You may think you know what the rest of your career will look like. However, a recent study by Dell and the Institute for the Future predicts that 85% of the jobs available in 2030 do not even exist yet!

 

Sounds unlikely, doesn't it? But when we reflect on how drastically the world has changed in the last decade, with the evolution social media, artificial intelligence and automation, we realise how unprecedented the era we live in truly is. To think that many more changes are yet to come blurs the lines between science fiction and reality.

 

Technological developments are accelerating, and people's work will continue to change. The question is, are you prepared for this? What skills do you need to remain employable and relevant in the future? We have listed four digital skills that will only become more important in the work of the future.

 

1. Digital literacy

As the world around us becomes increasingly digital, it is important to have a certain understanding of digital things, to be “digitally literate”. The more familiar you are with digital technology, like a digital jack-of-all-trades, the easier it is to grow with the changes that lie ahead. Within this category, think of skills such as:

 

• Keep up to date with emerging new technologies
• Understand what technology is available and how to use it
• Reflecting on the use of software and modern hardware in our daily lives
• Communicate, collaborate and share information with others who also use digital tools
• Use digital environments safely

 

2. Technical skills

‘Technical skills’ is a broad category these days. We need more than just IT professionals and engineers for the job of the future. As the working environment changes and workflows become more automated, having a wide variety of technical skills becomes increasingly valuable.

 

Technical skills are the practical or physical skills needed to perform a task successfully. The demand for these skills goes far beyond coding, AI, data science and IT – although they are in high demand. If you are a plumber, you have technical skills. The same goes for project managers, carpenters, nurses and truck drivers.

 

We will need more specific technical skills in every industry as new technologies appear on the scene, so you must be willing to constantly learn and focus on professional development through training and education.

 

3. Proficient with data

We are currently in the midst of the so-called fourth industrial revolution, a movement defined by many waves of new technology combining the digital and physical worlds. One example of this revolution is the growing popularity of 'smart' devices, which perform autonomous functions and are connected to the internet. These devices, such as smart speakers, thermostats, and security systems, are designed to improve our daily lives and make them more convenient and efficient.

 

Data supports all the use of emerging technologies. Having a basic skill to understand the importance of data and turn it into insights and values is more important than ever. In a business context, you will need to know how to access the correct data, work with data, find meaning in the numbers, communicate insights to others and challenge the data if necessary.

 

4. Awareness of digital threats

Cybercriminals are getting smarter as the world becomes more digital. This means new threats that can significantly impact our personal and professional lives. Awareness of digital threats means being aware of the dangers of being online or using digital devices and having the tools to keep yourself and your organisation safe.

 

As a result of our increasingly digital lives (from making doctor's appointments to ordering takeaway on Friday nights), our digital footprint is bigger than ever. Awareness of digital threats means understanding the biggest dangers in our daily digital lives, including:

 

• Digital addiction
• Online privacy and data protection
• Password protection
• Cyberbullying
• Digital impersonation
• Phishing
• Data breaches
• Malware, ransomware and IoT attacks

 

Overall, lowering the risks of these digital threats means we all must develop a healthier relationship with technology. This means constantly and critically thinking how to tie technological innovations in with our daily routines, and collaborating with others to share perspectives and ideas.

 

Are you ready for the future?

Do you want to discuss your skills with an expert? Progressive is ready to help you determine how to use your digital skills best now and in the future!

 

Get in touch with us

Whether you are a professional looking for a job or an organisation looking for talent to strengthen your team, Progressive's specialists are ready for you.