Want career longevity? Experts say learn quickly and plan ahead for growth
LinkedIn forecasts that 70% of today’s work skills are set to change by 2030. We find out from leading learning experts what NTU alumni can do to navigate their careers.
By Sadia Roohi
LinkedIn data shows that the skills needed for jobs are expected to change 70% by 2030, accelerated by rapid developments in AI.
At the Alumni Learning Day in March 2025 – the first organised by NTU Office of Alumni Engagement – alumni will hear from learning experts who can share the latest trends in upskilling and their views on career planning.
Ahead of the event, we ask two speakers, Dr Gog Soon Joo, Chief Skills Officer at SkillsFuture Singapore – an NTU alumna, and Associate Professor Tan Joo Seng from Nanyang Business School’s Division of Strategy, International Business and Entrepreneurship, about how to stay ahead of the curve.
 Dr Gog, SkillsFuture Singapore’s Chief Skills Officer, urges professionals to take charge of their own career growth. |  NBS’ Assoc Prof Tan Joo Seng believes that continuous learning is key to thriving in today’s evolving corporate world. |
Q1: What are the key skills that matter in a digital economy, especially as technology continues to disrupt industries?
Dr Gog: Three key factors for long-term career success are adaptive learning, career planning, and well-being. Given our longer lifespans, it's crucial to continuously evolve both our careers and our identities over time. Learning should be a lifelong habit integrated into every stage of one's professional journey.
Assoc Prof Tan: Success in today’s fast-paced world hinges on learning agility — the ability to unlearn, relearn, and adapt to ever-evolving technologies and business models. With the rapid pace of change, we can no longer assume that the skills we possess today will remain relevant in five or ten years. One key skill is self-directed learning and curiosity, especially in areas like AI and data fluency. It is important to cultivate mental flexibility, enabling the ability to pivot careers and embrace emerging technologies. In addition, professionals should adopt interdisciplinary thinking, as the future workforce will require a blend of expertise across technology, sustainability, and human-centric leadership.
Q2: How can one take ownership of their growth?
Dr Gog: One of the biggest mistakes working professionals make is assuming that their employers will take care of their career development. Don’t stay static. You must dare to move. Don’t outsource your career development to others. The most successful professionals take a long-term view of their careers, constantly upgrading their skills and adapting to industry trends. For example, you can take stock of your strengths and review your life aspirations every few years before taking action to fulfil the career goals you set out.
Assoc Prof Tan: In the past, employees could rely on a single skillset for decades, but today’s professionals must be prepared to reinvent themselves multiple times throughout their working lives. In an era where lifelong learning is no longer optional, the question professionals should be asking themselves is not if they should upskill but how quickly they can do so. Because in the race to stay relevant, those who learn fastest will lead the way.
Q3: How can individuals identify the right skills to develop?
Dr Gog: Continual scanning and monitoring are necessary to keep track of changing needs. SkillsFuture Singapore has a team of analysts, data scientists, and researchers who deploy big data analytics and conduct research to identify the skills needs of our economy. The findings are validated with industry experts.
Assoc Prof Tan: Fostering a growth mindset is crucial – employees should actively seek new knowledge and anticipate changes. As AI and automation reshape industries, professionals must develop not just technical skills but also ethical decision-making and digital responsibility. By embedding continuous learning and adaptability into professional growth, both individuals and organisations can remain competitive amid disruptions in the digital, green, and Industry 4.0 economies.
Sign up for the complimentary NTU Alumni Learning Day on 22 March 2025 where Dr Gog will be part of the opening plenary session, “Navigating the Future: Lifelong Learning & Adaptability in a VUCA World” while Assoc Prof Tan will moderate a talk on “Digital Economy: Develop Continuous Learning Skills to Thrive in Change”.
