BY ANDREW KWON

The demand for labour in Australia is currently very strong, which should advantage first-time jobseekers. 

But the COVID-19 pandemic proved just how quickly that can change, which has left young workers concerned as to what they should do to prepare for an uncertain future.

Monash University senior economics lecturer Dr. Jaai Parasnis said students should invest in themselves and begin to think long-term.

“We don't know how the future will change and what jobs will become promising," Dr Parasnis said.

"We should learn more about technology, focus on education, increase our value, and prepare to adapt to any changes,” she said.

“One way to raise your respective value is by building your career. Do not be afraid to change your jobs or roles.”

Master of Journalism student Himangi Singh expected to get a variety of educational experiences while in Australia, but the pandemic ruined those plans.

“I started my studies at Monash in March 2020 and will finish it this year. Unfortunately, because most of it was throughout the pandemic it was online, so I didn't have an opportunity to really go and do any internships,” Ms Singh said.

Despite the initial frustration, she said she has done her best to prepare for her career.

“This year, I wanted to take all the opportunities," Ms Singh said.

"I applied for the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program at Monash University, where I can do an internship during the semester.

"I'm also doing an internship at a digital newspaper, The New Daily.

"I'm doing an internship with Monash Arts. I've also been doing an internship with The Age - so I’m doing four internships this semester.”

Ms Singh emphasised networking was an essential skill to prepare for future jobs.

“Networking is very important, and extracurricular activities are also important," she said.

For example, at Monash, we have many clubs and associations. Students should take all these opportunities to network with like-minded people."

She hopes this preparation will give her confidence in navigating future instability in the labour market. 

Young workers in other countries have the same concerns. South Korea’s economy, for example, shares similar aspects to Australia’s.

Song Ung-geun, a final-year student at So-gang University in Seoul, is also worried about his future employment prospects. 

“Everyone is concerned about the future here at my school. We saw many retail shops and restaurants closed during the pandemic," Mr Ung-geun said.

"We did not predict COVID-19 before; we cannot predict the future," he said.

"Although we can prepare ourselves hard, something unexpected might happen, then we could not deal with the failure."

Mr Ung-geun's goal is to work at Incheon International Airport. He is currently collecting as many certificates and experiences as possible to prepare for his job application. 

“I got a Korean history certificate, computer literacy certificate and high score from the Oral Proficiency Interview Computer, an English proficiency test," he said.

I also focus on building up many experiences. I was an exchange student for a semester at The University of Utah.

"I joined some clubs at my university. For example, I joined the social venture club in which I did some business with my teammates pursuing profits and social value.

"I also joined a volunteer club where I help international students at my school."

Young workers should develop their strengths, invest in themselves, and adapt to changes, Dr Parasnis said.

“Don’t be too focused on the exact right fit. Be ready to grow into - and then maybe out of - a job,” she said.