Upskilling : How to Stay Relevant?

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"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity." - Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the Tech Hub Islands Summit (THIS), and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made this year.

At the summit, I had the privilege of listening to some of the brightest minds in the industry, who shared their insights on the future, both at a regional and global level.

One recurring theme stood out among all the speakers: the importance of continuous learning. 

 In this era where the status quo seems reminiscent of dystopian TV shows like Black Mirror, adaptability is crucial.

Change has always been a constant in our lives, but the emergence of disruptive technologies has accelerated its pace.

The days when a degree alone guaranteed a stable job for a decade or more are long gone.

Put simply, those who are unwilling to embrace new knowledge and skills will inevitably be left behind in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Instead of sitting down and crying about robots taking your job, why not embrace the inevitable and prepare yourself?

"Okay, Toni, there are plenty of skills out there. Where do I start?" I'm glad you asked! Here's a strategy to help you choose relevant skills:

First, Look At Job Descriptions For Jobs You Want

Even if you currently have a job, it's highly recommended to stay aware of the skills that the job market demands from prospective employees. By reviewing job descriptions for positions you aspire to, you can identify the skills that are in high demand. This will allow you to fill in any gaps in your skillset by completing relevant courses and practicing these skills on the job and in your spare time.

Next, Ask Yourself - Can ChatGPT Do It? 

During the summit, Mark Moyou, a Senior Data Scientist at Nvidia, posed a thought-provoking question to the audience. He mentioned that if ChatGPT can perform a certain task you do everyday, perhaps it's time to explore other skills. In today's business landscape, the motivation behind any organization is productivity and profitability. So, it's important to focus on developing skills that differentiate you and add value beyond what technology can easily accomplish.

Lastly, Do Not Neglect Soft Skills

While it's easy to prioritize hard skills like programming and predictive modeling, it's equally important not to neglect soft skills such as communication and leadership. Soft skills play a crucial role in our interactions with others. Remember, people hire people, and having strong soft skills can make you stand out in the competitive job market. 

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