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Teacher-2-Teacher

Successful management of

lifelong learning

NIKHIL PINGLE

N THIS ERA WHERE CAREER PATHS ARE redrawn As technologies evolve and economic
overnight and new skills become prerequisites almost
instantly, embracing a culture of lifelong learning is no landscapes shift, the old paradigm
Ilonger optional; it’s critical for professional survival and of skills acquired in college and
long-term success. As technologies evolve and economic
landscapes shift, the old paradigm of skills acquired in university guaranteeing secure lifetime
college and university would secure a lifetime career has employment has become outdated
become outdated. The reality is that career pathways are
no longer predictable. For instance, it was once common
for a commerce graduate to join a company as a junior ac- tion have become essential for professionals to thrive in
countant and retire as head of finance. Such linear career this rapidly evolving environment.
trajectories are becoming increasingly rare. This necessary transformation from aspiration into ac-
Moreover, the job market is under significant pressure, tion mandates new success habits. Regular reading of in-
with an estimated 12 million young people joining the work- dustry publications, books, and reputable online resources,
force each year while the number of new jobs created is setting clear learning goals and taking periodic skill assess-
estimated at 4.5 million. This imbalance underscores the ment tests to identify areas for improvement and tracking
necessity of continuous learning and skills acquisition to development. The emergence of digital open learning plat-
remain competitive in a rapidly changing job marketplace. forms offers access to a wealth of knowledge across disci-
These days, career and professional success is not just about plines. But having a mentor or membership of a learning
keeping up; it requires seizing opportunities in a future community provides guidance, accountability and encour-
dominated by inevitable and constant change. agement.
The industrial revolution of the 18th century until mid- Developing critical skills. For job seekers entering the
20th century required basic literacy and numeracy as the workforce, developing 21st-century skills is essential. These
workforce transitioned from agrarian to the industrial age. include a creative and problem-solving mindset; communi-
As the 20th century progressed, the growth of formal edu- cation skills for conveying ideas and information effectively;
cation paralleled expansion of the economy necessitating a teamwork and collaborative skills.
shift towards acquisition of technical and managerial skills Identify opportunities and trends. Remaining in-
to navigate the complexities of an industrialised world. The formed about industry trends and emerging opportunities
value placed on higher education escalated, reflecting the is critical. It’s important to understand how technology,
changing dynamics of work and society. climate change, and related developments are shaping
By the late 20th to early 21st centuries, the rise of ICT careers and employment opportunities. Networking, at-
(information communication technologies) and globalisa- tending industry conferences, and following relevant news
tion of commerce mandated acquisition of new skill-sets of sources — will help you remain updated and quickly identify
employability — IT proficiency, soft skills, and understand- opportunities.
ing of global markets. This era also marked a significant Specialisation focus. Acquisition of special skills will
pivot towards skills of adaptability and cross-cultural com- set you apart in a competitive jobs market. Consider op-
munication. portunities arising from intersectionalities — where dif-
Today, we find ourselves in a new landscape of radical ferent industries converge. For instance, the environment,
disruptions in industry because of the march of technology climate, and sustainability sectors open up opportunities
complicated by climate change damage limitation. Govern- in environmental law and policy. Sustainable finance and
ment, historically one of the largest employers of any coun- environmentally-friendly investment are emerging speciali-
try, has also experienced dramatic transformations due to sations. Ditto, managing patents and copyright related to
technology enablement. These changes have prompted de- green technologies.
mand for professionals with special skillsets. Application Digital skilling. Acquisition of proficiency in digital tools,
of digital and green skills to a wide range of unprecedented data analysis, cybersecurity, and basic programming will
situations demands critical thinking and creative solutions. boost employability and career prospects.
For instance, the rise of renewable energy industries re- By adopting a ready learner’s mindset, staying clued up
quires engineers skilled in green technologies; data analysts on industry and business trends, and by acquiring digital
need to interpret mountains of information to ideate sus- skills, job seekers can navigate the newly emergent volatile
tainable practices. Cybersecurity experts must protect vast employment market and build successful, fulfilling careers.
quantities of digital information and public administrators
must leverage technology to improve governance and public (Nikhil Pingle is Chief of Strategy & Research at the Mumbai-based Magic
services. Adaptability, innovation and continuous educa- Bus India Foundation)

78 EDUCATIONWORLD JULY 2024