As the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship (SSE) celebrates its momentous seven-year milestone this month, we reflect on the journey that has positioned us at the forefront of entrepreneurial education in Australia.
Since SSE was established in 2016 as a nation-first government-funded collaboration between all 11 NSW universities and TAFE NSW, we have been driven by a singular mission: to equip learners from diverse backgrounds with the skills they need to thrive in Australia’s ever-evolving jobs market.
In today’s dynamic landscape, where industries are changing and new opportunities are emerging daily, being equipped with the right skills and mindset can make all the difference!
The Australian job market has seen significant shifts, with digital transformation, global events, and societal changes all influencing the skills that are in demand. To ensure that our learners remain competitive, SSE has continually adapted our programs to focus on the skills that matter most.
Keen for a head start?! Here are the top seven skills shaping tomorrow’s leaders, today.
1. Digital Literacy
Today, access to digital literacy training and resources is crucial. Digital literacy programs help bridge the digital divide for people from diverse communities, opening up more (and better) employment and self-employment opportunities. Australia’s Digital Inclusion Index 2023 indicates that, while there has been a significant push to increase digital literacy across the country, digital inclusion remains below the national average for those in rural and remote areas.
2. Adaptability and flexibility
The ability to adapt to new challenges and environments is more important than ever. Agility is important for everyone, but particularly so for individuals navigating systemic challenges such as discrimination or limited access (to opportunities, for example). For these communities, adaptability also involves learning to manoeuvre within—and being able to challenge!—different cultural contexts and institutional structures, ensuring that they can thrive despite potential obstacles.
3. Communication skills
Effective communication is an essential life skill. Whether pitching to investors, collaborating with peers, or having the courage to network in a crowded room, we love equipping learners with the skills they need to articulate their ideas and drive them forward. Effective communication is also vital for building strong, respectful relationships in the workplace, particularly when considering those from culturally diverse or First Nations backgrounds.
4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Entrepreneurship, employment, and solid, lasting professional relationships are not just about business acumen. They’re also about understanding people. EQ is empathy, it’s self-awareness, it’s an understanding of the importance of the interpersonal skills that are essential for learning, leadership, and teamwork.
5. Networking and community engagement
No entrepreneur succeeds alone! Building strong networks within and outside one’s community is crucial. Especially for those from diverse communities, strong networks can serve as a bridge between communities and potential employers and provide invaluable support while navigating the complexities of the job market.
6. Entrepreneurial skills
Entrepreneurial skills offer alternative pathways to economic success, especially for those facing barriers in traditional employment. This includes understanding how to start and sustain a business, often with limited resources, and sometimes within a community-focused context. For many, entrepreneurship provides a means to achieve economic independence and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
7. Strategic thinking
Are you a big picture thinker? Tackling a problem or challenge is one thing; being able to analyse a problem through a broader lens and anticipate future challenges, and make decisions that might align with longer-term goals or opportunities, is strategic thinking. Strategic thinking involves seeing the bigger picture, understanding the broader context, and identifying the most effective paths to achieve desired outcomes.
As we celebrate seven years of fostering entrepreneurship across Australia, SSE remains committed to empowering individuals with these essential skills. We recognise that the future of work is not just about finding a job but about creating opportunities, building resilience, and contributing to a thriving, inclusive economy. Together, with our partners and learners, we look forward to many more years of innovation, growth, and impact!
