Building a solid career isn’t easy. It requires an investment of time, energy and resources. If getting a degree is already challenging, getting a career with a well-developed path in the future can be even more challenging. There are no shortcuts or secrets; this is a lifelong learning journey that can be fraught with competition and situations beyond your control. In this rapidly changing world, having an in-depth conversation about career resilience and future readiness is critical and relevant. What does it mean to be ready for the future? What does it take to have a future-proof career?
Rex Education, through Rex Academy and in partnership with Edukasyon.ph, has launched a three-part webinar titled “#FutuReady: Getting Ready for a New World.” This webinar series is designed to help prepare students to enter the professional world, Students and recent graduates who start their careers and contribute to society. The series features seasoned professionals discussing relevant topics about career and future readiness as well as industry knowledge. It is broken up into three webinars, starting with #FutuReady Me, then #FutuReady for the Industry, and finally #FutuReady Community.
The Anatomy of a #FutuReady Learner
Part 1 of the series #FutuReady Me takes an in-depth look at future-ready learners. It focuses on understanding the attributes of graduates and preparing them for 21st century careers. According to this webinar speaker, distinguished marketer, motivational speaker and author Mr. Jonathan Yabut, there are three key skills every learner should possess: communication skills, leadership and critical thinking. A future-ready learner should be able to communicate effectively, take initiative and think outside the box. Self-study, proactivity, and constant practice are necessary to develop these skills.
Mr. Yabut also emphasized that to have a future-proof business, we must constantly strive to improve ourselves, adhere to the highest standards and seek best practices. Preparing for the future is more than earning a degree and finding a job; it is a lifelong learning journey, as everything we learn is another building block for the future.
Upskill to get industry #FutuReady
In part two of the series, three accomplished professionals from education, business and hospitality explain how to be #FutuReady for the industry and what specific skills are needed for a successful career.
Human resources expert Ms. Divine Delos Reyes believes that we must learn to decide on our career path early to prepare for the future. We can identify our ideal career by self-assessing our skills and interests, finding influence and inspiration, and building confidence and enthusiasm. Professional trainer and educator Mr. Francis Jacob Aragon also emphasized the importance of pursuing hobbies as they can form the basis of a career.
However, many people have a hard time figuring out what they really want to do or what path they want to take after college. Mr. Apa Alviar, certified strength coach, reminds everyone not to stick to a certain industry because of pressure. Whenever we feel dissatisfied with our current job, explore how we can make a difference and use it as a learning opportunity for personal and professional development. Starting a business is a rollercoaster ride, so learning to bounce back from mistakes and failures is important. To prepare for the future of our industry, we must anticipate challenges and changes.
Achieving a #FutuReady Community
As we transition from future-ready learners to future-ready industries, let’s also take a step forward and become #FutuReady for the entire community. Preparing yourself for your future and your career goes beyond personal benefits; it should also translate into benefits for society. Licensed psychologist and award-winning author Dr. Michele Alignay highlights the importance of human skills to have a positive impact on the community. People skills are non-technical skills; they are our ability to manage ourselves, interact and relate to each other. Specifically, these are the skills that encompass our well-being and mental health:
- Critical thinking or the mental ability to think independently or solve problems independently.
- Coping and resilience, or being mentally prepared to face difficulties and weather adversity.
- Collaborate, work with others, lead by example or be a team player.
- Compassion and empathy show that we genuinely care about others and show that we are kind to ourselves.
The #FutuReady series is more than an initiative; it is part of an advocacy to build a better future for every individual, industry and community. As Edukampyons and other Edukampyons, REX will continue to partner with like-minded organizations to deliver courses that help each learner unlock their potential, become their best self, and achieve long-term success in the future.
