While having the fundamental subject knowledge along with basic skill sets like excellent communication and ability to articulate have always remained a requirement by the corporates, post-COVID time, they are looking for new skill sets and some of them are listed here.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way B School functions. Apart from teaching and all B School events, interaction with corporate and even summer internship placement placements are being conducted online. The video conferencing platforms are being used extensively and these platforms are bringing in new features to woo the customers. Many corporations have moved work to home and some of them are also giving options to work from home forever! While having the fundamental subject knowledge along with basic skill sets like excellent communication and ability to articulate have always remained a requirement by the corporates, post covid time, they are looking for new skill sets and some of them are listed here.
Analytical thinking
Analytical thinking is a skill set which gives the ability to solve problems quickly and effectively. A person with analytical thinking will be able to break down complex problems into simple and manageable units. Having analytical thinking skills along with the creative and innovative thought process is a lethal combination which is sought after by employees. Such a skill set will make a person to be one sought after by the industry. While the industry is always looking out for problem solvers, people with analytical skill sets will be the favorite for several recruiters.
Stress Tolerance and Resiliency
In simple words stress tolerance is withstanding pressures thrown by work and life and resiliency, is springing back after failure. Both these skill sets deal with managing stress. Post covid employers will look for people who have high stress tolerance, ie, the capacity to endure pressure or uncertainty without becoming negative (e.g. hopeless, bitter or hostile) toward self or others. Along with this skill they would look for people with Resilience. Resiliency is the ability and capacity to recover positivity toward self and others—to rebound—after setback, difficulty or unexpected change.
Ability to use and learn technology
Technology is ever vacillating. Post covid19 times, having the skill set of being a pace setter in the use of technology and also having the ability to learn new technologies and applying them effectively in the domain will be a critical skill set that will be sought after by corporate. New technologies are ever evolving and hence it will be a good to have an ear to the ground so that one is aware of the happening and innovations in their domain area.
Complex Problem-solving skills
It is generally said that, when the problem is well defined it is half solved. Problem solving skill is the ability to accurately define the problem; determining the cause of the problem; identifying, prioritizing, and selecting alternatives solutions to the problem and also implementing the chosen solution. Complex problem-solving skill is the ability to have a self-regulated psychological process which is needed in a dynamic environment to achieve ill-defined goals that cannot be reached by routine actions. Creative combinations of knowledge and a broad set of strategies are critical aspects needed to have Complex problem-solving skills. This will be an important skill set that players across industries will look for during post-COVID-19 times.
Having cognitive flexibility
Having cognitive flexibility allows a person to analyze a situation and come up with alternative plans to meet the goals or requirements. Being cognitively flexible increases the likelihood of success. This skill set enables a person to quickly adapt to new situations, increases one's brain function and builds resilience to stress.
Active Learning skills
Active learning is the ability to learn while working in collaboration with team members and the process. In this process of learning a person is expected to participate or interact with the learning process, as opposed to passively taking in the information. As it’s a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) world scenarios all situations, concepts and theories can’t be pre-created, and hence all problem situations can’t be anticipated in advance. Hence the ability to “actively learn” will be sought after by corporates.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house