Is Your Job Future-Proof? A Guide to Identifying Skills Gaps and Upskilling Needs
Summary
Explore how to assess whether your job is future-proof and identify skills gaps. This article provides a guide to upskilling and staying relevant in the evolving job market.
Studies show that in 2023, more than 2.61 lakh individuals were terminated from their jobs, which is the highest termination figure ever recorded in a year. Scarily enough, the graph continues to progress upward in 2024, with AI replacing nearly 75,000 more workers in companies like Tesla, Expedia, and Sony as of April.
In such a grave scenario, choosing a career that’s capable of resisting such future ebbs and flows has become more important than ever. After all, career security is important.
But how do you know which roles fit this description? And more so, how do you evaluate whether you are a perfect fit for that future-proof job or not?
Well, stress not, as this blog will elucidate precisely that. Read on as we deep-dive into future-proof jobs and decode some workforce training secrets to explain how you can upskill yourself to land one. Let’s start!
Table of Contents:
- What Makes a Job Future-Proof?
- How Do You Identify Skill Gaps and Upskilling Needs in Your Career?
- How Do You Fill Those Skill Gaps to Land a Future-Proof Career?
- Wrapping Up
What Makes a Job Future-Proof?
There are jobs, and then there are future-proof jobs. But the point is, which qualities separate the latter from the former? Well, here is your answer:
1. Human-Centric Skills
Future-proof jobs are based on human-centric skills.
There is one thing that AI will never be able to replicate—and that’s innate human wisdom. Skills like creativity, empathy, complex thinking, and leadership are still way beyond AI’s mastery.
Yes, it may be able to supplement them shortly. However, entirely replacing humans in jobs whose core requirements are these skills will always be nearly impossible.
2. Technology-Proofing
Future-proof jobs are tech-proof.
While the advent of AI has threatened many job roles, it has also proven to be a boon for some. For instance, the demand for jobs that involve constant technology screening, monitoring, and development has exponentially gone up since the arrival of AI. So, becoming an expert in this field can be a great idea.
3. Adaptability to Changing Human Needs
Future-proof jobs are adaptable.
The entire concept of business lays on the foundation of satisfying human needs. However, they can change in the blink of an eye. So, a future-proof job can also be described as something flexible enough to accommodate and cater to such changing human needs.
4. Global Competence
Future-proof jobs are globally competent.
You might want to consider a career shift if you are in a job role whose needs are limited to the country you currently reside in. That’s so because careers that offer cross-cultural interaction and dependency are much more secure and stable than those that don’t.
5. Environmental Impact
Future-proof jobs are environmentally responsible.
As we move toward building a sustainable planet, it’s important to look for a career that resonates with these sentiments. Frankly speaking, if you are in a job (or in an organization) that’s insensitive to the environment, you might be laid off even before you know it.
Also Read: The Impact of AI and Automation on Workforce Development Trends
How Do You Identify Skill Gaps and Upskilling Needs in Your Career?
To make a career in a future-proof job, you must be equipped with the right skill set. Here’s how you can assess whether or not you possess them:
1. Conduct a Personal Skill Gap Analysis
On an individual level, skill gap analysis can be used to understand the skills you currently possess versus the skills you will need to acquire a new job role. This sort of personal skill mapping can help you identify the missing skills you need to gain to improve your chances of cutting.
2. Seek Feedback
Another wonderful way to understand whether you need upskilling is to seek feedback from seniors and peers in the profession you want to enter. As someone who’s actively engaged in that job, they can better guide you on what skills you need to hone.
3. Analyze Market Demands
Workforce trends are always changing. So, keeping an eye on them can also give you insights into what skills are currently trending and whether you have them. For instance, analytical skills, management, and digital literacy are some of the most in-demand skills in 2024.
How Do You Fill Those Skill Gaps to Land a Future-Proof Career?
So far, we’ve discussed the qualities of a future-proof career and how to know whether or not you possess the right skills for them. But now, let’s get to the meat of the topic—how can you make yourself eligible for a future-proof career:
1. Engage in Continuous Learning
Once you’ve set your eyes on a robust career, you need to start upskilling yourself for it. Create a study plan, utilize learning resources, and start taking courses to give an edge to your CV. This will come in handy when applying for the job.
2. Gain Practical Experience
While merits and certifications are great, they do not substitute practical skills. So, take relevant workshops and look for internships/apprenticeship opportunities to build your skills from the ground up for the profession you want to join. This will make you feel confident and equip you with the experience you need to excel in that career.
3. Build a Strong Professional Network
According to a study, almost 79% of people believe that networking is a vital part of their career progression. So leverage it as much as you can. Join groups, engage in associations—do whatever you must to build a strong professional network. This will not only keep you up-to-date with the ongoing technology trends. It will also increase your chances of landing your ideal, future-proof job.
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Wrapping Up
Given the current landscape of jobs, one needs to pick a stable and secure profession—or, in short, future-proof. But that’s just half the battle won. To qualify for such a job, one also needs to have relevant skills.
So, why wait? Identify your skill gaps, upskill yourself, and prepare for that future-proof job!
Hurix Digital is the best choice if you’re seeking someone to start your journey with. You can effortlessly provide your employees with cutting-edge upskilling and chances with our creative workforce training solutions.
Connect with us today!
Performance, Results, Growth, and Life-Long Learning define my professional life. I am passionate about making workplace learning planful, purposeful, and impactful. I take pride in partnering with clients and bringing them the best in learning design and creating solutions that address business challenges.