A University of Queensland MBA student has won a global innovation challenge by making the world take note of how humanity will function in a technologically driven professional landscape.
Humberto Jimenez claimed victory for the first round of the Universitas 21 and PwC Innovation Challenge by sharing his insights into what it will take to ensure the human race continues to thrive in a world where a reported 47% of current jobs will fade into obscurity by 2020.
Mr Jimenez said innovation and automation were king, and future business professionals would need to shape and adapt to new ways of working.
“Employees of the future will not only need advanced technical knowledge, but they will also need to master what makes us human,” he said.
With a belief that people must stretch their limits and critical emphasis on people skills, Mr Jimenez discussed how technological advances have shifted some of the professional focus to a ‘gig economy’ where workers must continuously adapt to the demands surrounding them. However, he said that such an existence of no long term job security would result in stress and anxiety.
“How can anyone survive in this scenario? The answer is skills training and planning,” Mr Jimenez said.
“Change will be the only constant, and to truly add value and stay relevant, people must be dynamic, reliable and social.
“We must also invest in continual education, building relationships and nurturing curiosity, which will help us overcome challenges, reach our potential and thrive in this competitive world.”
The Universitas 21 and PwC Innovation Challenge, had students like Mr Jimenez communicate their specialist knowledge, skills and talents to potential employers. Students were asked to respond to the idea of working in a world where innovation rules and automation and ‘thinking machines’ are replacing human tasks.
As part of his prize, Mr Jimenez will receive training and coaching with PwC experts and clients during a week-long trip to Dubai later this year.
Mr Jimenez moved from Mexico to Australia 18 months ago to study a UQ MBA.
“I started my career as a chemical engineer, but while working for a consulting firm I realised I did not have enough knowledge about business operations and finance to get to where I wanted to be,” Mr Jimenez said.
“Through my studies, I have improved my knowledge, business acumen and professional networks.
“I hope this experience and my studies will open up new and exciting career opportunities for me as a management consultant in Australia.”
Mr Jimenez will complete his UQ MBA in November. The next group round of the Innovation Challenge will open on Monday 8 October 2018, which will include U21 institutions in Hong Kong, Singapore and Korea, North and South America, and Canada.
