Learning doesn't end with a diploma. We learn throughout our lives.

The world is changing at the speed of light, presenting us with constant new challenges. To keep pace with these changes, we need to equip ourselves with the right competences. They will enable us to find new ways to remain competitive, while maintaining our unbossed, curious and courageous culture.??

Formal education is our basis?

Of the ten most in-demand occupations at the moment, nine did not even exist just over a decade ago. This means that futurists, who say that 60% of future jobs will be ones we don't even know today, can actually be called realists. Jobs involving automation will soon disappear, but those requiring problem-solving skills will be in high demand.??

While formal education is a foundation, developing new competences is crucial to our future success. We need both, so a dynamic study process that includes development of competences for the future is a must in every curriculum. As Tilen Erman says, many things would be easier if educational institutions recognized the needs of current and coming times. He believes we as an industry have a responsibility to give feedback to the academic institutions, so they can adopt novelties where possible.???

“The skills acquired during formal education should not be neglected, be it a foreign language, computer skills or accounting. But they are just the foundation. To do well in a particular job, we need to upgrade them with interpersonal competences that are not profession-specific.”?

Vesna Oblak, Novartis in Slovenia??

And what are the key building blocks for success today? Our associates list active lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, appropriate communication skills, critical thinking, complex problem solving, creativity, innovation, stress management and, last but not least, adaptability, which is incredibly important in this fast-changing world in which new innovations crop up every day.??

Lifelong learning is a key competence for the future?

It is no coincidence that lifelong learning has been ranked first. It is one of the most important competences in our development and key to achieving breakthrough innovations. According to Klemen Kreft, these can happen in two ways: "We can optimize existing processes to improve efficiency and reduce errors. Or we can reimagine the way we work. While the latter is more time-consuming and complex, it is the path that takes innovation to the next level."?

In Novartis, we champion lifelong learning, but know we still have long way to go. We are constantly searching for new ways to motivate associates to take advantage of all the learning opportunities we offer them as a company. We offer them a number of digital training packages such as Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, Personal Effectiveness Programs (PEP) that encourage us to develop soft competencies such as emotional intelligence, project management, and negotiation skills.?

"Simple routine jobs will no longer exist, since they will be taken over by algorithms. However, soft, transferable skills such as emotional intelligence and building and maintaining relationships cannot be replaced by technology. As technologies evolve, individuals' critical thinking skills, and creativity will become increasingly important."?

Jerica Rozman Punger?ar, Novartis in Slovenia?

To prosper we need to be willing to learn and grow. We need to develop not only our skills but also our competences. Only a combination of the two can lead us to future success.??