8 Things You Can Do for Your Career Growth in 2025
Recent surveys on the most in-demand careers for the future are upbeat for people in tech and tech-adjacent fields. However, they’re silent on other careers, or even predict AI will cause some jobs to be lost. Yet, it is often suggested that candidates, regardless of career path, should possess digital literacy and a blend of ‘soft’ skills. But why is digital literacy necessary, and why are soft skills important?
What Is Digital Literacy, and Why Is It Important?
Technology waits for no one. Digital literacy is the ability to learn how to use new interfaces and tools on the fly.
Digital literates are people who can spot the advantages of new software and technology, as well as appreciate the dangers of the cyber landscape. They follow basic cyber hygiene rules. For example, they use mobile VPNs to protect their privacy on the internet and a password manager to ensure their passwords are strong enough to withstand probing. They also stay informed about how to stop getting spam emails, using strategies like filters, unsubscribing from unnecessary mailing lists, and avoiding untrustworthy sites. Digital literates are tech-savvy people who can quickly learn to use new digital tools. This skill is critical in a world where each company uses its own mix of data analytics, customer relationship management, project management, marketing automation, and other tools.
What Other Soft Skills Are Needed and Why Will Soft Skills Be In Demand?
The most in-demand soft skills reflect the features that AI currently lacks.
Analytical skills: While AI is capable, it is not infallible. The internet is flooded with false information. Employees who can evaluate the quality and usefulness of information and data are essential.
Leadership and management skills: No matter what tools a company uses, it still has to motivate people to work as teams. Management skills include planning, communication, and leadership skills to help teams solve problems and improve productivity.
Problem-Solving: AI can handle routine, repetitive, or mundane tasks, but non-standard, out-of-the-ordinary situations will always crop up. That’s when humans with strong cognitive skills come into their own.
Flexibility and agility: AI has improved our ability to find ready-made solutions, but we still have to work with other people. We have to be flexible even when we disagree with colleagues and adapt to situations we don’t consider optimal.
Creativity: AI tools can offer logical solutions but lack emotional insight. Customers are not merely technical challenges to be ‘solved.’ People should focus on understanding people. Our strength lies in recognizing and providing insight into human needs.
Communication skills: AI-generated solutions must still be executed by people. You’ll need to engage with co-workers, customers, and other stakeholders.
Emotional intelligence: It’s a combination of empathy, self-awareness, listening skills, and sensitivity. We’ll always need people who can understand and manage their own emotions and reactions, as well as the feelings and reactions of others.
Adaptability: Adaptable individuals are willing to try new approaches and learn from failures. They can adjust quickly to changes, ask questions, and remain open to new experiences to maintain high productivity levels.
8 Ways to Prepare for New Career Opportunities
We were born into this era and have no option but to adapt. At the same time, we’re privileged to be at the cusp of ever-newer developments. Our natural human curiosity is an advantage. We can turn it into a lifelong learning habit.
- Play an online game: Research suggests the easiest (and most fun way) of learning soft skills is to play a massive multiplayer online (MMO) game. The rough and tumble of online competition can hone your communication, creativity, flexibility, and leadership skills.
- Online training platforms: Companies like Coursera offer fully digital training.
- Follow technology news: Follow reputable technology-focused publications and tech news websites. Attend webinars, watch training videos, subscribe to podcasts, and read news articles. Follow market leaders’ social media accounts to learn about the latest emerging technologies.
- Watch business trends: Startups are hubs of innovation. Watching ‘who starts what’ in business news can provide a barometer for tech trends in your industry.
- Network: Attend networking events and conferences.
Humans Are (Currently Still) Irreplaceable
The future is unpredictable, but you can show you’re ready to innovate by staying on top of new technologies. You can also develop your soft skills to make you more attractive to employers. People who hone the skills that AI cannot replicate will have the edge. Prepare yourself for the uncertainties ahead. Show that you want to contribute to a world where human insight and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable.
