Careers blog: Navigating uncertainty

Alumni Careers Manager Konstantina Dee explores how to navigate uncertainty, the importance of adopting a growth mindset and the power of unlearning... 

Do you remember the career path you had in mind at the start of your university course? The chances are the world of work looks different today to then. We live in a time of constant flux, and lately, it seems like the pace of change has accelerated to a great degree. As business school alumni, you’re no strangers to dynamic markets and evolving strategies. But with geopolitical shifts, global trade realignments, and the rapid rise of AI, are the skills that you have enough to prepare you for what’s next?

The current landscape is marked by a significant increase in uncertainty. Many of the long-standing assumptions that once shaped our careers, from where goods are produced to what skills are most valued, are being challenged. It’s a time when employers are understandably hesitant to make long-term commitments, and the traditional path to success might no longer be the most direct one. So, how do you not only survive but thrive in this new era?

The key to navigating this new reality isn’t about having all the answers, but about demonstrating your ability to adapt and grow. Your qualifications and experience are a solid foundation, but the ability to adjust is your key asset.

Through conversations with alumni and professionals from across various industries, three key themes emerged that can help us navigate the uncertainty of today:

• Acknowledge the new reality: The first step is to recognise that the level of uncertainty in the business world has increased significantly. The skills and knowledge you acquired in previous roles or during your studies may not be perfectly aligned with the demands of today's workplace. This isn’t a sign of failure, but a starting point for re-evaluation and growth.   
• The growth mindset advantage: Employers are increasingly asking candidates about their agility and resilience in the face of change. They want to know how you work through uncertainty and still deliver results. This requires moving away from a fixed mindset and adopting a growth mindset, where you are open to continuous learning. Our executive education programs are specifically designed to help you do just that. By leveraging the latest insights and skills from our programmes, you can gain practical tools to enhance your leadership skills, you can work with faculty members and fellow alumni, and you will demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth. Check out the Behaviour Science in Practice course. Your willingness to adapt and unlearn old assumptions is more valuable than ever.
• The power of unlearning: In an era of rapid change, the ability to unlearn is as important as the ability to learn. To illustrate this, think of it as a software update for your brain. You must delete the code that no longer serves you to install the new, more efficient one. What worked in the past may not work now. We must approach situations with a blank canvas, free of past assumptions.

We'd love to hear your story. What's one skill you've had to unlearn, and what unexpected opportunities did it create?  Get in touch alumnicareers@wbs.ac.uk