Are students prepared for the four future worlds of work?

“We should remember that intellectual complacency is not our friend and that learning – not just new things but new ways of thinking – is a life-long endeavour.” – Blair Sheppard, PwC Global Leader

2030, a year of fundamental transformation and automated machines.

Are you ready for it?

This is a question that multinational professional services network, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is asking everyone through the recent Workforce of the future: The competing forces shaping 2030 report.
To kick-start student thinking and prepare them for a planet crammed full of innovative automation and incredibly smart technologies, the report outlines four future worlds of work in 2030 and connects them to four key concepts.
To further explore these unknown realms from an educational perspective, I’ve paired them with a number of student survival tips so you feel extra-prepared for your future world of work:

The Red World – Where innovation rules

Running alongside innovation. Source: Aziz Acharki/Unsplash

 

 

Welcome to the Red World.
Despite the colour red signifying danger, here it signifies innovation.

Workforces in the Red World value winning business ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. Where innovation outweighs regulation, you’ll have more freedom to take risks and evolve as a serial entrepreneur.

Student survival tip:

If you want to keep up-to-speed with digital platforms and fellow innovators, you’ll need to integrate technology and big data into your ideas.
In this world, leaders rely on outsourced services and automation for people processes, since HR will no longer exist as a separate function.
So, while you’re at university, don’t be afraid to trial your ideas with the resident entrepreneurial hub or student innovation centre. They will embrace your talents and encourage you to take the next steps.
Plus, who knows – you could end up being one of the major players in the Red World in 2030.

The Blue World – Where corporations are king

Where corporate lives clash with control. Source: Fred Kearney/Unsplash

 

You have entered the Blue World, where corporations are king and capitalism reigns supreme.
As the report explains, “This is a world of extreme talent. Exceptional people are in high demand, so employers secure a core group of pivotal high-performers by offering excellent rewards.”
In this world, corporate careers matter.

Student survival tip:
If you’re keen on becoming an integral part of a large corporation, and look forward to your efforts being maximised through the sophisticated use of physical and medical enhancement techniques and technology, be sure to pursue work experience in large organisations while at your university.
The Blue World will expose you to immense competition and aggressive new companies, so it’s a smart idea to build up your portfolio through industry insights and placements that elevate your business skills.