is observed when individuals analyse a problem or challenge through a different lens and then formulate ideas based on proven facts and data to address it.
Exercising to think critically allows you to envision potential outcomes in various scenarios while weighing your options. Through this well-thought process, you’ll be able to articulate your ideas properly, share valid opinions, and provide constructive assessments that even encourage collaboration with other parties at work.
Here are some platforms where you can pick up critical thinking:
Future-proofing your career is not just career advancement, as the job market trends will always evolve, but to stay ahead and relevant by adapting to industry changes through lifelong learning—learn, unlearn, and relearn.
