Published by: SkillsFuture Singapore
The global battle against the coronavirus continues. While we strive to keep ourselves safe, the same cannot be said when it comes to employment. Companies and organisations have been forced to change the way they operate to survive, and employees and job seekers are no different. Understanding what to expect in this new world will help you better navigate employment in the aftermath of this pandemic.
Being Technologically Adept
It is likely you would continue to see your colleagues on screens rather than in person for the foreseeable future. Working remotely helps keep people safe, and is an arrangement likely to stay. For organisations to function remotely, it requires the right technology and infrastructure. More importantly, technology-adept employees are the key to everything. Even being away from the office, being tech-savvy with digital meeting and collaboration tools can help teams continue delivering projects. It also helps to be adaptable and open to changes, as things can change in an instant amid an ongoing pandemic. This extends to the way you work as well; the ability to think outside the box, innovate, and knowing when to change focus can prove essential to employers looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Becoming Data-Savvy
The growing reliance on data and digital transformation will require more expert heads at the helm. Data literacy will be key, as individuals capable of making sense of numbers, trends, changing consumer needs, and refining predictions are attractive assets for any organisation. Critical thinkers will also come to the fore. With the deluge of data, being able to parse and evaluate information objectively, and making the right decisions at the right time can be the difference between success and failure. Those well versed in the areas of coding and digital skills will also be in great demand, be it in data-driven industries or traditional industries looking to transform.
A Team Player
Even with talented team members, a group still needs a strong leader to help pull things together. Unlike the past, this time around, everyone is sharing that responsibility. Keeping that motivation up and being able to encourage others demonstrates that much-needed leadership ability. Emotions may tend to run high as uncertainty grows, so employees with high emotional intelligence would be valuable in keeping teams on the right track. In such difficult times, everyone has an important role to play.
Being A Lifelong Learner
Whether you are already set up well for your career, looking to improve your prospects, or both, the post-COVID reality is an opportunity for you to reflect and establish a plan further down the line. Enhancing your skills will allow you to remain relevant in a post-COVID-19 world. Learning in-demand skills and gaining advanced mastery can help ensure you stay employed, be recognised, or land a sought-after job. Upskilling has also been made more affordable, with government subsidies and your Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) providing support for your learning journey. Thousands of SkillsFuture Credit-eligible and PSEA-eligible courses in multiple areas of training are available to help you on this journey. You are also not alone in this fight. Consider visiting MySkillsFuture for the latest news on upskilling, resources you can tap on and the industries, skills and occupations that are growing in demand. There are also helpful webinars and events being held to give you better insights into emerging trends across different sectors and in-demand skills and jobs. By understanding the current landscape of employment, finding gaps that require filling, and picking up the relevant skills, you are equipping yourself in the best way possible in such challenging times.