Why You Need More Than A Degree To Be Successful In The 21st Century

21st century world requires that we move over the knowledge-based profile which our education system has been creating through all these years. Today’s corporate world requires much more than a college or university degree to be successful. The pace at which the technology and global economy are progressing has changed the need of skill set required to succeed. This does not mean hard skills, degree and subject specialization are no longer useful. But we should understand that only knowledge and subject expertise cannot make you successful in the 21st century.

In fact, you need deeper knowledge which can be achieved through problem-based methods or active learning. Deeper learning lasts longer and can be applied widely. Here are some of the skills you need apart from an educational degree to be successful in the current time:

1. Communication Skills

 

To be heard, you need to speak out. Communication is important to build relationships, create trust and transparency and accomplish things faster. There is a lot known about the power and value of this skill. However, developing oral and written communication in addition to improved listening and comprehension abilities is essential to succeed in 21st century.

2. Networking and Collaboration

 

Gone are the days when you could sit on your desk and deliver some of the tasks assigned. The world is changing and so is the way you work. The advent of information technology has created more opportunities to connect and collaborate to be able to achieve better results than one could have imagined otherwise. If you don’t network and collaborate, you lag behind and get stuck with your perspectives which are surely not as wide as somebody with a global outlook in the modern time.

3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 

 

The changing pace throws a number of challenges. A professional degree is not enough to solve these. You require excellent problem-solving skills. When hit by a challenge, it is important to use an appropriate type of reasoning and outlook.

Capability to analyze the information, perspectives, evidences and arguments forms the core of critical thinking. This skill involves asking a number of questions and reaching the root of a problem to develop the right solution.

4. Creativity and Innovation

 

The world is progressing at a rate we could never have imagined. To succeed in the 21st century, it is essential to match this rate. The world is in need of innovative, creative ideas. If you can think out of the box, think of the impossible, you have this skill.

This type of thinking leads to innovation. An idea can come from any field and benefit the world. An idea that seems to be impossible could lead to something creative and innovative. If there are no ideas, there is no progress.

5. Agility and Adaptability 

 

Things are changing at a fast pace and it is essential to take up new responsibilities. This gives rise to the need for agility and adaptability. A person with these skills can learn faster and adjust to new situations instead of sticking to one thing. These skills will help you get through new opportunities and roles.

Share this article with your friends