As you prepare to enter the world of work, it can be useful to consider the ways in which the global job market is evolving, and how this may affect you. By Charles Edelstein of Executive Placements.
Embrace early-stage interning
According to the World Economic Forum, new graduates may need to undergo a period of internship or being an apprentice, in order to gain the experience they need to succeed in the workplace. Remember, you are competing against others who have already worked in the niche to which you are applying – but may not have your qualification. A recent poll showed that as many as 11 percent of business leaders are of the opinion that students are emerging from their studies without the competencies they need for the workplace. Add a little on-the-job learning to the mix, even if it is unpaid, and your prospects for employment become that much brighter. More than four in five employers believe that the skills transferred during an internship or apprenticeship can help a new graduate succeed when later placed in a permanent role at a company.
Hit the ground running
Against the backdrop of an economic slowdown, companies are restructuring for efficiency, relevance and competitiveness. This means, as a hotshot new graduate, you will have an immediate contribution to make as a result of the academic knowledge you have to offer. Your role is therefore to get stuck in straight away, ask for any training you may require and don’t be scared to suggest new and innovative ways to improve the bottom line. With big international companies such as Alphabet announcing a revenue growth decline from 62 percent to 13 percent year on year, teams across the board in 2023 are going to be asked to approach their work with greater hunger and more urgency – and that refers to new recruits, too.
Evolve with the digital advancements
As you set about your job search, keep in mind the way in which technology is shifting every single industry – be it farming, banking or production – making every company a technology company. That means adding your input to not just the product or business plan of the company at which you are based, but also seeing and applying technology as a partner that provides data on your customers and helps your teams flow together more seamlessly. Companies that operate in this way are able to adapt more readily; individuals who gain a similar foothold, and keep reading and striving to grasp the likes of artificial intelligence, robotics and the Internet of Things, will find it easier to rise into a senior role when the time comes.
Consider your soft skills
There’s a place for everyone in the workplace, right? But if you want to rise into a leadership role, in which you will be tasked with mentoring and managing other people, your soft skills will need to shine out. Also referred to as people skills, these are the qualities you have that allow you to communicate effectively and work harmoniously alongside others. In combination, some experts refer to these as qualities as your emotional intelligence, or EQ. If you’ve always been described as someone who is very much “in their own head”, now is the time to begin focusing on the way in which you interact with others, and why this could be important in your ongoing career.
A recent article on ZDNET lists 5 key people skills that can prove especially helpful in the fast-moving world of tech. Work through this list and assess your competency in each:
• adaptability: can you learn in an agile fashion, or pick up new skills rapidly? This soft skill will help you take on problems enthusiastically, and solve them with aplomb.
• collaboration: this is about working in tandem with others, either on the same project or aspects of a project, in such a way that you listen well and respect what others are bringing to the table.
• communication: in the workplace, you will rapidly become an expert. But can you explain your ideas and recommendations to others in a way that they can understand? Some refer to this as an “elevator pitch”, in which you can sum up a complex situation and present it to almost anyone – say, at a cocktail party – such that they ask more questions about it and appear enthusiastic, rather than changing the subject.
• leadership: do others listen when you speak up? Do you have a quirky or endearing approach that brings humor and empathy to a complex or difficult situation? Leaders need to be able to see the bigger picture, but also to explain the reasoning for their decisions in order to get their team members fully on board.
• self-motivation: just as you are showing the ability to push ahead in your job search so you will need the self-discipline to tackle your workplace tasks and meet any deadlines. Some of us are endlessly motivated and driven, while others need a bit of help in the form of a checklist and regular performance appraisals.
Stay informed when it comes to these workplace trends and you’ll be an asset to any company prepared to hire you.
Read more links: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/09/five-trends-endure-world-of-work/
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/31/google-ceo-to-employees-productivity-and-focus-must-improve.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2017/01/23/why-every-company-is-a-technology-company/?sh=6f73f2ff57ae
https://www.zdnet.com/education/professional-development/soft-skills-for-tech-jobs/
