3 Critical Skills for School Leavers

At first glance, it may seem like just a fine line between being able to access any piece of information you’ll ever need and formal education. But upon closer inspection, there is a massive gap between the two.

In today’s ultra-connected, always-on, Internet-of-Things environment, access to information is not a problem for anyone with a smart device and internet connection. The biggest issue facing upcoming generations is how to use the information they have access to in a way that helps advance – and possibly even solve – global challenges. To achieve that, you need access to more than just freely available raw data; you need access to an education that expands beyond book learning and into the realm of cross-cultural collaboration.

Below, we run through three skills that are becoming increasingly critical as the rise of technology changes the way people are required to interact with each other.

Agility

With the rapid advances and changes in technology, market demands, customer expectations and even climate, agility, not efficiency, is fast becoming the key to future-proofing your career.

The world needs a generation of future leaders who have the tools and experience to apply the theory they’ve learned to real-world situations and seamlessly adapt both their approach and themselves to changes in global business (and, indeed, environmental) climates.

Critical thinking

The world is seeing the rapid rise of the knowledge economy. Automation, machine learning and related technologies are taking over not only taking over mundane, repetitive tasks but are being integrated into organisational structures to provide deeper insights into a wide range of data.

Algorithms, however, have a glaring pitfall: although they can process information efficiently, they cannot provide outcomes that are aligned with what may be required by the global economy – let alone global society.

The world needs a generation that can temper AI-driven processes with a human element. The ability to think critically, i.e., objectively deduce information, analyse its context, and come up with creative-yet-realistic solutions, is fast becoming a must-have skill.

Working outside your comfort zone

The world is simultaneously becoming more globalised and polarised. Logic dictates that increased access to information – and each other – through the internet and other digital technology leads to more collaborative efforts, but this, thus far, has not been the case.

The answer lies in every individual’s ability to remain open-minded in an increasingly divided society. To tackle global challenges, the world needs a generation of leaders who have experienced reality outside of their comfort zone; people who can empathise with the struggles of other creeds, colours, and cultures and consider the impact of choices on all communities – not just the one they feel most comfortable in.

Start thinking bigger

When considering your tertiary education choices, you need to find a way to combine your career aspirations with the soft skills required to contribute to a constantly evolving world actively and effectively. Quality international education is the first step in achieving both objectives.

By integrating your tertiary studies with the opportunity to mix with a diverse range of students from all over the world and overseas-based work possibilities, you’re not only achieving an international qualification but growing the skill set needed to become an integral player in steering the world to a better future.

As you embark on your post-school journey, think bigger. Contact UniHaven today.