Nikhil Pingle is Chief of Strategy & Research at the Mumbai-based Magic Bus India Foundation As technologies evolve and economic landscapes shift, the old paradigm of skills acquired in college and university guaranteeing secure lifetime employment has become outdated In this era where career paths are redrawn overnight and new skills become prerequisites almost instantly, embracing a culture of lifelong learning is no longer optional; it’s critical for professional survival and long-term success. As technologies evolve and economic landscapes shift, the old paradigm of skills acquired in college and university would secure a lifetime career has become outdated. The reality is that career pathways are no longer predictable. For instance, it was once common for a commerce graduate to join a company as a junior accountant and retire as head of finance. Such linear career trajectories are becoming increasingly rare. Moreover, the job market is under significant pressure, with an estimated 12 million young people joining the workforce each year while the number of new jobs created is estimated at 4.5 million. This imbalance underscores the necessity of continuous learning and skills acquisition to remain competitive in a rapidly changing job marketplace. These days, career and professional success is not just about keeping up; it requires seizing opportunities in a future dominated by inevitable and constant change. The industrial revolution of the 18th century until mid-20th century required basic literacy and numeracy as the workforce transitioned from agrarian to the industrial age. As the 20th century progressed, the growth of formal education paralleled expansion of the economy necessitating a shift towards acquisition of technical and managerial skills to navigate the complexities of an industrialised world. The value placed on higher education escalated, reflecting the changing dynamics of work and society. By the late 20th to early 21st centuries, the rise of ICT (information communication technologies) and globalisation of commerce mandated acquisition of new skill-sets of employability — IT proficiency, soft skills, and understanding of global markets. This era also marked a significant pivot towards skills of adaptability and cross-cultural communication. Today, we find ourselves in a new landscape of radical disruptions in industry because of the march of technology complicated by climate change damage limitation. Government, historically one of the largest employers of any country, has also experienced dramatic transformations due to technology enablement. These changes have prompted demand for professionals with special skillsets. Application of digital and green skills to a wide range of unprecedented situations demands critical thinking and creative solutions. For instance, the rise of renewable energy industries requires engineers skilled in green technologies; data analysts need to interpret mountains of information to ideate sustainable practices. Cybersecurity experts must protect vast quantities of digital information and public administrators must leverage technology to improve governance and public services. Adaptability, innovation and continuous education have become essential for professionals to thrive in this rapidly evolving environment. This necessary transformation from aspiration into action mandates new success habits. Regular reading of industry publications, books, and reputable online resources, setting clear…
