The Factors That Will Shape the Future of Career

Kathryn Lynn Trammel

January 4, 2023

Several factors will shape the future of a career. Among these is the way that technology will change the workplace, how nonprofits and businesses should support lifelong learning, and the moral and ethical considerations, employers will need to consider in their efforts to foster an environment that promotes career development and personal growth.

Changes in workplace training

Throughout your work life, you will likely have to upskill. Increasing your knowledge and skills is essential to stay competitive in an increasingly demanding work environment.

Many high-skilled professions require ongoing reskilling. Upskilling can help you maintain your credentials, increase your savings, and extend your working life. However, you’ll need your employer’s support to pursue your education.

Often, the most effective way to learn new skills is to take on a new role. For example, workers may need to reskill when a career path in information technology or health care requires more complex problem-solving abilities. In many cases, this involves applying creativity to solve a problem.

Another approach to upskilling is to create a learning ecosystem. This can be done through various methods, from partnering with local educational institutions to developing micro-credentialing opportunities. The latter can be particularly beneficial to older employees who might be hesitant to spend money on additional training.

Technology offerings will promote the idea of mobility

The adoption of mobility is a complex subject affecting businesses and employees. Mobility allows employees to work from anywhere and increase productivity. But it also creates skill mismatches, which reduces the number of high-performing employees. And the gap between international and non-international high flyers is widening.

Mobile solutions have gained traction because consumers are increasingly interested in their benefits. Smartphones and tablets offer more flexibility and productivity. However, many companies are treating mobility as an add-on instead of a core part of their business.

Companies are using mobility to boost employee retention and keep their workforce connected. But to realize the potential, companies must take the necessary steps.

Some of the best ways to enhance your mobility strategy include building a mobile workforce and optimizing internet offerings for mobility. Consider modifying your workflows.

Another way to improve your mobility strategies is to develop a more strategic approach. This could mean introducing more cross-functional teams. Using these teams can lead to new ways to accomplish a common business goal.

Moral and ethical considerations for career development

There are several factors to consider regarding moral and ethical considerations for career development. Some of these include your beliefs and the context in which you work.

The NCDA Code of Ethics is a good starting point for exploring the various ethical and moral considerations for career development. It describes the NCDA’s standards of professional conduct, which include being mindful of the laws and regulations surrounding your profession.

Another good way to keep yourself in check is to learn about the NCDA’s ethics committee. This committee does not claim to have all the answers, but it does have expertise in some of the most common ethical concerns facing career practitioners.

The good idea is to seek out the advice of colleagues and supervisors on matters of ethics. This can include learning about the NCDA’s policies and procedures for processing complaints of ethical misconduct.

Career professionals also have the obligation to review their rights, including those of their clients. They should consult with qualified counsel, such as an attorney, accountant, or another licensed professional, when necessary.

Nonprofits and businesses should support lifelong learning

As the nature of work evolves, employers and nonprofits should support lifelong learning for the future of careers. This can help prepare workers for an economy of automation. It can also help meet the demands of national competitiveness.

Workplaces are changing rapidly. Workers are bringing new skills into the workforce to stay up to speed. A significant portion of today’s work activities could be automated by current technology. But the challenge is figuring out how to cope with this technological change.

Lifelong learning is essential for economic growth. The postsecondary education system includes colleges, employers, and other training providers. Higher education leaders must respond to the needs of students, staff, and alums. They also must make investments in platforms to address technology changes. These investments should be designed to protect the rights of workers.

There are many ways to foster a “learning for all” culture. Employers can encourage employees to participate in career-related studies, internships, and other work-related learning. Governments can provide programs and incentives that support flexible work arrangements.