With rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI), economic instability, and geopolitical unrest cropping up all over the world, you might (understandably) be feeling a bit insecure in your job right now. Even if you work at a major company, you’re not safe—Exhibit A: the recent layoff of 100 employees at media juggernaut Sports Illustrated.
That’s the not-so-good news. The great news is you can take control of this troubling situation by learning (or improving) these five sought-after skills to future-proof your career:
1. Leadership
If you feel AI breathing down your neck at work, focus on developing your leadership skills. That way, if your employer begins laying off employees, whether it’s due to technological advancements or economic decline, your job is more likely to be safe because you’ve proven yourself to be a leader among your coworkers.In fact, research shows that 62 percent of employers say they work to hire recent graduates who demonstrate leadership skills.
Being a leader involves using critical thinking skills to make and influence effective decision making. Also, you’ll need top-notch communication skills to guide others. For example, if a critical deadline is approaching and an unexpected issue arises, you’ll need to be able to calmly assess the situation, come up with an action plan, and communicate to the team what needs to be done.
It's beneficial to learn your leadership style and those of your colleagues to understand how to tailor your approach to different situations and teams, fostering effective collaboration, decision making, and a more productive work environment.
2. Adaptability
Your ability to be flexible and adapt to changes at work can ensure you stay employed long-term. So rather than denouncing technology that’s “coming for your job,” learn how to use those advances to improve your performance—and position yourself as essential when your employer implements new technology into their workflows.For instance, a graphic designer could use generative AI tool to brainstorm or create backgrounds for their work, saving hours they would have spent creating these resources from scratch. Similarly, an instructional designer could generate AI art to improve the visual appeal of their educational materials. Then when their employer begins requiring designers to use such tools, they’ll be able to demonstrate their leadership skills by training coworkers on the new technology.
Additionally, consider incorporating a remote management tool into your skill set. As workplaces become more digital and flexible, being proficient in using tools like Slack or Trello can help you collaborate with remote teams through instant online communication and agile project management.
In more general terms, your ability to embrace change at work can make you easy to work with and an efficient, productive employee. In other words, the kind of employee that’s less likely to be laid off in the event of staff cuts.
3. Digital Literacy
In a world dominated by digital technology, being digitally literate is crucial to career longevity. This doesn’t just mean being able to use standard office software or navigate social media. Rather, digital literacy involves understanding and leveraging the latest digital tools and trends relevant to your industry.For example, if you work in marketing, you should be familiar with digital analytics tools, SEO practices, and emerging digital marketing platforms. If you work in finance, you might need to understand cryptocurrency trends or digital asset management. If you’re in the field of talent development, being proficient with learning management systems and e-learning authoring tools can help you create effective training programs.
Keeping up with technological advancements and understanding how they can be applied in your role will not only make you more efficient but also indispensable.
4. Self-Learning
The ability to teach yourself new skills and knowledge is invaluable. Considering the rapid pace of change in almost every field, waiting for formal training opportunities can leave you behind. Self-learning also shows initiative and a commitment to your personal and professional growth that’ll show your employer you’re someone who takes responsibility for your own development—attributes that can help you advance into more future-proof roles.Some great ways to start your self-learning journey include the following:
- Staying up to date with industry news
- Watching webinars and attending conferences
- Taking online classes
- Finding a mentor
- Volunteering to research and test new solutions at work
5. Dependability
In uncertain times, being a reliable and consistent performer can enhance your job security. Dependability involves meeting deadlines, maintaining high-quality work, and being someone your team can count on. It also means showing up on time, being prepared for meetings, and following through on commitments.Focus on building trust with your colleagues and superiors. When they know they can rely on you to deliver results, you become a go-to person in your organization. And in an era where layoffs and uncertainties are common, being dependable can make you stand out as an employee worth keeping.
By focusing on developing leadership, adaptability, digital literacy, self-learning, and dependability, you can greatly increase your chances of not just surviving but thriving in the ever-changing job market of 2024 and beyond.
Remember, the key to future-proofing your career is to stay adaptable, continuously learn, and demonstrate your value at your current company. If you’re currently looking for in-office or remote work, highlight on your resume how hiring you would be a valuable long-term investment.
