Learning Key Technical And Interpersonal Skills In High School Helps Students Prepare For Rewarding Future Careers
No one really knows what the future holds, and during times of high uncertainty, trying to project possible future paths can become even more daunting. Personal and professional paths can seems more than a little unclear at key decision points in life. However, by studying trends in economics, job listings, internships, and education, particular technical and interpersonal skills jump to the forefront as important for future career trajectories, in multiple industries.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most sought-after skills and competencies that are trending for career prep and development, to help high school students enhance their job prospects both now and in the future.
Technical skills are gained through career prep education and life experiences, especially during high school and college years.
Technical skills, also known as hard skills, are those skills gained through any educational life experiences, including your internship opportunities, jobs, and overall education. Some examples of hard skills are things like being able to properly take a patient’s blood pressure, being able to organize seasonal crop rotations for maximum food yields, general database management, beneficial data analysis, and coding.
When looking at trends in current job postings and internship options across several industries, some of the required skills that appear to be growing for the future include knowledge of Python, advanced Microsoft Excel skills, digital literacy (across the board), data analysis, and practical use of popular business intelligence software and tools.
Interpersonal skills are developed and deepened over time through interactions and greater understandings.
Interpersonal skills, also known as soft skills (as well as common skills and core skills), play an equally important role in personal and professional development, while in high school and beyond. Interpersonal skills are desirable in all professions. These skills can include critical thinking, problem solving, public speaking, professional writing, beneficial teamwork behaviors, professional attitude, and intercultural fluency.
According to a recent study by McKinsey, sited on “HR Forecast,” it is estimated that up to 30% of future working time could be automated by the year 2030. This means that professionals will want to invest even more time and energy into developing interpersonal skills that machines can’t easily replace. Some examples of the interpersonal skills that are projected to grow in demand include negotiations and reasoning, critical thinking, time management, resilience, leadership, and social influence.
When considering potential career skills to develop for the future, as a high school student, it is important to keep in mind that a combination of both technical (hard) skills and interpersonal (soft skills) will likely bring about the most preparedness and success. Understanding the workings of technology will make job applicants more desirable across professional fields, as will critical reasoning and relating skills that can’t be duplicated by the technology options to date.
Check out the latest tips on Balancing Work And High School, from a Stride Career Prep Success Coach!
And, be sure to read this Stride Insights article, by one of our Student Advisors, on The Benefits Of Attending An Online School, as well.
Plus, if you are looking for an internship now (to become future-ready), then you will also want to check out Stride’s Internship Search Tool: https://www.k12.com/career-and-college-prep/career-prep/
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