Future of Work: A Higher Ed Perspective.

VentureCafe Miami on a Thursday night is always teeming with energy and excitement around the most important topics of the day. This past Thursday night, we were fortunate to be able to have Pres. Rosenberg share his perspectives in a discussion moderated by the Cambridge Innovation Center's, Jose Medina. Following Dr. Rosenberg's talk, he participated in a more intimate session moderated by Leigh-Ann Buchanan, Executive Director of VentureCafe Miami.

During the first discussion, Pres. Rosenberg outlined that in the #FutureOfWork we will see the following:

1. Convergence between career and technical and baccalaureate that is learner-centric and just-in-time to market.
2. Convergence will allow more intentional merger of critical thinking and 'vocational' skills for the traditional learner and for just-in-time skill sets for the non-traditional learner.
3. Accelerated rate of technological and social change requires learners to be less focused on subject knowledge and more solutions-centric (design-thinking mindset).

Following Pres. Rosenberg's outline on the future of work, he detailed the dramatic shifts that will take place as the University moves from the current state which he characterized as 1.5 to the next iteration which he termed as 2.0 and then finally onto a Version 3.0.

Pres. Rosenberg presented the idea of an H-Shaped student that will require not only the traditional disciplinary knowledge, but also socio-emotional, team based and additional hard skills that are 'new economy' focused (coding, big data, cyber.)

In University 3.0, Dr. Rosenberg described a space where Universities are an intense experiential ecosystem mixed with a strong brand presence. Pres. Rosenberg also described the role of automation of matching of interests, capabilities and opportunities in this 3.0 paradigm.

Dr. Rosenberg closed his presentation to the larger group with a quote from the futurist, Alvin Toffler which framed that the future definition of illiteracy will be individuals that don't have an ability to learn, unlearn & re-learn.

Following the larger session, Pres. Rosenberg participated in a more intimate roundtable facilitated by Leigh-Ann Buchanan, Executive Director of VentureCafe Miami. The conversation was attended by a mix of entrepreneurs, students, & professionals working in Miami's innovation ecosystem. The setting provided the attendees a chance to have an open conversation with Pres. Rosenberg about trends that are shaping the landscape of South Florida as a whole. Leigh-Ann opened up the discussion by asking everyone to share one word that is one their mind, the answers included: resilience, impact, mentorship, equity, disruption & future.

Dr. Rosenberg's exchange with the participants in the round-table touched on a wide-range of topics, but continued to come back to the idea that as we are building an economy that is based on high-tech, we must not lose focus on creating a society that is also high-touch and creating opportunity for everyone.

The conversation continued in the halls of Venture Cafe Miami Website after the formal session was over, with several entrepreneurs expressing an interest in partnering on providing more experiential learning opportunities/internships for students and several students inquiring about mentor programs. Our FIU Office of Engagement will continue to participate in VentureCafe and seek additional partners in the effort to shape the #FutureOfWork in our community. More info on Talent Development Network Miami