Sometimes changes in the job market can be rather harsh. Some careers simply become obsolete over time. In fact, this may increase in the near future. The BBC reported that automation, the use of robots to complete work once performed by human beings, may end up replacing 800 million jobs by 2030.
These prospects can certainly be frightening. If you want to protect yourself against threats to your livelihood like automation, you need to increase your value in the job market. You can do this by acquiring practical skills that are relevant to nearly any business in any industry. This way, you can protect your long term job security even if you have to someday change employers or industries. Below are some examples of such skills.
Communication Skills
Something else that can make you valuable in the employment market is having strong communication skills. If you ever want to climb up the corporate ladder, communication skills are absolutely essential. There are many different settings in which you will need to communicate well. This includes one on one communication with your boss. It includes communication between the members of a team. It includes communication around a table during a meeting. It includes giving presentations.
Not everyone is born effective at every form of communication. However, it’s something you can foster over time and improve at. If you have trouble with public speaking, you may want to take a speech class to brush up on you presentation ability. Also learn how to use the tools of communication in the business world well. This includes the ability to draft business emails and memos and the ability to create things like PDF files and Powerpoint presentations. Keep in mind that effective communication is 93 percent non-verbal.
Leadership Skills
Something else every business needs is a leader. Businesses need leaders both now and in the future. Leadership development is integral to the long term survival of any company. If the next generation of management isn’t actively developed, it could face serious problems when the current leadership can no longer perform the job. Choosing outsiders to run a company isn’t always satisfactory either. Many companies ceased to exist after being bought out by larger competitors, and that’s not something any passionate business owner wants to see.
Instead, many companies want to develop future management from within. Make sure you develop skills within your positions to show you have the ability to be a leader. Show that you have the ability to build teams, drive projects to success, make critically important decisions and go the extra mile.
Overall, fluctuations in the job market can be scary for many people. Unfortunately, the job market may become even more unstable in the future because of automation. Make sure you develop skills that can make you a valuable commodity in different companies and different industries. You are likely to experience multiple career changes in your lifetime.
Information Technology Skills
Most of the changes brought about in the workplace have been the result of the progression of technology. As tech improves, older jobs are made obsolete and newer jobs are introduced. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you need to have an understanding of how information technology works and how to use it in a business setting. Becoming an expert can increase your value in the workplace exponentially. In fact, it's been estimated that there will be 118,600 new jobs for computer system analysts by 2024.
Related fields will also see expansive growth including ones that don’t require degrees from trade schools and professional certifications. This includes individuals that create web pages for a living. While Utah may see a decline in certain industries in the future, it’s doubtful that web development near Salt Lake City will see a significant dip due to the constant need for businesses in the city to have an internet presence. Overall, IT skills are skills that can be applied to nearly any company.
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