Future Proofing Your Career

A famous and insightful US economist of the 1930s, John Maynard Keynes, once said, that technological progress would allow for a 15-hour work week and abundant leisure by 2013. Who would have thought that this would now seem so possible?! By Simone Allan, Founder and Director of Mondo recruitment agency

What does this current age of influence mean for the future of work? From internships, all the way up to senior executives, it is a revolution that is promising to alter the business world as we know it.

Demographics are reshaping. There are now 77 million Millennials entering workplaces, making up more than half the workforce. The work environment is becoming more mobile and a freelance economy. In the US, one in three workers are freelancers - a figure that’s expected to have grown by 40% by 2020.

The older generations are showing signs of working longer, well into their 70s and even 80s.

And the drinks industry is no different to most industries. Many roles are being replaced by technology, national key account strategies and national cross-functional teams are replacing many-state based roles.

SO WHAT TO DO?

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket - think portfolio career (multiple part-time jobs that equate to a full-time position) and how you can transfer more of your skills to new roles. For example, if you are a talented sales leader and negotiator, why not do a mediation and arbitration course? The commercial world is screaming out for smart intermediaries to save the law fraternity.

If you are talented at multi-tasking management, why not do a projectmanagement course?

If you are smart in logistics, why not up-skill your knowledge across teams to work alongside new decision-makers and pointy end negotiations?

Hone your core and unique set of skills. Remain agile and stay relevant.

Become tech-eloquent. Each season, aim to learn a new commercial skill - keep reviewing top 100 apps in technology and the latest research on the best ways to go to market.

Say yes to new opportunities and maximise your spare time to invest in you and growing your commercial knowledge.

Network with a sense of reciprocity - meet up with people to share something with them.

Build an ‘adaptability attitude’, understand resilience and how to manage ambiguity.

What do you want to be remembered for? Make sure you reflect this in your online presence – write blog posts or articles on your LinkedIn.

Stay real and relevant.

If you would like to learn more about how you can future proof your career, get in touch with Simone at www.mondocalibre.com.au