Every year on 15 July, World Youth Skills Day calls on nations and organisations to invest in preparing young people for the future of work.
Today, when so much is said about young people being under-skilled, unskilled, or even skilled yet unemployable, the conversation on youth skills is more important than ever.
Key Insight
“Just by closing current skills gaps, the global economy would gain at least US$6.5 trillion by 2030 via increased productivity”
— PwC
We believe that five specific mindsets can help every young professional navigate the workplace of today and shape the one that’s coming tomorrow.
The mindset of nurturing your ability to learn
There was a time when a college degree could sustain an individual through an entire career. That time has passed. Today, your ability to continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn is the most valuable professional capability you have. Nurture a mindset that makes you proactively look for opportunities to learn something new. Your fire for learning will make you stand out like no certification can.
The mindset of embracing change as opportunity
Fuelling every high-performing young person is a mindset that allows them to reframe a disruption as an opportunity to build momentum. When change arrives, lean into it. Bring everything you’ve already learned to the table, apply it to what’s new, and make the experience count for yourself, your team, and your organisation.
Developing leadership and nurturing the younger generation are essential for creating a future-ready business. Preparing fresh talent ensures growth, governance, and grit go hand in hand. This has been one of my guiding principles for over a decade
— Ashwin Muthiah, Founder & Chairman
The mindset of embracing technology as a partner
Ten years ago, technology was a department in organisations. Today, every role at every workplace is partly a technology role. Young people have the advantage of being familiar with the technology-powered way of life. Build a mindset that lets you actively look for opportunities to do your work better and faster with the aid of technology. Think of technology not as something to keep up with, but as something to think with.
The mindset of building ecosystems
Individual brilliance is worth celebrating. But the young professionals who make the biggest difference are the ones who think beyond their own role. They connect people across functions. They bring in expertise they don’t have. They build networks of colleagues and partners. That mindset, of being a part of something larger than yourself, will empower you to thrive in the workplace of the future.
The mindset of developing your Human Quotient
Of all five mindsets, this one goes beyond the workplace. It shapes how you navigate life itself — how well you understand yourself and others, how you respond when things don’t go to plan, whether you’re grounded in a sense of purpose that guides your choices. We call this the Human Quotient. It’s a combination of emotional awareness, resilience, values, adaptability, and the drive to keep learning.
Here are some questions worth asking yourself as you think about your own Human Quotient:
The Foundation
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) — Am I getting sharper at thinking through new problems, or dependent only on what I already know?
Emotional Quotient (EQ) — In the ups and downs of life, how well do I understand what I’m feeling and how it affects the people around me?
Spiritual Quotient (SQ) — Do I have a sense of purpose that holds steady when everything else is shifting?
Moral Quotient (MQ) — Would I make the same choices if no one were watching
Curiosity Quotient (CQ) — When did I last explore something outside my comfort zone?
The Pillars
The world of work will continue to evolve, but these five mindsets will help young professionals stay adaptable, relevant and ready for the opportunities ahead.
At AM International, we are committed to creating opportunities where young talent can develop these capabilities, apply their skills to real-world challenges, and grow into the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
