Remington BeggIn today’s demanding job market, being tech-savvy isn’t a niche skill to put you ahead of the curve, it’s a necessity no matter which field you’re interested in. So whether you’re currently looking for a new job or just making sure you’re staying up with emerging job demands, it’s important to ask yourself : What will your industry look like in the future? The truth is, every single career field is changing, and if it isn’t, it’s going to become obsolete.
There are seven key skills that nearly every person in any field of business will need to succeed in the near future. Look into what’s being done on the cutting edge in your field today, and you’ll be ready to step up and help implement it tomorrow. Smart employees with an eye to advancement will start earning and honing these skills today, to be prepared for when they’re necessary, if they aren’t already.
Cyber Security
Being fully knowledgeable about cyber security will help you both professionally and personally. Don’t be the weak link in the security chain at your company! A breach in cyber security can make or break a small business. No matter what your position within a company, being aware of cyber security helps protect you, your company, and your customers. This could be something as simple as following IT’s recommendations when choosing a password or keeping a close eye on your company credit card accounts to fraudulent charges.
Cloud Data Storage
More and more, businesses are storing their data, their internal and external apps, and more in “the cloud”. Understanding the basics of how this type of data storage works, where your company cloud is accessed, and how to keep it secure makes you a more valuable employee. Cloud data is hackable, so it ties in heavily with being up-to-date in cyber security as well.
Video Communications
Gone are the days of a company flying someone across the country for one meeting; video conferencing and communications have replaced that wasted expense for good. Take the time to learn to use video communications programs like Skype, GoTo Meeting, and Join.me now so that you’re comfortable using them when it really counts. Job interviews are conducted via Skype, conference calls and client meetings take place over video, and more. And in these high-pressure situations, you don’t want to be the person who can’t get the microphone to work.
Working Remotely
With today’s advanced technology, your work doesn’t have to be done sitting at your desk, in the office. Work responsibilities are going mobile, and not just mobile on laptop computers, but mobile everywhere. If it hasn’t happened already, you may find in the future that you can access your work via an app on your phone or handheld device, or even a smart watch. This means that the more familiar you are with mobile operating systems, the more ready you will be to make the switch when you need to be away from the office.
Smart Devices
Everyone from CEOs to fork-lift drivers are using Internet capable “smart” devices in their work to keep them connected and accountable at all times. Most tablets and smartphones have GPS software integrated into them, so delivery drivers asking for directions or getting lost is a thing of the past. Many useful productivity apps, mostly free or reasonably priced, can be added for taking notes, storing client information or even easy file uploading to the cloud.
Social Media
As companies get more used to the idea of social media and understand its importance, they’re looking for employees at all levels to be brand ambassadors online. The more you know about how to use social well, the more of an asset you are to your company.
Being a representative of your company isn’t something you can simply opt out of; some high profile cases have shown that companies are not afraid to fire individuals who post embarrassing or illegal things to social media. Being familiar with your company’s policies and with the privacy settings on all your accounts is a non-negotiable part of life.
Don’t think of social media as something scary though, think of it as a fun and modern way to get ahead. Between Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and other constantly emerging platforms, there’s a lot to learn and stay up-to-date with. Let Impulse Creative help! Download our free eBook Mastering Social Media for Business for all of the basics, plus expert tips to boost your engagements. Whatever your industry, it’s going to help you get to the top of your field and stay there.
