How to gain the top skills in demand in 2020

The ability to learn is your most valuable asset, and returning to study at RMIT can help you acquire the soft skills that are currently in demand.

How to gain the top skills in demand in 2020

The ability to learn is your most valuable asset, and returning to study at RMIT can help you acquire the soft skills that are currently in demand.

Recently, LinkedIn Learning Asia-Pacific senior director Jason Laufer spoke at an RMIT event about the importance of continuing your learning journey throughout your career.

“The world has changed and we now work to learn,” said Laufer. “Gone are the days where you’d get a university education, then you go and work and that’s it. Life is a lifelong learning journey.

“Learning not only helps you build skills and improve in your role, it has a strong correlation to changing your mindset, boosting confidence and opening doors to new opportunities.”

At RMIT we provide flexible study options where you’ll be part of an engaged digital community while getting the experience and vocational skills that set our graduates apart.

Creativity, collaboration, persuasion, adaptability and emotional intelligence topped LinkedIn’s list of the most in-demand soft skills by companies in 2020. Discover how you can get these sought after skills at RMIT.

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“[Learning] has a strong correlation to changing your mindset, boosting confidence and opening doors to new opportunities.” - Jason Laufer, LinkedIn Learning Asia-Pacific senior director

#1: Creativity

Exercising your creativity at work involves finding new ways to solve problems and make connections between ideas. As automation of goods and services continues, the demand for creative skills is set to grow in the future.

In fact, the Australian Government’s 2019 research paper ‘Creative skills for the future economy’ found that more employment opportunities will call for skills that are resistant to mechanisation, particularly creative skills requiring original thought and innovation.

“How do you bring new ideas to the table to help organisations in the industry today?” asks Laufer.

“Organisations need people who can creatively approach problems and tasks across all business roles, from software engineering to HR. Focus on honing your ability to bring new ideas to the table.”

Develop your creative confidence

Learn from creative experts in RMIT's vocational marketing courses. You’ll develop your creative thinking skills and learn to connect theoretical concepts to the world of work. Your innovative abilities will be exercised through a variety of learning and teaching approaches and new media delivery methods, including workshops, presentations, blogs, discussion boards and quizzes.

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#2: Collaboration

Organisations benefit from having teams that collaborate with each other. Working together with your colleagues to reach a common goal is more successful when you know how to recognise each other’s strengths and communicate well. LinkedIn’s 2018 Emerging Jobs report found that organisations place immense value in maintaining positive engagement with customers, so roles that require strong skills in human interaction and collaboration are growing.

Work collaboratively with anyone

At RMIT, our students have many opportunities to work on industry projects, in professional practices, and in collaboration with their classmates. Students learn how to operate in a variety of workplace scenarios, and our industry partners co-design these placements and courses with us to ensure they deliver useful, real-world experience.

Students in our Executive Master of Business Administration, for example, work collaboratively in small groups with like-minded peers. Not only does this allow students to learn alongside people from a variety of educational, professional and cultural backgrounds, but it also forms their network of future colleagues and industry contacts.

#3: Persuasion

Being able to persuade your colleagues and stakeholders to consider or agree with your ideas requires great communication skills. Whether you’re an executive or a graduate, strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. They help you apply for jobs, listen to others, ask for what you want, explain your ideas and raise issues with your colleagues.

Two people work on a computer in an interior office.

Communicate your ideas

Our postgraduate communication courses will help you develop skills in marketing, advertising, writing and journalism. The Master of Communication will build your understanding of the fundamentals of communication in a changing media and industry landscape, and offers flexibility for you to specialise in a relevant area including corporate and financial communication, public relations and communication for social change.

#4: Adaptability

In a world where technology is rapidly changing, having adaptability and resilience can help you stand out in the job market. Innovation and agile project management are valued by organisations who can trust their people to adjust and change their behaviours and working styles to meet the challenge.

Learn to manage projects with adaptability

RMIT’s Graduate Certificate in Project Management has an emphasis on the practical application of theory, so you’ll develop your capacity to respond to current and emerging issues and trends. Vocational study is a good option for studying part time or online, as our courses are offered flexibly and designed to fit in around your work and life.

#5: Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is new to LinkedIn’s list of soft skills, indicating the growing demand for the skill. Organisations are starting to recognise the need for people who are able to evaluate their own emotions and respond to the emotions of others. A survey by specialist recruiter Robert Half found that 95% of general managers place importance on their employees having high emotional intelligence.

Make a difference as a skilled healthcare professional

The field of health and social science strives to make a difference in the wellbeing of people in a range of settings. RMIT’s health science courses recognise the growing demand for innovative health professionals in a medical system that focuses on wellbeing, prevention, early detection and treatment. Graduates are prepared for success with a curriculum deeply embedded in professional practice.

Looking to return to study without committing to a full degree? Through RMIT's postgraduate certificates and diplomas, you could gain specific industry skills in as little as six months. With flexible online delivery and midyear start dates available, you can be job ready sooner for the changing needs of Australia's workforce.

Story: Hilary Jones

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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