3 Steps to Future-Proof Your Career

(NC) Evolving market trends and changing industries make us wonder how we can stay ahead of the game. What can we do to ensure our talents will be needed in the future?

Whether you’re looking to future-proof your own career or give advice to your kids in post-secondary school, here are some smart ways to boost a resume and keep it relevant for years to come.

Always keep learning. Gone are the days when you got your degree and never looked back. Today, continuous education is essential for staying competitive. Fortunately, there are many ways to upgrade your skills. Depending on your time and budget, you can take courses towards a certificate, join a workshop, or participate in an intensive bootcamp. Many workplaces also have programs to help pay for all or part of continuous education in the field.

Get international experience. Working abroad can prepare you to excel in the global economy and help you stand out from the rest. You’ll also gain skills and a unique cultural perspective that can help with both personal and professional development. Research backs this up, as young people with international experience are more likely to be employed later on. A great resource for getting work permits quicker and easier is International Experience Canada, a government program that allows youth ages 18 to 35 to work and travel abroad for up to two years in one of more than 30 partner countries and territories.

Build your brand. No matter what field you’re currently in or plan to be in, professionals in today’s job market need to understand marketing and branding. This means you need to be mindful of your online presence and work at improving it. Think about what you post on social media and keep your LinkedIn profile up to date. You’ll also want to take steps to establish yourself as a thought leader and expert in your industry by networking and publishing articles on relevant trends and topics (even if it is just on your LinkedIn page or blog). Having people know about you and your abilities will be the key to future jobs, so start paving the way for those opportunities now.

Find more information on work and travel abroad at canada.ca/iec