Skills That Will Matter for Our Future

I grew up in India during the early days of globalization, in the late '90s and early 2000s when India was transforming—open markets, the internet revolution, and foreign investments were changing the economy. For someone growing up in the middle class like me, there were two career paths that our parents wanted us to pursue: medicine or engineering, seen as the safest routes to stability and a better life.

As we entered the workforce, though, things changed. New fields and opportunities emerged, and it became more acceptable to pursue diverse career paths in liberal arts and creative fields. But despite this shift, one trend remained constant: the demand for technical and data-driven skills.

Now, with once-in-a-lifetime technology like Generative AI, we’re once again rethinking the skills that will matter in the future. The technical and data skills that have long been highly valued now seem among the most vulnerable to advances in AI, as machines take on creative problem-solving and complex cognitive tasks.

So, as parents and mentors, what skills should we help the next generation build to thrive in a rapidly changing world?? Here’s what I’ve learnt from my experiences so far:

1. Prioritization

In a world overflowing with distractions and constantly shifting priorities, the ability to “get things done” is more critical than ever. This skill goes beyond simply completing tasks; it’s about setting priorities, managing time effectively, and delivering results in complex, unpredictable environments. The capacity to adapt and focus, even amidst chaos, will become a defining quality of successful individuals.

With AI automating much of the traditional workload, skills in project management, workflow oversight, and strategic decision-making will become essential. We should teach young people how to organize their time, assess priorities, and stay motivated—not just for career success, but as a foundation for tackling life’s challenges.

2. Empathy

While technical skills remain valuable, the irreplaceable human quality of empathy will be increasingly essential. Technology can mirror behaviors and simulate responses, but true empathy—understanding and connecting with others on an emotional level—remains beyond the reach of even the most advanced AI.

Empathy is far more than a “soft skill”; it is the basis of meaningful communication, collaboration, and leadership. As machines handle more analytical tasks, human roles will focus increasingly on building relationships, interpreting emotions, and fostering collaboration. Empathy will be critical in creating products and solutions that genuinely serve people and will be a core skill for future leaders who need to inspire and connect with diverse teams.

3. Resilience

With rapid advancements in AI and an ever-shifting job landscape, the workplace is in a state of constant flux, demanding flexibility and perseverance from future generations. Resilience is more than just bouncing back from failure; it’s the courage to try new things, learn from experiences, and continuously evolve.

The challenges ahead are vast—new competition, environmental crises, and global issues that require innovative thinking and collaboration. Instilling resilience in young people equips them to face uncertainty with confidence, view challenges as opportunities, and thrive in a world defined by change.

Ironically, the key to thriving with technology is to embrace what makes us human—qualities like creativity, empathy, and resilience that no machine can replicate.?

So - step out, get hands-on experience, and build real connections. In a world of AI, being more human is our ultimate advantage!