New Age Careers: Is your child ready for 21st century jobs?

Consider the following jobs that were created since the year 2000: Web App Developer, Social Media Manager, SEO Specialist, Data Analyst, UX Designer. Tech innovations are creating new jobs at a dizzying pace and making some traditional jobs obsolete. If you are the parent of a school/college student, you may be spending sleepless nights thinking about what the future holds for your child. You can play a pivotal role by having a conversation with them about a plan to tackle their goals. 

You may be wondering the following:

What are some industries that are poised to grow over the next few decades?

According to asset management company ARK Invest, five industries to watch for include Cryptocurrency and Block-Chain Technology, Gene Editing and Sequencing, Artificial Intelligence- Neural Networks, Energy Storage - Battery Technology, and Collaborative Robotics
As these industries mature, hiring managers will look for talent in multiple areas – strategy, business development, technology and equipment, marketing and sales, and talent acquisition and development. 

How do I get my child ready for jobs that probably do not yet exist?

These are skills you can encourage your child to develop that will always be in demand, including: analytical thinking, problem-identification and solving, time management, adaptability, capacity for collaboration, and effective written and oral communication. They also need to be digitally and numerically literate, given that we are transitioning to a digital world and increasingly relying on data to make decisions. 

Is college helping my child get ready for their career?

Colleges typically change their curriculum at a glacial pace, while change is constantly taking place in the private industry. Encourage your child to use their time in college to develop skills beyond going to class and scoring marks in exams. While GPA is important, they can use spare time to develop leadership skills (e.g. run for student club positions), get involved in voluntary organizations, network with their peers, get to know their faculty, and secure internships.

What major should my child pursue to maximize potential for secure employment?

Eighty percent of people are in careers that are not related to their majors. There are, of course, certain careers (e.g. medicine, law) where the major is essential to enter the profession. But beyond this, students should be encouraged to study subjects they are interested in and develop an expertise in it. Encourage them to develop critical thinking, improve their writing skills, and read beyond their curriculum. 

Should my child get an internship while in college?

YES! Encourage your child to apply to internships – these are a wonderful way to explore different career paths and connect the skills learned in the classroom to the real world.  Internships will not only enhance their resume but also set up them up for success when applying to full time roles. Through these jobs, students get introduced to the working world – what it means to work, show up on time, and the importance of soft skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. Finally, your student will get the opportunity to start building their professional network, which they can leverage for future opportunities. 

What kind of activities can my child be engaged during this pandemic?

This pandemic has impacted everything and has been particularly hard on students – school closures, distance education, and zoom fatigue has set students back considerably. It is not unreasonable for them to question the value of sitting in front of a screen when exams are being postponed or canceled. As parents, you can help them focus on learning, not doing. Has your student shown interest in picking up a new skill? Encourage them – there are interesting and interactive ways to learn almost anything on the Internet. Are they able to do a remote internship with a startup? There are companies that can connect your student with startups looking for help. Those who stay engaged in activities will be better prepared once the pandemic lifts. 

How can a career coach help my child? 

Have you engaged a coach to help your child be a better sportsperson? A math tutor to ace a calculus exam? Or a music teacher to be good singer?  Similarly, a career coach can help – they are a trusted partner who provides career advice without the emotional stress from a parent/child relationship. Coaches help their clients find their purpose, gain confidence and clarity, and empower them to design and achieve their academic and career goals.

This article was originally published by The Economic Times on 24th May 2021.