This is the time of the year when many universities around the world have their graduation ceremonies. With over 30 million graduates crossing the stage as proud degree holders, it is a time to celebrate and reflect.
Young people are graduating at one of the most transformative times in human history. This era is defined by artificial intelligence (AI), which is not just a tool but a force reshaping work, careers and entire industries.
While this brings extraordinary opportunities, it also brings uncertainty, especially for early-career professionals. Emerging global data is already pointing towards fewer available graduate jobs.
Not too long ago, being competent, qualified and hardworking was sufficient to carve out a successful career.
That world is fading fast. Today, it’s not enough to be a professional; graduates – whether an engineer, an accountant, a computer scientist or a psychologist – must become a “super-professional”.
What does that mean? It means unleashing their POWER by mastering the five qualities that will make them not only employable but also unstoppable in the AI era. These are outlined below:
> Purpose: We need to start by knowing our purpose as it is both an anchor and a north star. It is our self-motivator and the way we ascertain our self-worth, particularly when AI promises to do human tasks faster, better and for free.
> Ownership: Graduates need to own their domain by mastering the core knowledge and skills of their disciplines. No matter how powerful AI becomes, humans must command the standards in their industries, comprehend the frameworks of their specialisations, and be fluent with the tools of their professions. AI can assist, but it is the personalised understanding that will make the difference between a good decision and a great one.
> Working smart with productivity tools: The future belongs to those who can achieve more with less. A super-professional knows how to leverage AI and digital tools to work like a 10-person team, designing, researching, organising, writing and analysing. We should not fear these tools but make them our allies.
> Evolving and continuously learning, updating knowledge, and sharpening skills: In a fast-changing world, learning is not a phase; it is a lifelong strategy. Jobs, industries and even whole professions may change dramatically. Super-professionals stay sharp and curious and are ready to adapt, retool and grow, whether it is a new skill or a whole new domain.
> Relationships built on trust: The most valuable human skill in a world powered by technology is still trust. Whether it is with colleagues, clients or communities, mutual trust and shared purpose are what make teams strong and careers resilient. Super-professionals are individuals whom people believe in and want to work with.
While the world our young people are graduating into is highly uncertain, the potential of them being super-professionals is endless.
PROF MUSHTAK AL-ATABI
Provost and chief executive officer
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia; and
Chairman
Vice Chancellors’ Council for Private Universities
