As stated in Charles Darwin’s famous theory of evolution, "It's not the strongest or smartest who survive, but those who can adapt to the ever-changing scene" . Survival of the fittest applies not only to the survival of species in our animal kingdom but also to the current landscape of employability.
In the job world, things are changing fast. And now, technology is changing jobs too. Forbes forecasts a seismic shift in the job market, with technology set to transform 1.1 billion jobs in the next decade, largely propelled by the forces of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning which are making a lot of jobs old-fashioned. As new jobs need different skills, traditional job roles are giving way to new, tech-driven opportunities, demanding adaptability, versatility, and a willingness to acquire fresh skills. In this rapidly evolving landscape, upskilling emerges as the key to staying relevant and competitive.
And as we are talking about the new technical skills, I'd like to mention Satya Nadella as well here - The CEO of Microsoft, after joining Microsoft in 1992, Nadella understood the importance of upskilling to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving tech industry. He focused on learning new technologies like cloud computing and enrolled in courses to expand his knowledge base. He held various key positions, including leading the company's cloud computing efforts, before becoming the CEO. His commitment to upskilling and adaptability to the changing landscape of technology played a vital role in his career advancement. His efforts and dedication eventually led him to become the CEO of one of the world's largest and most influential tech companies, Microsoft, in 2014. Nadella's journey from an engineer to the CEO of Microsoft showcases his commitment to continuous learning which helped him in reaching the top ladders of leadership in the tech industry.
Now, let's move to the IT industry – once the cool kids' club, now facing its own set of challenges. Today, even IT jobs are uncertain. Recent trends indicate a significant shift in the employment landscape, with large-scale layoffs in the IT sector. This underscores the volatility of the industry and emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of the curve. Technology always moves forward, and it is we who need to keep up. We all know that we have to keep learning about new things like machine learning, coding, and solving problems with technology. As in this fast-paced environment, upskilling is not just an option; it's a lifeline.
Here's an interesting fact: According to Forbes, 62% of CEOs consider upskilling a top priority, recognizing its pivotal role in preparing the workforce for the challenges of the future.
Now, whose job is it to learn new things? Well, it's not just the boss's job; it's your job too. Each person needs to take responsibility for their own learning. The job market can be tricky, and if you don't have the right skills, it's tough to find a good job. That's why upskilling is like a superpower – it helps you stay ahead and be ready for anything.
Imagine you're aiming for a cool job at a big tech company like Google, Apple, or Amazon. These companies love people who are good at solving problems using Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA). It's like a special skill test they use to see if you can handle tricky problems and come up with smart solutions. So, if you want to work for these big companies, you need to keep practicing and getting better at DSA.
To sum it up, "Think of upskilling as a business investment, not an expense." Giving time and effort on learning new things is like investing in ourselves. It's not a waste; but it's an important step to grow and succeed in our careers.
So, keep learning and growing – it's the key to not just surviving but thriving in the job world!