How Women Can Stay Competitive In Evolving Industries

The industrial world is ever-evolving, driven by technological growth like machine learning, AR and VR, AI in everything from fridges to mass production machines. Climate technology, finance, health care, renewable energy and digital marketing are revolutionary fields women must pursue for future-proof careers.

You must improve your skills and remain competitive to stay in an industry or lead a new one. Increase your competitive edge in dynamic markets with knowledge, advanced training and an updated toolkit. 

You don’t have to become a tech wiz, but you should at least understand basic terms and know your way around the latest data formats. Get familiar with technology and build networks and communities that support your upward mobility. Doing so requires that you find “a way to really understand the data of your community” to thrive, said Chantel George, founder of Sistas in Sales.

An undergraduate degree is no longer sufficient to secure advanced employment. Despite 57% of women graduating with degrees in the U.S., only 12% of AI researchers are women, showing an employment bias toward more traditional gendered roles.

Instead, women are appointed to support roles in human resources, legal and IT, according to the 2024 McKinsey report. Consider upping your tech skills with courses. Google has certifications in topics such as data analytics, and Coursera offers excellent short courses.

Technology is redefining all sectors, including health care — one of the top rising industries — and innovations like telehealth are driving change. Remain at the leading edge of your career by embracing these changes.

By learning, you invest in your career path, as you do in your retirement plan. Start developing better analytical skills, which rank 9.1% of the reported core skills that make you more hireable. According to the 2023 World Economic Forum report, upskilling should target skills in analytics, creativity, adaptability and motivation.

A further point to remember is upskilling isn’t only about promotions. It’s also about accepting that your current job may no longer exist in a few years, with the trend toward skills disruptions and new technologies changing how many work. Adaptability is at the heart of staying competitive and relevant in new sectors.

Embracing continuous learning and training opportunities in your career can help you remain relevant. Companies that engage their staff are also 18% more likely to increase job retention, meaning participating in offered upskilling classes or certificates could make you a happier, more valuable team member.

Build your career path by enlisting mentors and sponsors who can increase your knowledge, network and experience level. Finding a suitable one can be as simple as identifying a leader whose style resonates with your aspirations and approaching them for guidance. You can also join professional mentorship programs and associations to increase your network skills and expand your resume.

Experts predict 107 million occupational switches may be necessary by 2030 globally, so you could need a different job soon. Instead of pivoting with change, use strategic positioning to develop an innovative, solution-driven career that may not exist yet. While it may sound impossible, it’s not.

Successful adaptability requires:

• Staying ahead of industry trends: Join professional associations and networks to remain at the forefront of change instead of fighting against it. By being knowledgeable about such an endeavor, you can better avoid getting swept aside by it.
• Build thought leadership in the new space: Start building awareness and participation in a new career field. Create your presence through LinkedIn posts, ask smart questions of related sector leaders and ensure people associate you with the field you’d like to expand into.

You don’t have to chase every shiny new skill or try to do it all, but staying competitive means remaining curious, visible and intentional in your career approach. Pick one area to improve, document your process and then talk about it to everyone else. That’s how you remain the knowledgeable thought leader and authority everyone wants to hire.