Remaining Relevant By Updating Your Skills for the Future of Employment

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People who are currently working and those who worked for many years before retirement know that the skills required to complete tasks are relative to place and time. The resume that was used to secure the best jobs decades ago is useless in today’s world. Some of the skills that are currently in demand will also become irrelevant in the next few decades. Companies also have different skill requirements for a range of positions. However, some skills will always be relevant irrespective of other variables. These skills are called transferable skills. 

What is a Transferable Skill?

A transferable skill is a skill that can be universally applied in different industries. It doesn’t matter if you’re working as an HR manager in the United States or a bank manager in Sub-Saharan Africa, you’ll benefit significantly from transferable skills. You don’t necessarily need a formal education to acquire most of these transferable skills. You can pick them up as you interact with people or make a conscious effort to learn them. The point is that they will be useful no matter how advanced the world becomes. Below are some of the most relevant transferable skills for the future workspace:

1. Time Management Skills 

Time management skills are a must-have in every organization. You can allocate daily tasks to yourself and others in order of importance. When you have good time management skills, you’ll always meet deadlines. It makes you a smarter and more efficient worker. It also allows you to make out time for a social life. Instead of carrying work over to the weekend, you can spend time with family and friends or do whatever you do in your free time. This allows you to wake up refreshed and ready to work by Monday. 

2. Communication

Effective communication includes a combination of skills like speaking, listening, observing, stress management, and emotion control. Most people don’t know this but writing has now become one of the most important communication skills next to speaking and listening. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, workers have had to rely more on written content than ever before. You should know how to address superiors and subordinates alike. 

3. Digital Skills 

Digital skills are no longer job-related. The advancement of technology has made learning digital skills a must in every job space. You need to follow the technological trends around you. Basic typing skills isn’t going to cut it. You should know how to use the latest programmes and other forms of digital technology. This doesn’t mean you need to learn how to code in a bootcamp but coding doesn’t hurt your chances either. You don’t need a degree in computer science to develop digital skills. You can teach yourself how to use modern technology. On Computersciencehero.com, you’ll find a list of useful soft skills for the future of work. 

4. Computational Thinking Skills 

Computational thinking is the ability to make logical assessments of problems in the workplace and formulate logical solutions as well. People with computational thinking skills don’t allow emotions to cloud their judgment even when they are under pressure. It involves the logical organization of data that allows you to solve problems with computers. The four stages of computational thinking are decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms.

5. Adaptability 

How easily do you adapt to the changes in your environment? The workspace is changing every day and how you react to these changes will determine your relevance in the future workspace. Most of the changes that are currently enveloping the workspace are tech-based. Are you willing to take tech classes to boost your chances in the workspace when necessary? Do you adapt to changes in policies and leadership or do you always fight back? Change is coming and you must do what you can to embrace it. 

Final Words 

Transferable skills will always be relevant in the workplace. When you’re trying to change occupations, you can easily add transferable skills to your resume to increase your chances of getting employed. Apart from making you a more efficient worker, these skills will also improve your life outside work. You’ll have a better relationship with those around you and you’ll always be able to maintain a work-life balance.