As the New Year approaches, contemplating new year’s resolutions and aspirations is a natural instinct. If you’re wanting to get ahead in your career or make a career change we have listed our top learnings from last year’s #CareersUnlocked LinkedIn livestream events, to guide you towards success.
1). How to find your passion in your career.
Earlier in 2023, the #CareersUnlocked community listened to Shehara Hapugalle, Senior Client Lead for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, at The Dream Collective.
With changing workplace expectations seen in the past 12 months, Shehara explained that “it’s not just about the salary anymore; it’s more about the flexibility and the fulfilment employees are getting from that role."
Discovering your passion in your career is a journey of self-exploration and intentional reflection. Start by identifying activities that genuinely excite and engage you; these can be personal projects, hobbies, or aspects of your current job. Reflect on your strengths, values, and the impact you want to make.
Be open to trying new things, as sometimes passion is found through experimentation. Consider seeking the guidance of mentors or career coaches who can offer valuable perspectives. Embrace the idea that passions may evolve over time and be patient with yourself throughout the process. By aligning your skills, interests, and values, you can uncover a fulfilling and passionate career path.
2). How to find your purpose in a new or current role.
Passion and purpose are often valued with equal importance. Shehara again offered her advice on the importance of individuals determining their purpose in this current landscape, explaining purpose as “what your reasoning is to be a part of this organisation."
Shehara advises employees to “take a step back and reflect and make sure you find your purpose before you try and align it with someone else's". Purpose can also create community by aligning your purpose with the organisation and that of your team. Purpose also impacts organisations, “It doesn’t have to be all about only social enterprises and environmental sustainability. It is in finance and law, marketing and social media. It’s in every element.”
3). How to use technology to increase profit and employee engagement within industry.
Also joining the #CareersUnlocked panel in 2023 was Professor Barney Tan, Head of School - Information Systems and Technology Management, UNSW Business School. Barney spoke about how technology is used in industry, especially to increase profit and employee engagement. For sustainable career development goals, Barney believes that technology plays a leading role in this.
To thrive in this evolving market and contribute significantly to organisations, a more extensive skill set is essential for the understanding of technology capabilities. “This is something that we at the Business School are very focussed on. Programs centred on how to leverage technology. If you really want to future-proof your career you need to have an appreciation of technology,” emphasised Barney.
When providing guidance to professionals navigating the current employment landscape, Barney underscores a crucial aspect, stating, "technology is going to change the world and no matter what career path you’re going to get into you need to be equipped with an understanding of how to harness technology.”
4). The impact on AI and technology on creative industries.
In the #CareersUnlocked: Will AI & Technology enhance creative industries online event, we heard from UNSW's Professor Toby Walsh. At a time of unprecedented technological change, Toby shared his insights on AI for the creative industries.
Prof. Toby Walsh - Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor, Chief Scientist of the UNSW AI Institute
“One thing is very clear, that the people who know how to use AI tools will amplify their productivity and become more creative. Rather than the people who can't use these tools, who will probably start to be displaced.”
And on the subject of human vs machine, Toby explained, '“Many jobs aren't going to go away because we're going to want to have that human connection. So, we're going to be willing to pay extra to have humans do those things, because they'll be more meaningful to us.”
5). Elevate your career by capitalising on digital transformation.
In another recent #CareersUnlocked online event, one of our expert panelists, Anita David, Head of HR Technology at Macquarie Group discussed how to capitalise on digital transformation to elevate your career.
“I've personally found that what’s worked for me is just adopting a learning mindset. I know that there are a lot of technologies out there that are emerging, and I want to be one of those first people to learn about them. But what it also means is that I need to be comfortable with the unknown and be comfortable knowing that I may not have all the answers.”
The discussion emphasised the importance of acquiring new skills, fostering diverse backgrounds, and adopting a customer-centric approach to thrive in the evolving digital landscape. Developing broad skills, complementary skillsets, and maintaining a lifelong learning attitude were identified as key strategies for staying at the forefront of your career path.
‘I think that as an individual we need to be constantly assessing what are the emerging trends and what is it that industry is telling us as being the next big thing. Then seeing if we are equipped to service that and do we understand what the technology is about. I think it starts with that self-reflection,” Anita explained.
How can UNSW help you with your professional goals?
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UNSW has strong ties with industry partners, providing postgraduate students with valuable networking opportunities. Engaging with industry professionals through workshops, seminars, and internships allows students to bridge the gap between academia and the workforce.
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UNSW is at the forefront of groundbreaking research, contributing significantly to global advancements. Enrolling in postgraduate study at UNSW opens doors to cutting-edge research opportunities, allowing students to be part of transformative projects and contribute to the expansion of knowledge in their chosen disciplines. This hands-on experience provides a unique perspective and sets graduates apart in the competitive job market.
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Embarking on postgraduate study at UNSW is a great option and can be an inspiring and rewarding choice. Whether you're interested in business, engineering, arts, science, or technology, UNSW offers postgraduate courses that are designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and advanced knowledge. All sharing the same purpose - for students to specialise in fields that align with their passions and career goals.
UNSW offers a diverse range of postgraduate programs designed to help you take your career to the next level. To unlock your full potential, it's essential to cultivate a mindset of resilience, curiosity, and continuous learning. This journey often requires stepping out of comfort zones, facing uncertainties, and believing in your ability to overcome obstacles.
What will you study in 2024?
Starting postgraduate studies at UNSW goes beyond academics; it's a transformative journey unlocking new possibilities, challenges, and opportunities. In 2024, if you're looking to enhance your education and career then explore postgraduate study at UNSW. This won't be just a fresh start, it will be an investment in your future, shaped by knowledge, curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence.
