In a world that is strangulated with incessant disruptions- from AI and Technological innovation that has raucously shaken the body politic to the pandemic which has unprecedently redefined the modern world as we know it- A&F professionals and students in India today have to grapple with a plenitude of uncertainties. With greater regionalisation and localisation of trade- skillsets that were previously invaluable to your most sought after employer, will become
redundant. It presents a trilemma for Indian professionals who seeks to carve their niche today in a market that is increasingly competitive and integrated with the vicissitudes of the global ecosystem.
The most obvious question that would be circumambulating inside your head (pun intended) right now would be :
So what can we do? Whether you are an unflinching young student who seeks to forge a suitable career for herself, or a professional who has already sunk her feet into the post pandemic world, or even a callous aspirant who has no idea what she actually wants in life- this article will offer some unique, investigative and profound insights into what you should do, before you become an indispensable part of this new global business landscape.
UPSKILL YOURSELF SELECTIVELY AND APPROPRIATELY
A traditional answer that industry experts and gurus often remark is to-UPSKILL. It is the golden word, which often enthralls and sometimes flabbergasts our minds. In 2020, platforms such as Whitehat Coding Jr, Upgrad, Coursera etc, saw their user base quadruple as students and professionals sought to incorporate new skills and potentially differentiate themselves in a saturated job market. All these platforms registered a 40% uptick in courses relating to coding and data analytics.
While I do not detest or deplore this newfound interest in coding and data analytics, it is slightly overrated. Wait, before you stop reading this article-hear me out!
Employers across the board value employees who can read, communicate, crunch and ingest data. Data analytics gives you the coherent ability to creatively and efficiently visualise and present numbers into high impact powerful presentations that drive value and business decisions.
However, incorporating a random sample of technical skillsets is simply counterproductive! For example, A Cost Management Accountant or Chartered Accountant needs to bridge the considerable lag in the transformational usage of data, by visualising and communicating information through Tableau, Python, R, etc.
Whenever you want to upskill yourself- canvas the industry you want to work in, the needs and demands of the role you're after and most importantly, the relevance a course or an additional programme or workshop will add to your skill matrix. Follow a methodological, selective and appropriative pattern of upskilling yourself.
BE A SPECIALIST
In the 1960's and 1970's, having an undergraduation in a prominent domain, mostly in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Sales and Marketing could afford you to attain the highest privileges that the market had to offer. The most sought after job, beautiful house, prized car, best wedlock...a manifestation of what you'd call "The Perfect Life".
Due to the advent of globalisation, liberalisation and financial integration- capital, people and ideas began to flow vociferously and rapidly. This made the market much more competitive and started the new age race for prosperity and power. In such a contentious and prolific world- the dynamics tilt in favour to the one who adapts to the changing world.
Aiming for a professional certification or specialisation will catapult you to the highest echelons of managerial decision making. Aspiring for certifications such as the US CMA, US CPA, ACCA, CIMA, CFA, FRM (amongst many others) or a fabled postgraduation in a domain of your choice will be immensely rewarding for you. As the old American saying goes
"It pays to be a specialist!"
BE A SUPERHERO
What is the one thing that is common with
Iron Man, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Dr Strange, Captain America or any of those iconic characters that have been enmeshed in our minds today?
How is it that these characters, which have been developed a long time ago- endured the test of time and still appeal to a vast audience? What is it that pulls scores of fans out of their rooms, homes and offices to watch these characters on the silver screen today?
They tell you a story. They vivaciously weave a story that leaves you inspired, in a world that very often shares the
fragilities and antiquities that we live in and confront today. As an A&F professional, student or aspirant-
your greatest strength is your story. You possess the insurmountable and indefatigable ability to shape the world and forge it into a better place for humankind. When you understand your purpose and the core that drives you- you will succeed. You should manifest, realise and own your story!
THE LAW OF AIMLESSNESS
In his best selling book" The Daily Laws", Robert Greene extolled on the
irretrievable and unmanifested power of
aimlessness. It simply ascribes to the fact that,
human beings should not manufacture happy moments. Instead, they should be well equipped to cherish on every moment that life has to offer.
Similarly, as a student or professional
do not expect or anticipate the right opportunity.
Leverage and capitalise every opportunity that comes your way. With each opportunity, you will grow- not only as an individual but also as a future decisionmaker. Just the way a painter burns her midnight oil to create the most profound and visually stunning painting on the planet, a student/professional hones her skillsets through a smorgasbord of experiences, conversations and convolutions.
These 4 tips will enable you to not only shape yourself as a world class professional, but also an individual who is responsible for creating a sustainable, inclusive and diverse environment to truly benefit from the sagacious promises that the 21st century holds for us!