The job market is evolving fast – and is more competitive than ever. If you’re searching for a new role or looking to advance in your current one, here’s what employers are looking for in the new year – and what you can do to stand out from the crowd.
This year, employers will expect their staff to:
- Think critically and solve complex problems. Employers value individuals with strong critical thinking skills because they “tend to be reflective, independent, and competent. When practicing critical thinking, individuals can connect ideas logically, evaluate arguments, identify errors, solve complex problems, and reflect on outcomes,” according to Indeed.
- Lead with strategy. A recent study shows that 83% of human resources organizations predict a marked increase in the need for new leadership capabilities by 2030. These leadership skills include the ability to be strategic, manage change, make decisions, and develop future talent, according to a report by Development Dimensions International (DDI).
- Embrace digital tools, including AI. Working professionals should know that AI can actually help them do their jobs better, according to Dr. John Muraski, instructor in the UW Online Collaboratives Information Technology Management program.
“I think if you are hesitant to use AI because you’re afraid it might take your job, you’re done,” he says. “If you’re not using AI in your job, AI may not replace you, but I guarantee you someone using AI will replace you.”
Adam Fornal, MBA, who also teaches in the Information Technology Management program in addition to working for Northwestern Mutual, says he develops assignments in his course in which students can use AI to do administrative work. While he says he’s still not sold on using AI to write because of concerns surrounding plagiarism and misinformation, AI can help when resources within an organization are slim. For example, at Northwestern Mutual, “a lot of our AI tools are now working on the insurance side as far as handling claims, processing insurance applications, things like that, in addition to our projects,” he says.
“We have different resource issues that we face, like finding qualified people. Then working across different time zones. But the AI doesn’t sleep; it can work 24/7, and it can report back,” he adds.
- Communicate clearly and effectively. From writing a simple email to creating a presentation, being able to talk with others or participate in active listening on the job is an important skill that many people tend to overlook. In fact, statistics show 70% of employers say good communication is the most important skill for their employees to have. And, the majority of workers and managers – 86% from Communication in the Workplace statistics – show that poor communication is a major contributor to workplace failures. Some of these problems include wasted time, missed messages, stress and fatigue.
- Commit to lifelong learning and personal development. Employers value individuals who are committed to learning and growing their skills throughout their career. You can show your commitment by enrolling in continuing education courses or expressing interest in meeting additional educational goals – like learning a new skill, a new software program, or whatever else can help you become better at your job.
Kara Winzenreid, who received her bachelor’s degree in Diagnostic Imaging and a certificate in Healthcare Informatics, knew that continuing her education was going to help her land her current role as a PACS administrator – a job she got before she actually graduated.
“I knew I wanted to do some sort of healthcare informatics position. I wasn’t looking for a management position; I was looking for something in IT. So being able to hold up this certificate and be like, ‘Hey, not only do I have a bachelor’s degree and 15 years’ experience, I even have this certificate saying that I’ve completed training in this specific field.’”
Mike Poaletti, Director of Application Development at UW-Superior and a student in the Master of Science: Information Technology Management program, says he makes goals for all of his developers to encourage continuing education. This also helps them understand where they fit into the organization, skills-wise.
“I think the best thing to do is craft a development plan,” he says. “I do that every single year. What is the development plan for this person versus this person versus this person? They’re not always the same. They’re all gifted and talented, smart, bright people, but they all play a different role.”
If you’re looking for a way to learn new skills with real-world applications, consider continuing education like a master’s degree or a graduate certificate to add to your resume. Explore UW Online Collaboratives and UW Flexible Option, which offer programs in technology, healthcare, business, and much more designed for working adults who cannot attend traditional, on-campus college courses. Many students who have completed courses through these programs have done so while working full-time and managing other responsibilities, such as family.