BIV MAGAZINE
12 | BIV MAGAZINE: THE EDUCATION ISSUE 2021 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS IN VANCOUVER
SKILLSETS FOR SUCCESS Three recruiters’ recommendations for skills development
HAYLEY WOODIN
B
y choice or by circumstance, experts note that COVID-19 has pushed people and organizations to audit their skillsets.
According to a country-wide survey from HSBC Canada, 88% of businesses are making the upskilling of their workforce an investment priority moving forward. It’s an investment area more popular than sustainability, developing new markets or cashflow. After a year of upheaval and change, BIV Magazine asked three recruitment experts to weigh in on what business professionals at various career stages should prioritize when it comes to education and skill development in the next several years. Jeff Harris is the founder and CEO of Impact Recruitment; Cheryl Nakamoto is the president and managing partner of McNeill Nakamoto; and Koula Vasilopoulos is the district president for Robert Half in Western Canada. WHAT IS ONE SKILL OR AREA OF KNOWLEDGE SOMEONE SHOULD INVEST IN THIS YEAR?
30-YEAR-OLD
Harris: In your 30s, you’re likely quite comfortable using technology in both your personal and professional life. This is a great time to expand your fluency with a particular program or software or learn a new tech-based skill entirely. From online classes to YouTube tutorials, figure out what platform works best for you and go from there. Nakamoto: Look for opportunities to educate yourself as well as others regarding diversity and inclusion by joining webinars, committees and panels to take part in conversations, share your experience and encourage idea sharing for positive change. Vasilopoulos: An important soft skill to hone for 2021 is adaptability and the ability to be flexible, especially with
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many professionals continuing to work from home and/ or under a hybrid structure. As organizations continue to navigate new and evolving situations, cultivating the ability to be comfortable with change and ambiguity is critical. 40-YEAR-OLD
Nakamoto: Seize opportunities to learn about the experiences of others, as well as formal initiatives related to diversity and inclusion. Ask questions, spark conversations, listen and learn how you can contribute professionally to move the needle in right direction. Vasilopoulos: Many mid-level professionals are in managerial positions and responsible for employee development. These individuals would benefit from developing people management skills that will enable them to support the successful growth of their teams. This includes the skills required to build and strengthen relationships, keep their people on track, motivate others, understand needs and supporting team members in achieving their goals. Harris: In your 40s, you’ve seen many things change in your industry. Chances are, you didn’t learn about digital technology and social media marketing while you were in university – so why not now? Many employers will be willing to support you furthering your education through a part-time online program – and you’ll be able to find many free courses and tutorials online. Another option is to explore the internal training your company offers, if there are particular tech-focused sessions you think would be beneficial, ask if you can join the next time it’s held. 50-YEAR-OLD
Vasilopoulos: It is critical for experienced leaders to hone their emotional intelligence skills. With the boundaries between work and home life blurred due to remote work,
2021-01-06 9:46 AM
