The era we live in is defined by the talent we can demonstrate to complete a task. Degrees and certificates do matter...
TIPS ‘N’ TRICKS
The era we live in is defined by the talent we can demonstrate to complete a task. Degrees and certificates do matter, but not as much as results. Imagine a time twenty years ago when a freelance writer would eagerly look for work, only to be told that they did not have the required credentials. Today, freelancers such as writers, designers, developers, and photographers find work based on the talent they can showcase to clients. Gone are the days when students spent four years earning a degree and only then demonstrated their skills on the job. Today, a student pursuing a bachelor’s degree can secure a project based on the skills he or she already possesses. This does not mean that degrees are becoming obsolete; their value remains paramount in securing employment after completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
The real differentiator today is not what skills you know, but how quickly you can learn new ones. This ability, known as learning agility, refers to the capacity to acquire new skills swiftly, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and apply learning effectively to deliver results. It is not about memorising information or collecting qualifications; it is about speed, flexibility, and performance.
Organisations today do not have the time for employees to go through long learning curves, nor do they want to invest excessive time and resources in prolonged training. Employers seek individuals who can step into new roles, grasp tools and processes quickly, and solve problems independently.
Truth be told, the future remains uncertain. Advances in research and technology can transform industries, alter academic curricula, and render jobs redundant within months. Those who see themselves as lifelong learners adapt more easily than those who consider themselves masters of a single trade. Learning-agile individuals are willing to experiment, learn from failure, reflect, improve, and try again.
Learning agility is no longer optional; it is essential for survival. The traditional notion of “learn first, then apply” no longer works. Professionals, particularly fresh graduates and Gen Z, must learn on the go, acquire skills on demand, and adapt continuously.
Closely linked to learning agility is the mindset of learning by doing. Universities and business schools increasingly emphasise practical learning to help students think creatively and gain real-world exposure. A common mistake young people make is stopping once they acquire a skill or complete a project. Skill development is a continuous process that requires daily effort and application. Without action, knowledge remains unused.
Ultimately, learning agility demands movement. Applying knowledge builds experience, and experience generates understanding through trial and error. True agility is cultivated more through failure and reflection than through effortless success.
