7 WAYS TO FUTUREPROOF YOUR CAREER
Change is never far away, but there’s no need to fear it. Here, seven inspirational women reveal their career survival tips
LISA MARKWELL, FORMER NEWSPAPER EDITOR TURNED WRITER AND CHEF
“When it comes to futureproofing your career, the choice seems simple: either choose a career that is entirely governed by new technologies and keep abreast as it evolves, or choose something that won’t be affected by digital changes. I chose the latter, opting for food (until you can 3D-print your dinner, chefs will always have work!). Incorporate a personal touch into your profession – we all crave a human connection and good, empathetic service will grow in importance as automation advances.”
SARAH DRINKWATER, HEAD OF CAMPUS LONDON, GOOGLE
“Always make time to catch up with people you think have amazing jobs. I’ve changed careers a few times and, each time, it’s been driven by new interests or opportunities I spot. How we work will evolve in the next few decades, but so will your interests and priorities, and that’s okay. You can get away with having less experience than you might need if you truly love what you do.”
MOLLY GUNN, FOUNDER OF SELFISH MOTHER
“Keep your eyes open for trends. Read up on stuff that interests you. Absorb what’s going on around you right now. Is everyone wearing Fedora hats in the pub, or paying with Bitcoins online? Be aware of what’s current so that you can move with the times and get involved when your mood strikes.”
LAUREN ARMES, FOUNDER, WELLTODO
“Speeding up your career progression often means slowing down and looking at what it is you want. Dissatisfied with your work? Invest in a coach and take up a daily journaling practice. It’ll help you pinpoint your goals and hone a step-by-step action plan. Identify five people that inspire you professionally (and live your desired lifestyle). Research their journey. Learn how they started out, and look at the wins and the mistakes they’ve made along the way.”
SARAH WOOD, CEO, UNRULY
“Hone your tech skills. You could try the Digital Business Academy (Digitalbusinessacademyuk.com), which offers free online sessions. Or invest in a day course at Decoded (Decoded.com) to understand the building blocks of code. For commute-sized tools, Google’s Primer app (Yourprimer.com) is great for learning bite-sized basics of digital marketing.” Stepping Up: How To Accelerate Your Leadership Potential by Sarah Wood and Niamh O’keeffe (FT Publishing, £14.99)
CASSANDRA STAVROU, FOUNDER OF PROPERCORN
“Commit to lifelong learning. Invest in your training and progress to constantly develop your skillset. Work out what you’re good at, do something you love and keep honing and improving your expertise in that area. It’s important to stay curious: try, see, do and hunt for inspiration in unexpected places. Nurture your network and look for opportunities to develop relationships with people outside your industry.”
BIANCA MILLER-COLE, FOUNDER OF THE BE GROUP
“Curate your online brand; it’s pivotal to your personal career aspirations. Nowadays, there is an expectation that you can be found online and that your credibility can be proven there. It isn’t enough to simply be great in person: you also need to have your ability, knowledge, experience and any achievements represented and commended on your website and social media profiles by yourself and others.”