Ep 17: Girls Who Are “Future-Ready”

Quote: “I do think the world of work has moved away from valuing superficial skills and knowledge and has very much moved to valuing people who are able to think more deeply and have the skills to think critically and problem-solve.” (Benenden Student) How can we prepare today’s girls for a future in which nearly 85 percent of the jobs that they will hold over the course of their work years haven’t yet been invented? Certainly, while it is not possible to know precisely how the world of work will look in 15-20 years, emerging statistics suggest that today’s students will have multiple jobs–and perhaps multiple income streams–as they build their careers. Girls need to be “future-proofed”--yes, that really is a word–with a new mindset about work: a mindset that embraces lifelong learning, creative problem-solving, and adaptability to the relentless pace of change. Girls need authentic experiences in today’s real world, learning competencies that will make them “future ready.” Samantha Price, the Head of School of the Benenden School in Cranbrook, England, and Helen Semple, the Academic Deputy Head there, join host Trudy Hall to share a vision for “a complete education,” one that goes far beyond academics to include a multi-faceted Professional Skills Programme that will make you want to go back to high school. It is never too soon to start the conversation about work with a young girl, especially if we want them to steer their own course to a future in which they are the ones asking “what if” as they imagine possibilities. Resources: ICGS (International Coalition of Girls Schools): https://girlsschools.org Benenden School: https://www.benenden.school/ Institute for the Future: https://www.iftf.org/about-iftf/