Key Points from the CDAA Conference 2012

I had the privilege of recently speaking at the Career Development Association of Australia’s annual conference in Canberra on how they could better guide their clients through the permanent uncertainty in today’s labour market. I took a number of key points away with me, especially some food for thought around Australia’s workforce today and looking into the future.

 

While we all know it’s a multi speed economy, think about these statistics:

• For every 1 job in mining, there are 5 jobs in manufacturing.
• All industries are becoming high-tech. Two-thirds of jobs now require a post-school education, and it’s trending up. If you have a post-school Certificate III or above, you are 3 times more likely to have a job than someone who doesn’t.
• The largest occupation growth over the next 5 years will be Professionals (eg engineers, geologists, nurses, health professionals, agricultural professionals, child care etc). If you are struggling to recruit these professionals now, it will only get harder in the years to come.
• Australia needs 1 million new workers in Aged Care by 2040. Ouch.

What the hare and the tortoise can teach you about your career

I know its after Easter so probably a bit late to be sharing rabbit metaphors, but this cartoon really grabbed my attention (although it probably gives you great insight into my sense of humour!). So here’s the lessons from both the hare and the tortoise:

Lessons from the Hare

1. Speed is good. Failure to take action is the key pitfall I see people fall into time and time again.
2. Energy is better. The hare bounces around like, well, a mad rabbit, but his energy is boundless. Knowing what gives you energy and ensuring you have routines in place to maintain your energy is critical for success.
3. On the downside…speed without a plan is just a roundabout. The Rabbit jumped into the dare with the tortoise without thinking it through. Watchout for this trap.

Lessons from the Tortoise

1. Know your strengths. The strength of the tortoise was his proximity to home and used it to his advantage. Do you?
2. Success and purpose are on the inside. If you want a sense of meaning and purpose in your career then follow the tortoise and look inside yourself. This life lesson is still exercised by too few people.
3. On the downside, nobody likes a smartarse, so exercise your EQ.