Key skills sought by employers following the global pandemic

As we emerge from the pandemic, understanding its lasting impacts on essential skills and working arrangements becomes crucial.  

RMIT researchers from the Enabling Impact Platforms and STEM College, in collaboration with the Australian New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG), Boeing Research & Technology, the Australian Council of Professions, and Amazon Web Services, explored how the pandemic has influenced the skills sought by employers, and developed several recommendations for universities to consider.

This page provides an overview of the briefing paper “Key Skills Sought by Employers Following the Global Pandemic”, which was released in June 2024.

This paper was authored by:  

• Professor Michelle Spencer, Professor James Harland and Distinguished Professor Magdalena Plebanski, RMIT University
• Meghan Leigh, Australian New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology group (ANZGOG)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Klaus Veil, Western Sydney University
• David Pook, Boeing Research & Technology.

According to ANZGOG, first impressions now begin with digital interactions, such as CVs and LinkedIn profiles. Graduates need to ensure their application materials are polished and tailored to the role. Creating a digital footprint through social media, webinars, and relevant online activities is vital, especially when traditional work experience opportunities were limited during the pandemic.

The pandemic has underscored the need for adaptability in remote and hybrid work settings. Employers are looking for candidates who can maintain professionalism in virtual environments. This includes dressing appropriately for video interviews, ensuring good video and sound quality, and minimising distractions.

Soft skills, such as stress management and setting boundaries, have become more crucial, particularly in sectors like healthcare. Providing concrete examples of handling stress and maintaining work-life balance can give candidates an edge in interviews.

In technical fields, such as aviation, Boeing emphasises the need for a strong foundational knowledge base and digital skills. Graduates are expected to be adept in using complex digital tools and simulation software. Boeing’s use of an Agile framework highlights the importance of team collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Amazon Web Services values curiosity and initiative, encouraging employees to continuously seek knowledge and take the initiative in their roles. These traits are increasingly important as technology and digital environments evolve rapidly.

The Australian Council of Professions (ACoP) points out that digital skills and understanding AI’s implications are now essential. Professionals must be adept at working remotely, accessing resources online, and maintaining relationships without physical interactions. The rise of AI also necessitates an awareness of its benefits and risks, including issues related to AI-generated content.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the workforce, emphasising the need for adaptability, digital proficiency, and strong interpersonal skills. By aligning educational programs with these evolving requirements, universities can better prepare graduates for success in a post-pandemic world.

Key recommendations for universities include:  

• Fostering interpersonal skills: Despite the shift to digital interactions, maintaining and developing personal connections remain critical. Educational programs should incorporate opportunities for students to practice and enhance their interpersonal skills.
• Integrating digital competencies: Courses should emphasise digital literacy, including the use of modern technologies and tools relevant to various industries. Understanding AI and its applications should be a core component of the curriculum.
• Encouraging practical experience: Practical, hands-on experiences, such as internships and project-based learning, should be prioritised to help students demonstrate team collaboration and problem-solving abilities in real-world settings.
• Supporting continuous learning: Universities should promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development, encouraging students to stay updated with industry trends and technological advancements.

Read the full briefing paper “Key Skills Sought by Employers Following the Global Pandemic” (PDF, 242 KB).

This briefing paper was developed as part of the Digital Education Engagement Initiative (DEEI) at RMIT University, which emerged from a need to address the rapidly evolving landscape of education and professional skills, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Established in March 2020, DEEI was initially part of the Enabling Capability Platforms (ECP) Post COVID-19 ReStart Initiatives. As a current Enabling Impact Platform supported initiative it is driven by a collaborative effort among research leaders from College of STEM, including Professor James Harland, Distinguished Professor Magdalena Plebanski, Professor Matt Duckham, Professor Xavier Mulet and Professor Michelle Spencer.

Read about RMIT’s Digital Education Engagement Initiative (DEEI) here. (PDF, 1 MB)