The Future Of Work: These Are The Skill Shifts That Will Define The Next Decade

Feeling a bit wobbly about the future of work? You’re not alone. Between the rise of AI, tech upgrades dropping every second day, and the pressure to stand out at work, it's a lot. 

The reality is, there’ll always be things in our careers we can’t control, but that’s exactly why it’s smart to double down on the stuff we can. 

Since not everyone has a career coach on speed dial, we teamed up with Swinburne Online—the MBA of choice for professionals keen to fast-track their career in the corporate world—to explore the skill shifts that will define the next decade of work.

We spoke to leadership and career coach Claire Seeber, who's all about helping people back themselves at work—and keeping a sharp eye on the latest hiring and job market trends while she’s at it. We also gathered expert insight from Swinburne's Programme Director John Webster, who gave us all the intel on how further study—and programs like an online MBA—can help you future-proof your skillset. 

Learning Agility

Learning agility is pretty simple: how quickly can you learn something and then apply it? According to Swinburne's Webster, "rapid technological shifts, climate risk, ethical complexity, and evolving leadership expectations will demand a new kind of professional agility."

For Seeber, this agility is crucial to career development, as technology and how we use AI continue to evolve at breakneck speed. "Both individuals and organisations will need to learn how to operate in a world of infinite information and access, which I see as being both a blessing and a curse," Seeber says. 

“The true challenge will be sifting through the endless information and learning how to use it for good in the world and in a way that drives positive change,” she adds. 

Critical Thinking

“In a world of information overwhelm (and overload), and where everyone has a platform, a strong ability to think critically, challenge the information we're being fed, and ultimately challenge our perspectives on things, will become an even more valuable skill in this coming decade,” Seeber says.

When it comes to levelling up, a little intentional reflection with a critical thinking lens goes a long way. Seeber’s tip? Make it a weekly thing and ask yourself: What did I learn? How did I grow? What could I do differently?

"Priority should be given to interdisciplinary capabilities—those that blend tech fluency with strategic foresight, cultural intelligence, and sustainability thinking," Webster adds, "Our MBA was built to elevate precisely these competencies."

Curiosity And Lifelong Learning

“If we want to stay up to speed with technology and its grasp on the way we work (and live), we’ve got to remain genuinely curious and open to learning,” Seeber says. 

To support growth, Seeber says it’s important to consistently ask for feedback, “not just from your direct manager, but colleagues, customers, or direct reports if you have them”. Seeber’s other hot tip? Get specific when you’re asking for feedback—vague vibes won’t cut it. The goal is to walk away with real, actionable intel you can actually use.

Further study can also be great if you want to fast-track your career, "but it's important to balance the on-the-job learning with the theory", Seeber says. Flexible online programs that allow for real-world application and career alignment are great for this, as they allow students to apply their new skills at work straight away. 

"Higher education plays a pivotal role by building not just what students know, but how they think," Webster adds, "our MBA aims to future-proof careers by bridging academic rigour with real-world innovation, helping students anticipate disruption, design ethical solutions, and remain agile across their careers."

Emotional Intelligence

Turns out the real power move over the next decade won’t be coding or crunching data—it’s emotional intelligence. Think: self-awareness, social awareness, and knowing how to read the room like a pro.

"Foundational technical skills still matter, but they're no longer enough on their own," Webster says. 

“There will always be someone in the room who's smarter than you (even if that someone is a computer). Being the smartest person is no longer enough," Seeber adds.

As tech keeps levelling up, Seeber says it’s the human side of work that’s becoming key. Empathy, communication, connection? Priceless. “It’ll be less about having the longest list of qualifications, and more about your ability to solve problems and get results through and with people,” she says. It’s all about how you show up—how you communicate, collaborate, and keep things moving in the moment. 

Adaptability 

With change coming in hot, both Webster and Seeber reckon adaptability is about to be the career skill to have on lock over the next decade. Flexibility? It’s your new superpower. 

"Upskilling is more than just learning new tools—it's about cultivating the ability to adapt, lead, and innovate in unfamiliar conditions," Webster explains.

“Can you embrace change without crumbling each time?” Seeber asks. “If not, build that muscle and build it now.”

She’s also all about getting curious, making a real effort to diversify your skills and scope out other areas of the business. The more you know, the more you grow.

“Ask colleagues in different departments about their roles, what a day in their life is like, what challenges they face, what assumptions they think people make about their jobs, etc,” Seeber suggests. “This will demonstrate your hunger to learn and develop”.

These five skills are universal. Sure, they might look a little different depending on your industry, but they’re all human skills that’ll shape how we thrive in a world of technology that’s changing fast. 

Thinking big?  From rising team leaders to seasoned managers, the Swinburne Online MBA's flexible program welcomes experience-backed learners who are ready to level up. Explore how the Swinburne Online MBA can help you lead with confidence, future-proof your career, and turn your experience into a qualification that counts.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Swinburne Online and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Image: Urban List