In an interaction with Higher Education Review Magazine, Neena Abraham, HR Head at CES, shared her insights on various aspects of what are the key employability skills that Indian youth should possess to succeed in the future job market, How can technology and digital literacy contribute to the employability of Indian youth and more, Neena Abraham is a progressive HR leader with over a decade of experience drawing on a background that encompasses tenure within some of the world’s leading organizations and blends significant strategic and operational experience in utilizing effective people strategies to drive business performance.
According to you, what are the key employability skills that Indian youth should possess to succeed in the future job market?
In a rapidly evolving job market, success for Indian youth hinges on a unique blend of employability skills that can propel them forward. While traditional skills like technical knowledge remain essential, we may also want to be aware of few creative perspectives on the key employability skills Indian youth should possess to thrive in the future job market:
The ability to adapt, embrace change, and quickly learn new skills will be crucial. One should develop a mindset of flexibility, curiosity, and resilience, allowing them to navigate uncertain landscapes with confidence.
Technology continues to shape industries and so digital fluency becomes non-negotiable. Indian youth should be well-versed in digital tools, platforms, and emerging technologies. Embracing digital literacy will enable you to leverage technology as an enabler rather than a barrier.
The future job market also demands bold innovative thinkers who can approach challenges from fresh angles / point of view. You should nurture the creativity and develop problem-solving skills that involve critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to identify unconventional solutions.
The future job market requires individuals who can think like entrepreneurs, spotting opportunities and taking calculated risks. You should nurture an entrepreneurial mindset, embracing a proactive approach, creativity, and a willingness to embrace ambiguity. This could be done by having an attitude that the pursuit of knowledge should be a lifelong endeavour. You should foster a love for continuous learning, embracing self-directed learning, online courses, and professional development opportunities. Staying updated and adaptable will be vital for success in the future job market.
Finally, as automation advances, interpersonal skills will be highly sought-after. You should cultivate emotional intelligence, including empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication. Building strong relationships and connecting with others on a human level will be a differentiating factor. Along with it understand that in an interconnected world, diversity and globalization are the norm.
These skills go beyond technical knowledge, empowering today’s youth to tackle challenges, embrace innovation, and shape a successful career path in an ever-changing world.
How can technology and digital literacy contribute to the employability of Indian youth
In this age defined by technology, the crossroads of digital literacy and employability offer us a realm of thrilling possibilities. As technology propels us forward, it breaks geographical barriers and introduces us to the potential of remote work. Equipped with digital literacy, we are poised to conquer and excel in remote work environments, unlocking a myriad of global job prospects. Imagine harnessing digital platforms to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to projects from any corner of the world - expanding our employability options exponentially.
Digital literacy arms us with the ability to confront intricate challenges by wielding technology as a tool for solutions. Embracing digital tools, data analysis, and automation, we have the power to streamline processes, fine-tune operations, and craft innovative solutions. Our capacity to leverage technology heightens our prowess in problem-solving, establishing us as indispensable assets in today's tech-driven job market.
Moreover, digital literacy isn't just a skill, it's a path to entrepreneurial triumph. With the vast expanse of online platforms, e-commerce avenues, and digital marketing landscapes, we can fashion and amplify our own ventures. In doing so, we pave the way for online businesses to flourish, personal brands to burgeon, and connections to be forged with a global audience. By nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset and delving into the various aspects of business, we amplify our employability potential.
Consider the rapidly increasing fields and specialized opportunities that technology has given rise to. Digital literacy equips us with the competencies needed to explore realms like artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, blockchain, and beyond. By immersing ourselves in these novel domains, we position ourselves as trailblazers in industries shaping the future, thus bolstering our employability in high-demand sectors.
Let's not forget the canvas that technology and digital literacy lay out for our creativity and innovative thinking. With digital tools, AI, design software, and multimedia platforms at our fingertips, we can craft captivating content, immersive experiences, and interactive solutions. Our aptitude for utilizing technology to fuel creative expression and innovative ideas renders us highly employable in fields like marketing, media, design, and user experience.
By embracing new tech and adapting to the evolving digital landscapes, we underscore our employability by showcasing a growth mindset and an unwavering dedication to lifelong learning.Technology transcends boundaries, enabling us to forge connections and collaborations with experts, mentors, and professionals worldwide. Our knack for collaborating within diverse teams and cultural contexts enhances our employability by broadening our horizons and expanding our professional networks.
What are the challenges faced by Indian youth in acquiring and developing employability skills, and how can these challenges be addressed?
Imagine a canvas painted with challenges and solutions—this is the landscape that lies before us as we strive to acquire and cultivate our employability skills. Try to embark on a journey to uncover a unique and creative perspective on the obstacles we face and how we can overcome them:
Limited Access to Quality Education: Accessing quality education might feel like a distant dream, especially for those of us in remote areas or marginalized communities. But here's the twist: innovative solutions like digital learning platforms, mobile classrooms, and online courses can bridge this gap.
Outdated Curriculum: The educational path often seems like a trail struggling to keep up with the rapidly changing world. But what if we collaborate with industry experts to infuse relevant skills, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary learning into the curriculum. This collaboration could propel us toward a future of work that's shaped by our readiness to adapt.
Lack of Practical Experience: The space between theory and practice might seem like a void, but internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs acting as bridges to connect us with the real world. These experiences could be like lanterns guiding us through the intricate pathways of the professional realm.
Limited Awareness of Available Opportunities: The spectrum of career options can sometimes appear hazy. But picture career counselling programs and industry exposure initiatives as spotlights that illuminate the possibilities. Engaging with professionals who have traversed various paths can expand our horizons and reveal unconventional opportunities.
Foundation, Mindset and Attitude: Sometimes the challenges we face stem from our own minds—fear of failure, lack of confidence, resistance to change. Now imagine cultivating a mindset that thrives on growth, resilience, and innovation. By embracing failures as steppingstones and mentors as guides, we can shape our attitudes toward challenges.
Finally, while technical skills are like building blocks, soft skills such as communication and critical thinking add finesse to our foundation. By thinking creatively and addressing these challenges head-on, you can arm yourselves with the skills needed to flourish in the ever-changing job market. It's a journey that calls for collaboration between educational institutions, industry pioneers, government bodies, and civil society. Together, we can create an ecosystem that fosters skill acquisition, offers practical experiences, expands horizons, and empowers the youth to unleash their true potential.
