The World Economic Forum's (WEF) "2023 Future of Jobs Report" once again highlights the rapidly changing dynamics in the business world. The evolving expectations of employers and the dizzying pace of technology are reshaping the map of our skills. The report clearly divides today's and future's skills into four main groups. Understanding this new framework is crucial as you chart or update your career path. Here’s what you need to have in your toolkit and what you should leave behind by 2030: **1. Foundational Skills: The Indispensables of 2030** These are the "superpowers" - areas where cognitive and human abilities converge most effectively with advanced technology. - **Artificial Intelligence and Big Data:** Understanding and interpreting technology, not just using it, is now a necessity. - **Creative & Analytical Thinking:** The ability to solve complex problems takes precedence. - **Resilience, Agility, and Quickness:** Those who adapt to rapid change in uncertain times will thrive. - **Curiosity and Lifelong Learning:** Individuals who never stop seeking new knowledge stand out. - **Leadership and Social Impact:** Not just managing teams but inspiring and influencing people. **2. Emerging Skills: The Stars of the Future** Although currently less prevalent, these skills are expected to explode in demand in the future. - **Networking and Cybersecurity:** Critical protectors of a digitizing world. - **Environmental Management and Sustainability:** Green economy is on the rise, increasing demand for specialists in this field. - **Design and User Experience (UX):** Adding a human touch to technology makes a difference. - **Programming & Marketing:** Creating both the language and voice of the digital world. **3. Stable Skills: The Cornerstone of Businesses** While their importance doesn't dramatically increase, they remain essential and always in demand. These are "classic" skills critical for the healthy continuation of operations. Having a strong foundation requires these skills. - **Quality Control & Resource Management:** Ensuring efficiency and standards are paramount. - **Service Orientation & Customer Service:** Regardless of how advanced technology becomes, human connection and empathy remain central. - **Teaching and Mentorship:** Internal knowledge transfer and experience sharing maintain their value. **4. Declining Skills: The Ones to Leave Behind** These skills are expected to see reduced use or be automated. Careful not to get stuck focusing solely on these areas - they're losing importance as machines or artificial intelligence take over. - **Manual Skills & Physical Strength:** Robots and automation systems quickly taking over these tasks. - **Basic Reading/Writing and Mathematics:** Now a basic standard everyone should have, not a differentiator. - **Sensory Processing Abilities:** Routine and repetitive tasks are on the decline. **So, What's Your Focus Point?** The future is being shaped by those who prepare for it today. Looking at this map, which skill do you prioritize developing? Where do you plan to invest your career? Dr. Abdurrahman Subaş Education and Management Scientist