5 essential skills every student needs to thrive in the future

To thrive in the future, students will need a blend of technical and soft skills that prepare them for a rapidly changing job market and societal landscape. Here are some essential skills:

The future employment landscape will be marked by rapid technological innovation, shifts in global relations, and emerging challenges.

To succeed, students must develop a diverse skill set that enhances their effectiveness and prepares them for the constantly evolving landscape. This includes technical skills, critical thinking, interpersonal communication, and organisational skills, among others.

By cultivating these abilities, students will not only gain marketable skills for shaping their careers but also acquire a knowledge base that will serve as the bedrock of leading fulfilling balanced lives.

Aarul Malaviya, the Founder of Zamit, has outlined the key skills that students must develop to succeed in the future.

1. Digital literacy

As technology advances, digital literacy is no longer an asset but a necessity. Students must be proficient in working with smart technology and leverage it to solve problems and design innovations. From coding to data analysis, these skills are essential to stay ahead of the curve. According to a 2020 World Economic Forum (WEF) survey, 50% of employees will need reskilling within the next five years due to AI, automation, and big data. Courses in computer science, with a focus on cybersecurity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, will be essential for future professions.

2. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognise, understand, and manage emotions, both personally and socially. EQ is becoming increasingly essential, not just for management roles but in all organisational contexts where teamwork is key. The WEF lists EQ among the top 10 skills employers will seek by 2025. It helps students manage peer relationships, resolve conflicts, and build meaningful connections, which are critical in a world transitioning to remote and hybrid work environments. Some experts think that EQ is more important than IQ for achieving success in life.

3. Creativity and innovation

As automation takes over repetitive tasks, creativity and innovation will become even more valuable. Creativity involves finding new solutions and innovative ways of addressing problems. According to a 2020 LinkedIn survey, employers ranked creativity as the most sought-after soft skill. Students who can generate new ideas, improve processes, or devise unique solutions will be highly marketable in the ever-shifting job market. Creativity is also closely linked to adaptability and the ability to not just change with the times but thrive in it.

4. Communication

In a global, technology-driven workplace, strong communication skills are essential. The ability to write clearly and structure thoughts effectively is essential, especially for students who may work in diverse environments. Communication skills enable individuals to lead teams, resolve conflicts, and present ideas persuasively.

A 2019 Deloitte study found that 73 percent of employers prioritise candidates with strong communication and teamwork skills, particularly as companies embrace international and flexible working strategies. One should also learn to be adept at reading non-verbal cues while mastering communication skills. Facial expressions, gestures and body language can often have more weight than the spoken word.

5. Time management

Effective time management is essential for students not just to build successful careers but also to navigate life purposefully. Balancing academics, personal growth, and career planning requires the ability to prioritise tasks, set goals, and manage time well. Mastering this skill will help students navigate the demands of modern work environments, where multitasking is required to stay productive.

Harvard Business Review defines time management as the decision-making process that structures, protects, and adjusts a person's time to changing environmental conditions. It also mentions awareness, adaptation and arrangement of goals, plans and schedules as skills that separate time management success from failure.

TAKEAWAY

To cope with the demands of the dynamic times, students must develop a broad skill set, which encompasses a host of the aforementioned skills. These skills will not only prepare them for successful careers but also empower them to navigate life's challenges with confidence.

By honing these abilities, students will be well-equipped to thrive in any field of their choice, as they set the foundation for leading successful and fulfilling lives.