This opinion piece was contributed by Gopi Ganesalingam
Chairman of Junior Achievement Malaysia
https://www.jamalaysia.org
In today’s fast-paced world, the only constant is change. When I reflect on my own 35-year-old journey, I realize how crucial it has been to continuously adapt and evolve. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the biggest brands in the world, where I was fortunate to receive excellent coaching and training at the outset of my career. This strong foundation, combined with relentless perseverance, has allowed me to take on leading regional roles, embark on an entrepreneurial journey, and spend the last decade serving in a leading government agency.
Through it all, one lesson stands out: to remain relevant, one must constantly reskill, upskill, and reinvent.
- The Importance of a Strong Foundation: When I started my career, I was blessed with opportunities to work with top-tier global organizations. These companies invested heavily in their employees, providing extensive training and mentoring. This early coaching played a pivotal role in shaping my professional ethos. It taught me not just the technical skills needed for my job, but also the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset. These are qualities that transcend industries and have been my guiding principles throughout my career. However, as valuable as that initial training was, and fortunately, the world didn’t stop evolving—and neither did I. To keep pace with the changes around me, I had to continuously build on that strong foundation.
- Reskilling and Upskilling: The New Career Imperatives: In my journey, I quickly realized that what got me here wouldn’t necessarily get me to the next stage. The skills and knowledge that were cutting-edge a few years ago can become obsolete. This is why reskilling and upskilling have been non-negotiable for me. Reskilling involves learning new skills to transition into different roles or adapt to significant changes in the industry. For instance, when I moved from the corporate world to the entrepreneurial space, I had to acquire a whole new set of skills, from understanding market dynamics to managing finances in a lean startup environment. Without reskilling, I wouldn’t have been able to make that transition successfully.
Upskilling, on the other hand, is about deepening your expertise in your current field. It’s about staying ahead of the curve and ensuring that your skills remain relevant as the industry evolves. This might involve taking courses, attending workshops, or simply staying updated with the latest trends and technologies. In the last decade, working in a government agency, I’ve seen firsthand how technology and data have transformed the public sector. Without continuous upskilling, I would have struggled to keep up.
- Reinventing Yourself: The Key to Longevity: Beyond reskilling and upskilling, I’ve found that the ability to reinvent oneself is what truly sets successful professionals apart. Reinvention is about more than just acquiring new skills; it’s about rethinking your approach, your role, and even your career path. It requires courage to step out of your comfort zone and explore uncharted territories.
My entrepreneurial journey was a form of reinvention. After years of working in powerful and comfortable corporate roles, I decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
This wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about reimagining what I could contribute to the industry and how I could add value to my shareholder and other stakeholders in new ways. Similarly, transitioning into the public sector after years in the private sector was another reinvention, driven by a desire to make a broader impact, personally and financially.
- My Call to Young Professionals: To the young professionals out there, my message is clear: Never stop learning. Whether you’re just starting out or are a few years into your career, remember that the world is changing at an unprecedented pace. The skills you have today may not be enough tomorrow. Commit to reskilling and upskilling regularly, and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself when necessary. This mindset will not only keep you relevant in the industry but also open up new and exciting opportunities you never thought possible.
- Stay curious, stay adaptable, and always be ready to embrace change. That’s the key to a fulfilling and successful career in any industry.
This opinion piece was contributed by Gopi Ganesalingam, Chairman of Junior Achievement Malaysia
For more information, please visit https://www.jamalaysia.org/