Career Trends and Skills for a New Digital Generation

Recently, True Digital Park hosted an online presentation that discussed career trends and skills that every new generation job seeker should have under their belt. The presentation offered some valuable insights for both people trying to learn what they need to know to enter the tech job market, as well as people already going through the application and interview process. The insights they offered also apply to entrepreneurs and can give them a direction to follow in setting up their company and defining its goals.

Both Nuttaporn Voonklinhom, the President and co-founder of the Thai Digital Trade Association and TeC e-Business Center, and Kulthirath Pakawachkrilers, the CEO & Co-Founder of TeC e-Business Center, discussed these trends and skills. They emphasised that they apply to first-time job applicants, career-jumping but experienced employees, and entrepreneurs wanting to launch a startup.

They emphasized the fact that with Thailand coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the rest of the world, uncertainty is the only certainty in the business world of the 'new normal.' This means that everyone, no matter which category of employee you are, owes it to themselves to prepare for all eventualities.

But, the digital tech community of Thailand is well-prepared to offer steady employment to bright, young people who demonstrate the flexibility and willingness to adapt their careers and their skills to match the uncertainties of the future.

Concentrate on Conversions Above all

COVID-19 was a learning experience for everyone, and we should remember the valuable lessons it taught us in the business world.

People flocked to companies with products and services that fulfilled their needs during the pandemic and subsequent lockdown. By staying flexible in the products and services a company offered, companies that tailored their products and services to the circumstances flourished. This proved that a company should emphasise the value of their product or service and not spend too much time trying to justify its price. Filling a customer's needs as quickly as possible should be the priority.

Enterprises that focused on making a quick conversion fared the best. The internet age means we are living more than ever in a world where “first come, first serve” is an ever-present reality.

Companies that appealed to what their customers wanted and pivoted quickly enough to meet those needs were rewarded by increased market share and customer loyalty. “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression" is another adage proven by the pandemic's circumstances. Customers tended to stay loyal to the first company that met their needs.

Some good examples of these companies were Foodpanda, Grab, and Zoom. Thailand residents soon saw the uniformed employees of Foodpanda and Grab (as well as many other delivery companies) zipping along on motorbikes all over the streets of Thailand. They rose to the challenge and provided food delivery services to millions of self-quarantined residents all over the country.

By developing convenient apps and coordinating with the restaurants in their areas, they quickly and easily filled an urgent need for their customers. They also built a loyal following that continues to see them as a secure and viable option to visiting a restaurant.

Few people had heard of the video-conferencing app of Zoom before the pandemic. But with people forced to work from home amid office lockdowns and fear of infection, Zoom provided a vital communication platform that was embraced all over the world. It offered flexibility and ease of use.

As the dust settles from the coronavirus, the examples provided by these flexible and fast-acting enterprises can serve as blueprints for a new generation of business models. These new business models can be easily adaptable to future situations as they arise.

Skills to Develop in the Digital Realm

Flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changes in the business landscape seem to be the way forward for new companies entering the tech marketplace. And these companies need both leaders and employees who have the necessary skills to complement this new business direction.

Knowledge of different areas of the digital marketplace will be valuable to these new flexible business models. Digital marketing, SEO, social media, and marketing analysis will serve as the tools to drive and measure the success of these new business models. Having one or more skills in these areas will be vital for anyone seeking employment in the tech community.

But having face-to-face soft business skills will also play a part in the success of a company. Being able to talk about and present an abstract concept is something everyone should be able to do. Choosing the right co-workers to form a cohesive team is also essential. This means that you should be able to conduct and participate in an interview as well.

Problem-solving, leadership, business etiquette, critical thinking, corporate ethics, networking, and communication skills form a total package of business tools. Business is human. The way you relate to others in your enterprise defines how successful it will be. And everyone should have these tools at their disposal to make a valuable contribution to their chosen tech industry.

Hopefully, the people of Thailand's dedication to ridding the country of COVID-19 will not be in vain, and there won't be any new flare-ups. But by demonstrating the value of adaptability, the pandemic has shown the level of preparedness and education the new generation should bring to the table when they seek employment in the tech industry.