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The first-ever masterclass at Miva’s newly launched Lagos Study Centre kicked off on a high note just a day after its unveiling on 29th April, 2025. Leading this inaugural session was Emmanuel Joseph, Director of Human Resources at Eko Hotel and Suites.
In his session on “Top 10 Skills for the Future”, Mr Joseph shared deep insights drawn from his years of experience in talent management and workforce development. His practical guidance set the tone for the kind of forward-thinking, career-shaping learning that Miva aims to impart in its students.
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Top 10 Career-Ready Skills for the Future
Mr Joseph took participants through a practical session on the top 10 career-ready skills every professional needs to thrive in today’s evolving work environment. He emphasised a blend of human-centred and digital competencies that prepare individuals not just to work but to lead, adapt and stay relevant.
1–5: Human-Centred Skills: Building Personal and Interpersonal Strength
These five foundational skills focus on how we relate with others and manage ourselves:
- Emotional Intelligence
Understand how people receive and respond to feedback. Cultural sensitivity and empathy are key, especially in collaborative, cross-cultural environments. - Adaptability and Resilience
Build the capacity to remain productive even in challenging situations. Employers value professionals adapt to change, bounce back from setbacks, and still drive results. - Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Being able to assess situations, weigh options, and make sound decisions remains a timeless skill. - Creativity and Innovation
Whether in product design, service delivery or workplace systems, innovation helps you stand out. - Collaboration and Cross-Cultural Communication
Working across teams and cultures requires active listening and respect for differences.
6–8: Digital and Data Skills: Succeeding in the Tech-Driven Workplace
The digital workplace demands fluency, not just familiarity, with tools and data. As Mr Joseph highlighted, “No matter your course of study, digital skills will be part of your career.” These three skills focus on improving efficiency and informed decision-making:
- Digital Literacy
Understanding and using digital tools can make a big difference. The speaker encouraged participants to find out the tools, software, and platforms that will help them enhance their work, irrespective of their career paths.
He shared personal examples where Excel skills transformed manual, time-consuming tasks into seamless processes, like payroll generation and employee letter preparation.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
Beyond collecting data, professionals must interpret trends, understand patterns, and tell compelling stories with data. According to the speaker, tools like Excel’s PivotTable and graphing functions are a good starting point. - Learning How to Learn (Tech Agility)
Staying updated with the latest tools is essential. Be proactive about discovering and mastering new technologies that improve your work.
Mr Joseph explained, “You should be interested in finding out the latest tool that will improve the work that you’re doing.
“You need to be comfortable with learning new tech. When you hear about the latest tool, don’t wait. Catch on immediately and begin to learn.”
9–10: Career and Self-Leadership Skills: Driving Your Own Growth
The final part of the session focused on personal drive, work ethic, and personal leadership, which set the tone for professional success.
- Self-Management
Discipline, organisation, and the ability to follow through are vital. Time management and workspace organisation impact performance, especially for students and early-career professionals. - Entrepreneurial Thinking
This involves anticipating needs, seeking solutions before being told, and treating problems as opportunities. Proactiveness, even as an employee, sets you apart.
On a Final Note
The masterclass ended with an interactive session and a strong reminder: today’s professionals must be adaptable and proactive. These ten skills are not just desirable—they are necessary for anyone hoping to build a fulfilling and resilient career in the modern world.
Whether you’re a student, employee, or entrepreneur, these ten skills equip you for both today’s workforce and the future.
If you missed the live session, the recording is available on the Miva Open University YouTube channel (@mivauniversity). To learn more about the university’s programmes, admissions, and other offerings, visit our website: www.miva.university or contact an admissions advisor on WhatsApp: +234 9132 300 000.
