The covid-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things, especially how some companies work. So, irrespective of your work, you need to be concerned if your skills are still relevant. In this article, I will share some things you can do about this disruption and how to become relevant in your career.
Identify the Disruption
Just about every company and industry has been disrupted by the pandemic. This disruption falls into 5 broad categories:
- Workplace disruption including the need to go remote with the workforce
- HR disruption including the need to change procedures in hiring
- Customer buying habits changing
- Regulatory changes
- Supply chain disruption
So, check your industry to see where the disruption is taking place.
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Acquire Necessary Skills
Many of these disruptions will be solved by new technologies. This includes artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and blockchain. In addition, some disruptions will be solved using the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, and drones. So, your mission will acquire necessary skills in one of these technologies as it applies to the disruption that your target company or industry is experiencing.
The interesting thing is that you can acquire acquire high-quality training at little or no cost. It just requires you to make the effort. There are several websites now where you can get access to online courses offered by top universities and institutions. For instance, edX.org is full of online courses offered by IBM, MIT, Harvard, Berkley, and many more. Also, check out edX’s sister website MOOC.org and / or Coursera.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge
This is the section that will be scary for many of you. You will have to have conversations and demonstrate your knowledge before you are ready. This might mean getting on various social media platforms and start having conversations with people who are working either in the industry or target company that you want to be relevant in. Your focus is to have intelligent conversation showing your knowledge and learning from others.
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Conclusion
In summary, to become relevant in your career, you need to identify the areas disruptions are taking place, acquire relevant skills and demonstrate your knowledge in these areas. Please note that this will not be easy. To stay relevant, you need to become a lifelong learner.
COVID-19 has disrupted and exposed so many vulnerabilities in how business, industry, government, and educational institutions function. You can and will be relevant again if you put in the hard work required.
