The world of work has changed. It is no longer easy to get a new job every few years. Competition for the few open jobs is fierce at all levels. Jobs are disappearing in thousands each day, it is time you take control of your future.
Whether you have a job that might go away OR you’ve already lost your job OR even if you don’t like what you do very much, NOW is a good time to take an inventory of your skills and look ahead at emerging opportunities that you may have ignored in the past. Technologies such as AI, Data science, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, IOT and DevOps that were dormant a decade ago and have opened up a whole new world of jobs
While no one really knows which positions will be around, you should insure our careers to stay employable. You should take action in this changing world of work to “survive and even thrive”.
Most of us start as individual contributors and engineers in corporates, our paths diverge over a period of time based on personal and professional choices we make. Strategies recommended for future proofing your career from a discussion at the Grace Hopper India Celebration 2021 #vghci #togetherwebuild #anitaborgindia include the following —
- Continuous learning — Things are changing fast, build skills towards growth mindset and OOTB thinking. Tap into certifications, conferences, books, podcasts, people etc. most are easily available online.
- Embrace risks — The challenges will lead you to your strengths. Do your SWOT analysis mapping the role to your strenghts and upcoming opportunities.
- Don’t hesitate to try something new — The worse case that can happen is that you lose a couple of years and go back to your previous role.
- Start when not fully ready — Anticipate the challenges and figure out on the go and the organization, team and the universe will support you.
- Entrepreneurship and startups — Are great places to gain multi-disciplinary skills and learn fast.
- Gain depth and e2e lifecycle experiences — From Ideation to productization to sustainenance. The highs of code going into production and in customer hands is the time of pain and maximum learning.
- Career breaks are good — Use them wisely to introspect, join conferences, certifications. Rejuvenate, re-invent and re-apply!
- Find mentors — who are forward looking and challenge you to try new operating models and technologies. Having a network of like-minded people helps to bounce of problems and find solutions.
- Develop hobbies and life outside work — Your personal choices influence your leadership values and professional persona.
- No single recipe that works for all — Cook a Career recipe that works for you based on your flow and rhythm.
Finally it comes down to believing in yourself and moving forward. Don’t worry about the outcomes and enjoy the journey. The ‘Peak’ or ‘Top’ varies for each of us and it is ok to redefine your goalpost as you go along.
