Cultivating Future Success: Highlights from Coimbra

On February 22nd, I had the honour of being a keynote speaker at the Breeding Ground for Talent Coimbra Conference. This event brought together professionals and educators to chat about the evolving landscape of the IT industry and how it's shaping our future workforce. The conference was all about nurturing talent, and my talk, titled "Tomorrow’s Skills Today: IT Training for an Evolving Job Landscape," shared my journey of cross-skilling and upskilling into Project Management.

Embracing the Future of Work:

During the conference, I ran an interactive session that encouraged participants to reflect on their career aspirations when they were younger and to think about how much the job market has changed since then. We explored the idea of jobs like "cloud engineer" or "cloud architect" being inconceivable twenty years ago, and how the landscape of work is continuously evolving.

Using AI slides, we prompted the audience to imagine future job titles and technologies, emphasising the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the face of technological advancements.

Building Resilience in Young People:

Another key aspect of my talk was the importance of building resilience in young people, particularly in the context of an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing job market. We discussed how centres like the TUMO centre are fostering resilience by allowing young people to manage their own time, promoting problem-solving skills, and encouraging independence and responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

The discussions at the conference shed light on several important topics, including the evolving IT industry, the shifting job market, and the influence of remote work and Gen Z on the professional environment. Key takeaways emphasised the necessity to adapt to changing dynamics, particularly regarding the green and digital transitions, the importance of strong partnerships between educational institutions and the industry, and the pivotal role of innovation in driving progress.

The Breeding Ground for Talent Coimbra Conference was an insightful and thought-provoking event that highlighted the importance of adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning in the face of a rapidly changing job market. As we move forward, it's crucial for both individuals and organisations to embrace change and invest in the skills and competencies that will be relevant in the future.

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