In the past, people might have studied and qualified for a job they did their entire lives. In today’s world, however, we will likely have multiple careers in our lifetime. Thanks to many factors, including evolving technology, the marketplace is shifting, requiring various technical and core interpersonal skills.
In this post, we’ll discuss some factors driving change in today’s complex world and how these affect the skills we need to develop. We’ll also discuss how to upskill and equip yourself for multiple careers.
How the current marketplace is changing
According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, many factors contribute to a changing marketplace and our approach to building multiple careers. These factors include the following:
1. Technological change
It’s no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is disrupting the marketplace, causing many people to panic about the longevity of their chosen career path. However, while AI will start taking on specific tasks, such as clerical work and data entry, it won’t be able to provide human skills, such as analytical and creative thinking. For this reason, it’s essential to focus on building durable skills, or core interpersonal skills, that can transfer across various industries and roles.
2. Geoeconomic fragmentation
The tense geopolitical climate and shifting governmental administrations worldwide mean we must adapt to ongoing change and the need to pivot depending on marketplace requirements. With all the uncertainty that comes with new presidents and cross-border conflict, there is a demand for specific skill sets, including core interpersonal skills such as leadership, flexibility, and agility (which AI cannot provide).
3. Economic uncertainty
Economic uncertainty drives change in the marketplace, too. Geopolitical conflicts can disrupt trade relations, impact industries worldwide and force people to look to build competencies for in-demand sectors (which can be subject to change). Therefore, creating a diverse, transferable skill set that applies across multiple corporations and industries is essential, as change will likely continue.
4. Demographic shifts
The demographics of countries around the world are changing. In high-income countries, the population is mostly older, necessitating more care-based jobs, which include physical and psychological care, such as nursing and counselling. In developing countries, the population is younger, driving industries such as higher education. This discrepancy means there is an overall need for skills development across multiple sectors.
5. Green transition
Another focus area in the current marketplace is the shift towards renewable energy, which will demand various technical skills. However, durable skills will also play a significant role in developing this industry, especially regarding environmental stewardship. This field focuses on managing multiple aspects of environmental conservation, which will require human-centred skills and technical know-how.
The above five points show that many factors contribute to a changing world. Navigating unprecedented change and ongoing uncertainty will require consistent upskilling. Upskilling can initially make a person anxious, but it’s about being open to unlearning and relearning and realising that our learning journey never ends. We can grow and develop well into our golden years.
How to upskill for multiple careers
The above list of factors gives us an overall perspective on the global changes that will impact skills development in the years ahead. Other factors include changing career expectations, which means people seek more fulfilment, work-life balance, and flexibility. Online learning also changes how we learn and creates accessible and affordable options for upskilling.
However, what kinds of durable skills do we need to learn? According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025, some of the most essential skills to develop to navigate an uncertain future with multiple careers include the following:
- Resilience
- Flexibility
- Motivation
- Curiosity
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Leadership
- Social-influencing skills
At SACAP Global, we offer several short online courses to help you upskill in the above areas.
Future-proof your skillset at SACAP Global
The above discussion of changing trends and in-demand skills has emphasised the need to shift how we upskill. Importantly, upskilling for multiple careers isn’t a one-off. In a complex and uncertain future, the only way to stay adaptable is to embrace lifelong learning and incorporate this learning culture into your life, business, or organisation.
To hone in on how to learn the kinds of durable skills, or core interpersonal skills, we’ve been talking about, here are some of our most popular courses that will help you stay current:
- Effective Interpersonal Communication: Learning to communicate effectively helps develop empathy, active listening and social influencing skills.
- Interpersonal Communication: Relationships & Conflict Management: Navigating relationships and conflict can help you develop competencies such as flexibility and resilience.
- Intro to Management & Leadership: Empowering yourself with leadership skills is essential in a fast-paced and competitive world.
- Developing a Growth Mindset: By embracing a growth mindset, you can start honing skills like curiosity and flexibility.
- Fundamental Counselling Skills: As mentioned above, taking care of people is something AI cannot do and involves human-centred skills like counselling.
- Motivation Mastery: Unlock Potential & Achieve Goals: Learning to motivate yourself and others in a demanding marketplace can help you build an adaptable mindset for multiple careers.
For more information about our related courses, browse our course list.
Related Courses
Effective Interpersonal Communication
Develop your communication skills. Learn how to communicate clearly with friends, family and colleagues.
Interpersonal Communication: Relationships & Conflict Management
Investigate different approaches to interpersonal relationships. Learn how to be more self-aware in the way you communicate.
