The Project Management Institute(PMI) has charged youths to build a career by accumulating diverse skills, hence, demonstrating a commitment to career-long learning, and adapting to new challenges.
The managing director, Sub-Saharan Africa, PMI, George Asamani, stressed that, it is clear that the educational and professional landscapes are aligning more closely with the needs of a rapidly changing marketplace, adding that, ‘For Gen Z and Gen Alpha, building a career will mean accumulating diverse skills.’
Unlike previous generations, he noted that, these young individuals are digital natives, immersed in an environment where the internet, social media, and instant communication are integral to daily life, adding that, this constant connectivity shapes their interactions, learning styles, and problem-solving approaches, even as they possess the ability to navigate digital platforms, seek information swiftly, and adapt to technological advancements.
This shift in how skills are earned, he said, marks a fundamental change in preparing for the future of work, adding that, while this can be overwhelming for individuals, educational institutions and employers can provide support for professional development through memberships in professional associations, ensuring they stay current, access mentors, and network.
With the trajectory of professional qualifications evolving rapidly, he said, a single degree might have sufficed for career entry and progression in the past; however, “as we move further into the 21st century, the criteria for job readiness and advancement are shifting dramatically. This change is largely driven by the pace at which technology and globalisation are transforming industries.”
Traditional degrees, he pointed out, are still valuable and will continue to be so in the future, but that a range of specialised certifications and micro-credentials will likely supplement them. “These credentials prove an individual’s ongoing commitment to learning and mastery in specific skill areas. As a result, resumes will not just list degrees and work experience but become dynamic portfolios of certifications demonstrating competency and expertise.
“This shift towards certification-rich resumes reflects a broader trend where employers value diverse skills and adaptability. Educational institutions are recognising these shifts and also focusing on training students for these certifications. In a path-breaking move, the University of Johannesburg recently became an Authorised Training Partner for the PMI-CP certification and will soon start training individuals,” he stressed.
