To thrive, workers will need to learn new skills, as well as improve their collaboration, problem-solving and leadership abilities

As technology rapidly evolves and the job market undergoes dynamic shifts, the skillset required for workplace success is undergoing a transformation. In the midst of the new industrial revolution, staying ahead necessitates the cultivation of these skills, which not only enhance job performance but also foster personal growth and adaptability. 

Millennials and Gen X workers exhibit optimism regarding their career growth prospects and a whopping 88 per cent of Indian workers are committed to continuous learning throughout their careers to remain relevant and appealing to employers, according to the Pearson Skills Outlook report. According to the report, the top skills that will appeal to Indian employers in the next 5-10 years include artificial intelligence/ machine learning, data processing and coding/ programming. 

Here, we explore the essential human skills that will be in high demand in the future. 

Collaboration and problem-solving 

The nature of work is evolving, with teams becoming increasingly diverse and remote. Collaboration skills are essential for effectively working with colleagues, whether they are in the office or halfway around the world. Effective communication, teamwork and adaptability are crucial for building successful collaborations.

 Critical thinking 

In an era of information overload and misinformation, critical thinking is paramount. Cultivating critical thinking enables you to discern fact from fiction and make well-informed decisions, a vital skill in both professional and personal life.

Digital literacy 

In a world where digital technologies are omnipresent, digital literacy is no longer an option but a necessity. Digital literacy enables individuals to communicate, collaborate and adapt to new technologies effectively. Staying informed about emerging technologies and their potential impact on your work and industry is key to thriving in the digital age.

 Data literacy 

Data is now the lifeblood of businesses, making data literacy a valuable skill. It involves the ability to access, analyse, and interpret data to make informed decisions. As organisations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, data literacy is a skill that will set you apart.

Emotional intelligence 

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, manage, and express one's emotions, as well as empathise with others. Being emotionally intelligent allows individuals to build stronger relationships, navigate workplace challenges and adapt to changing social dynamics. 

Curiosity and continuous learning 

Nurturing curiosity and maintaining a steadfast dedication to ongoing learning are non-negotiable. Embracing a growth-oriented mindset and a genuine thirst for new knowledge are the cornerstones of staying adaptable and pertinent. Moreover, certifications offered by professional organisations and online platforms carry substantial significance, further enhancing your professional standing. 

Communication skills 

Communication, though perennially vital, has taken on fresh significance in the digital era. Effective communication relies on critical skills such as storytelling, public speaking, the ability to distil complex information and active listening. Proficiency in English is recognised as a pivotal skill for career advancement, and apps like Mondly have introduced gamified learning experiences that allow individuals to master the language at their own pace.

Self-management 

Self-management involves understanding your emotions, triggers, and strengths. It includes self-control, self-motivation, and integrity. Self-aware individuals can navigate challenges with resilience and maturity, contributing to their personal and professional growth. 

Leadership skills 

Even if you're not in a traditional leadership role, leadership skills are highly valuable. These skills include role modelling, crafting a compelling vision, organisational awareness, decisiveness, grit and the ability to cope with uncertainty. Developing leadership skills can set you on a path to lead and inspire others.

 As the workplace continues to evolve in the face of technological advancements and global changes, human skills are becoming increasingly valuable. Cultivating these skills will not only enhance your employability but also enrich your personal life. Embrace the journey of continuous learning and self-improvement to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of work.

The author is country head, Pearson India 

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c.20,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are.

Visit us at pearsonplc.com

For more information, please contact: Bhavya Suri, PR & Corporate Affairs, Pearson India & MENA- bhavya.suri@pearson.com

Read More / India Today

A majority of Gen Z workers in India are reconsidering their career paths due to the challenging economic situation and work environment. They are actively seeking new jobs and are less optimistic about the job market compared to millennials. Factors driving this quest for newer jobs include better pay, flexibility, and work-life balance.

Amid ever challenging economic situation and work environment, majority of Gen Z in India is rethinking their career path either by obtaining newer skills and education to rise further in their careers or help get newer jobs.

According to the Pearson Skills Outlook Survey – Employee view, the Gen Z in India are likely to be more actively seeking a new job as compared to Gen X but are less likely to feel optimistic about the state of the job market compared to millennials. The survey pointed out that 88% of Gen Z workers in India have had to rethink their career path due to the uncertainties of the last three years. This is significantly higher than the 67% of millennials and 55% of Gen X workers who said the same.

With the quest for learning and skilling being a lifelong process, students must be encouraged to develop a growth mindset

India's pursuit of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy recognises the pivotal role that education plays in achieving this monumental objective Education stands as the most potent tool one can wield to reshape the world- Nelson Mandela In an era marked by globalisation and rapid technological progress, the global integration of education has emerged as a pivotal element in the development strategies of nations worldwide.

India, with its promising higher education landscape, currently hosts approximately 38 million students across a staggering 50,000 educational institutions, including a noteworthy 1,057 universities.

Expanding Opportunities for Students and Professionals

India's ambitious goal of doubling its current gross enrolment rate of 26.3% to 50% by the year 2035 harmonizes seamlessly with the global perspective on higher education. Notably, India holds the distinction of being the second-largest contributor of international students globally. The National Education Policy of 2020 has pledged to open up India's traditionally tightly regulated academic system to the global stage, ushering in an era characterized by inclusivity and collaboration.

The year 2022 witnessed a significant resurgence in the number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, with more than 6.5 lakh students venturing overseas, as reported by the Ministry of Education. This marked a notable increase from 4.54 lakh in 2017 to 5.86 lakh in 2019.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline, with only 2.59 lakh students going abroad in 2020. In 2021, over 4.4 lakh Indians pursued higher education overseas, reflecting a resilient spirit despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

In a bid to offer a global educational environment to Indian students within the nation's borders, the Ministry of Education has forged strategic MoUs with Australian universities, Deakin and Wollongong, enabling them to establish campuses in Gujarat's GIFT City. This move provides Indian students with diverse global education options without leaving their homeland.

India's Journey towards a Globally Competent Education Hub

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, India stands on the precipice of a transformative journey, internationalising its higher education landscape to foster a more globally connected academic community.

India's pursuit of becoming a 5 trillion-dollar economy recognises the pivotal role that education plays in achieving this monumental objective.

Moreover, with a target of raising the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035 and plans to add 35 million seats in higher education institutions, the government of India has undertaken various initiatives to facilitate students:

Flexible Curriculum: The policy advocates for flexible higher education curricula, empowering students to explore diverse subjects in accordance with global trends.

Multiple Entry/Exit Points: It encourages students to enter and exit their educational journey at various stages, promoting lifelong learning and skill development.

National Research Foundation: This foundation fosters a robust research culture, attracting international scholars and researchers.

Technology Integration: Emphasis is placed on equitable technology use, exemplified by the National Educational Technology Forum.

Multilingual Education: The policy promotes education in multiple languages to cater to diverse student preferences.

Indian Knowledge Systems: It integrates India's rich knowledge heritage into mainstream education while connecting with global knowledge.

Vocational Education Integration: The policy blends vocational education with general education to equip students with practical skills.

Industry-Academia Collaboration: It encourages closer ties between educational institutions and industries for curriculum alignment and internships.

Reskilling and Upskilling: Recognising the importance of lifelong learning in a rapidly changing job market.

Inclusive and Sustainable Skills: Inclusive skill development initiatives, including fee relief for women and marginalised communities.

International Mobility: Initiatives like the Livelihood program enhance Indian youth's global employability. The Government of India has opened doors to a more diverse student body and fosters international collaboration, expanding opportunities for students and professionals alike.

Fostering Workforce Development in a Highly Dynamic Environment

In today's business landscape, companies operate within a highly dynamic environment. The ever-evolving technology sector, competition emerging from new industry segments, shifts in regulations and political events exert multifaceted influences on businesses. These shifts impose distinctive demands not solely on leadership but also on the entire workforce.

These transformations are not merely altering the processes of work, but they also affect the employees themselves and the very nature of their tasks. To remain pertinent in this rapidly changing era, it is imperative for individuals to continually enhance their skills and adapt.

To address the crucial need for upskilling and workforce development, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has collaborated with educational providers like Pearson to offer vocational training and skill development programs. This partnership plays a pivotal role in addressing the employability requirements of Indian youth and bolstering ongoing reforms in the education system.

Additionally, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has forged substantial partnerships with prestigious organisations, including Pearson, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, LinkedIn, CISCO, Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, deAsra, IITs, and numerous others. These collaborations empower the ministry to harness the knowledge and resources of these entities, resulting in the development of innovative and industry-aligned skill development programs.

In addressing the pressing challenge of the skill gap in Indian professionals aspiring to study or work abroad, it is crucial to invest in the workforce of the future. Thankfully, learning companies are creating an environment for upskilling and reskilling while leveraging the synergies between their workforce skills and English language learning divisions. The ability to embrace lifelong learning is now a critical asset for career and workplace growth.

ELP Unlocking Global Opportunities for Indian Skilled Professionals

English language proficiency is one such skill that provides Indian skilled workers an advantage to compete globally. NEP has emphasised both digitisation and the use of technology in education.

Various platforms are available to prove English proficiency for work, study, or migration abroad; one such platform is PTE Academic. It serves as evidence of English-language proficiency for visa applications in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as for Indian students utilising the Student Direct Stream (SDS) for Canadian study applications.

As India opens its doors to diverse educational opportunities and facilitates international mobility, it not only expands horizons for its students but also strengthens its position on the global stage.

Initiatives aimed at curriculum flexibility, vocational integration, and industry-academia collaboration are shaping a more dynamic and responsive educational ecosystem.

Furthermore, India's efforts in workforce development, upskilling, and reskilling are essential in preparing its youth for the ever-evolving demands of the global job market. Collaborations with key players in the industry and the emphasis on lifelong learning are equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

By embracing internationalisation, India is nurturing future leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge, and cross-cultural competencies necessary to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.

( Author Vinay Swamy is the Country Head of Pearson India.)

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c.20,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are.

Visit us at pearsonplc.com

For more information, please contact: Bhavya Suri, PR & Corporate Affairs, Pearson India & MENA- bhavya.suri@pearson.com

Read More / Hindustan Times