UgoThe world has experienced significant changes in the last decade. New jobs are emerging so fast that a report by the world economic forum even stated that the world needs to train up to 1 billion people to meet up with the demand of the new technological era.
When you think about Nigeria, you can tell that the economic structure in 2024 is quite different from what you might experience in other countries. Many young people here are forced entrepreneurs and artisans simply because there are not enough jobs. This makes it even more important to be armed with skills that can create opportunities for you.
But skills are not only useful for artisans, entrepreneurs and freelancers. Organisations are noticing the need for more skilled talent to meet the workforce needs of this tech era. But according to a report by LinkedIn, the talent pool expands about 10 times when hiring managers use a skills first approach.
This suggests that organisations can find more employees when they prioritise the skills needed for the job rather than educational qualifications or years of experience. And organisations are noticing. So learning a new skill can help you get your dream job.
Why Skills are Important for Success
There are many personal benefits to learning new skills. I will explore some of these benefits and how they can contribute to your personal success.
1. It strengthens your brain
Scientific research has shown that learning new things is good for brain health. It helps the brain creates new neural connections and pathways. This is known as neuroplasticity
These changes in the brain can be linked to greater brain power and improved long term memory.
Learning new skills can also encourage the growth of a substance called Myelin in the brain. Myelin is a fatty substance in the brain that serves as an insulator of the brain’s neurons.An increase in Myelin can lead to faster transmission of signals in the brain.
2. Traditional Career Paths are Fading
According to a report by LinkedIn, the most-wanted skills for jobs have seen a 25% change between 2015 and 2023. This reflects the dynamic nature of the twenty-first century corporate world.
Moreso, as society becomes more complex with varying needs, climbing the corporate ladder is becoming less important to most people who now prioritise job satisfaction. Besides, there are no guarantees that anyone would get to the top.
What this all means is that if you want to work in a job you love these days you have to have relevant skills
3. It Helps You Remain Relevant
Staying relevant at your job is one of the top priorities of young professionals. The world of work is ever changing and the only way to find success in careers these days is to continuously improve your skills.
Remaining relevant is not just about you. It’s also about your clients whose needs and tastes are changing. If you want to keep a share of your market then learning new skills is a must. This is one of the only ways to keep your customers happy in the long term
4. Enables You Remain Healthy
Learning new skills can indirectly improve your health. For example, gaining new skills in swimming can mean finding a better way to exercise your body and stay in shape. This kind of skill can also save you from drowning in an urgent situation.
You can curb boredom through learning new skills. Boredom can strain your circulatory system and put you at risk of a heart attack. Joining clubs and having new hobbies based on skills you have learnt can be an interesting way to spend your time but it is also good for your health.
5. Creates New Income Opportunity
In Nigeria today, getting an extra source of income has become a necessity. More income streams improves your financial stability and quality of life.
Learning a profitable skill like computer programming or digital marketing can directly improve your finances. You can start a side hustle, get an extra job or work freelance. Whichever one you choose, as long as you have the right skills and understand how to run your business, you can make more money for yourself.
6. It Can Improve Your Relationships
People with interesting skills are fun to be around. Can you swim, play the piano or tennis? If you can then you have something in common with so many other people who may like to connect with you because of your shared hobby.
You can have more fun outings with friends and create happy moments that would strengthen your relationships.
7. It makes you more adaptable
If you can acquire new skills fast, it can help you build resilience in your career. When there are rapid changes in your industry, you can quickly take up new roles even if they are not in line with educational qualifications.
Many people have found the skills they acquired to be very useful in starting a new business or finding a job in a new country where your educational qualifications may not be relevant.
Learning a Skill in Nigeria- the elephant in the room
For young Nigerians, learning a skill is a must. White collar jobs are not guaranteed but opportunities abound for young people who have the right skill.
The biggest obstacle to the economic prosperity of most young Nigerians is access to
High quality training. For those who are willing to learn, they may lack the needed funds. That is why programmes like the 3MTT can be beneficial to such people.
Ugo
Timeyin Mammah
