Pandemic demonstrated no one has control over the future

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the job market. Disruption is the order of the day, across people, processes, and functions. It is expected that 28% of the UAE workforce will require upskilling over the next two years. As technology disrupts industries and job functions, globally more than one billion people will require to be reskilled by 2030.

According to the World Economic Forum’s, Future of Jobs report, by 2022 more than half of global talent 54% will require upskilling or reskilling. The accelerated digitalisation of the post-pandemic era may swell those numbers even further. For professionals to keep pace, it is imperative that they stay abreast with the skill requirements of the digital age.

The most important skill they can have is the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. This is true for professionals at all stages of their career, across sectors, industries, and geographies.

Globally, 75 million jobs are expected to be displaced in the coming years, with digitalisation predicted to create 133 million unique jobs – further widening the skills gap. According to WEF, the UAE could generate an additional 43,000 jobs by 2030 by closing the skills gap, which can lead to a gain of $4.3 billion, AED 15.8 billion for the country, or 0.6% of the GDP.

For those looking to take charge of their careers, these numbers give cause for optimism. The pandemic demonstrated that no one has control over the future — the markets, individuals, or the economy. In the midst of uncertainty, businesses can only stay competitive with the right talent, right now.

In such a scenario, how can professionals’ future proof their careers? What skillsets give job seekers a competitive advantage in an increasingly tech-driven world?

Employees focused on future proofing their careers need to develop and enhance in-demand skill sets. Upskilling programmes help fast-track skills development, in turn increasing employability.

The good news is that technology and digital transformation have created a myriad of new career opportunities. Two fields are gaining significant momentum in the post-pandemic careers landscape: data and communication.

In data, demand in data science, cybersecurity, machine learning and AI is expected to grow. In communication, digital marketing, the use of AI in communications, and design are gaining momentum. The UAE government has also identified similar patterns and is supporting with the right initiatives, such as The National Programme for Artificial Intelligence.

Lifelong learning is the only pathway to ensure people continue to have opportunities for work and career growth. However, not all upskilling programmes are equal, nor do they make candidates job ready.

Professionals should choose upskilling programmes that are reverse engineered to meet current job demands across in-demand fields such as data sciences, blockchain, machine learning, AI and emerging technologies. A rigorous programme in collaboration with university and industry partners will ensure true upskilling. High completion rates and successful recruitment outcomes testify to the success of this approach.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The most important skill is the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn.
• Globally, 75 million jobs are expected to be displaced in the coming years.
• Digitalisation is predicted to create 133 million unique jobs, further widening the skills gap.
• The UAE could generate an additional 43,000 jobs by 2030 by closing the skills gap.
• Employees focused on future proofing their careers need to develop in-demand skill sets.
• Upskilling programmes help fast-track skills development, in turn increasing employability.
• Two fields are gaining significant momentum in the post-pandemic careers landscape, data and communication.

Businesses can only stay competitive with the right talent, and the good news is digital transformation and technology have created new opportunities.