🎙️ Did You Know? On January 2, 1960, Johnny Cash performed his first free concert at San Quentin Prison in California. This iconic event not only solidified Cash’s reputation as a voice for the unheard but also inspired future country music legend Merle Haggard, who was in the audience as an inmate.

Talented and daring people can inspire us to discover things we didn't know we had and find new paths. Likewise, picking up new skills can make us more resilient and help us face challenges with a fresh perspective.

Skill Up for the Future
The Foundation of Career Growth

The job market is ever-competitive. When countless candidates with similar qualifications are vying for the same position, how do you stand out? Well, that’s where your skills come in.

Rapid technological change and the need for constant adaptation have led 73% of companies to adopt a skills-based hiring style. Up-skilling is no longer an option, it is a necessity to keep up with the globalized market. 

The following are our honest suggestions, no affiliate links or kickbacks apply. 

What skills do you need? RoadMap has you covered:

While specific skills and tools depend on your field, there are four essential skills needed universally for any position.

🫂 Soft Skills

• Take a Course. Platforms like BetterUp or LinkedIn Learning offer training in communication and leadership.

• Practice in Real Life. Volunteer to lead projects, or mentor colleagues if they ask for help.

• Ask for Feedback. Ask trusted peers or mentors how you can improve your interpersonal interactions.

🎯 Project Management

• Get Certified. The Google Project Management Certificate on Coursera is a great starting point.

• Learn Agile or Scrum. These methodologies are game-changers in project execution.

• Apply It. Volunteer to lead a small project at work or in your community to put your skills into practice.

🧠 Analytical Thinking

• Take a Course. Look for classes like "Critical Thinking and Problem Solving" on Udemy or Coursera.

• Use Real-Life Scenarios. Analyze past projects or challenges to identify areas for improvement.

• Show Your Skills. Include data-driven decisions or problem-solving examples in your resume or portfolio.

🖱️ Digital Literacy

• Start Small. Take Google’s free Applied Digital Skills courses for practical know-how.

• Explore Advanced Tools. Learn data visualization, automation, or cybersecurity basics.

• Create a Portfolio. Showcase your proficiency with digital tools like spreadsheets, presentations, or online platforms.

Your qualifications might get you in the door, but these four skills will help you shine once you're there.

TL;DR
news + current events

Salesforce Is Hiring for Its AI Team

Ava Martinez

Salesforce is doubling down on its AI expansion, announcing plans to hire 2,000 new employees, up from an initial estimate of 1,000. These roles will focus on marketing and selling its AI offerings, including the second generation of Agentforce, set to launch in February 2025. This technology automates repetitive tasks and enhances customer service by handling basic queries through AI agents, reducing the need for human intervention.

While the company has faced layoffs in recent years, this hiring surge signals a pivot toward growth and innovation in a challenging job market. Salesforce’s investment in AI aims to position it as a leader in automated business solutions, ensuring its services remain a top choice for clients navigating the AI revolution.

Curated Clicks

The best way to learn a new skill is from the experts, especially when you can get a real certificate for it. Coursera is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses, specializations, and even degrees from top universities and companies around the world. 

The flexible learning format allows you to enroll and study at your own pace in a wide range of subjects, from business to technology. You can enroll in courses that fit your schedule, complete assignments, and earn a certificate upon successful completion to add to your professional portfolio. Coursera courses are taught by industry leaders and renowned instructors, giving you access to quality education no matter where you are.

RoadMap is a private network for recent college grads embarking on their job search and early career journey.

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