Skills Needed in the 21st Century

Every year it seems that there’s some new technology or skill to master. As technology advances, so does the world of work and the recent COVID-19 crisis has accelerated this transformation. McKinsey Global Institute estimated that as many as 375 million employees —or 14 percent of the global workforce — would have to either switch jobs or gain new skills by 2030, as the widespread incorporation of technology occurs. This means that students as well as employees, will need to reskill or upskill to remain relevant in the job market. Although we are unable to anticipate all the changes that are yet to come, we can prepare for them by developing the soft skills needed to adapt to these changes. Let’s identify what 21st-century skills are, why they’re important and how you can acquire some of them yourself.

What are 21st-century skills?                                                                                       

21st-century skills generally refer to the foundational skills and abilities needed to be successful in modern society. According to a research study by McKinsey & Company in 2021, there are 56 foundational skills that when acquired will in all likelihood lead to an enhancement of these skills, greater employment opportunities, higher incomes and a higher level of job satisfaction. 

These skills are further classified into four categories consisting of 13 skill groups. The four categories are cognitive skills (critical thinking, communication, planning and ways of working and mental flexibility); interpersonal skills (mobilizing systems, developing relationships and teamwork effectiveness)…

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