The working world is changing rapidly. Automation, globalisation and flexibility will drive that change. Thanks to technology, workers of the future will complete fewer manual tasks. They’ll also spend more time on building relationships. Solving strategic problems. Thinking creatively. Using skills. Must-have skills.
Plus, future Australian workers are likely to change employers at least 17 times, across five different career areas, in their working life.
At Charles Sturt University, we’re across it. Through our industry-aligned academics, we’ve tapped into emerging workplace trends to ensure our courses produce future-ready graduates.
Future-ready graduates just like you.
So, what are the top four must-have skills to secure your future.
1. STEMM
In many ways, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) disciplines are the way of the future.
STEMM is important because future jobs will require problem-solving skills, innovative and creative thinking, and digital skills. Future generations will also need soft skills like critical thinking and flexibly in order to adapt to this changing world.
Currently, STEMM skills are in high demand, but in short supply. Rapid changes in technology mean that a STEMM-driven job market is now upon us and Australia is unable to meet the demand. There’s never been a better time to explore the STEMM disciplines.
2. Hands-on experience
Graduates who haven’t found work yet constantly ask: “How am I supposed to gain experience if I keep getting turned down for not having any?”
In today’s society, university graduates will need to enter the workforce armed not just with knowledge, but also hands-on experience.
At Charles Sturt, that’s what we’re known for. We give you more than just the theoretical foundations for careers. You get to put ideas in motion from day one, whether that’s in state-of-the-art labs or health clinics; in simulated nursing wards, courtrooms or classrooms; out in the field in vineyards, farms or equine centres; or with industry placements in city or regional areas.
It’s one of the reasons why we have the highest graduate employment rate in the country, according to the 2022/23 Good Universities Guide. Because when you graduate, you’re job-ready.
3. Becoming a lifetime learner
In the future, employees will be encouraged to dip their toes into different skill areas. They’ll need a baseline understanding of a variety of concepts and technologies. That’s true even if they’re not using them directly in their day-to-day work. Think things like digital communication, which is across so many industries.
However, a commitment to lifelong learning does not necessarily mean undertaking a bachelor’s degree every time you want to change career path. Fortunately, there are other options available.
Charles Sturt offers a flexible study option for those wanting to commit to lifelong learning and explore different subjects and skills, without committing to a full degree. Single subject study allows you to pick up individual subjects of interest and, in addition, complete a bite-size portion of a degree. It’s quite smart actually. Firstly, you get to expand your knowledge base. Secondly, you receive credit for the subject if you decide to go on and study the full degree. It’s a win-win.
4. Creativity
One of the biggest predictions about the future of work? Creative output will be a key driver of the global economy. Industries like advertising, arts, design, music and publishing will be left mostly untouched by automation and artificial intelligence. Imaginative solutions will drive technology advancement to deliver humanised, personalised solutions in these areas. And because creativity can’t be replicated by robots (yet), employees with this niche skill will be highly sought after.
At Charles Sturt, we encourage you to think outside the box. To dream up innovative solutions to any problem you face. That could, for example, be wrestling with a complex agricultural solution. Alternatively, it could mean competing in a nationally recognised marketing communications competition. Wherever you want to go, you’ll get to use your imagination and hone your creative skills.
Develop your must-have skills
Learn more about must-have skills and how to prepare for the future of work. Chat to our friendly team.