We are in an ever changing world. Things in 2023 are being done completely differently than they were being done in 2015. That is why we called upon expert Nicole Hategikamana who can tell us what kind of skills can save careers in this era.
Are you a young entrepreneur looking to make your mark in the business world? Then you’ll need to equip yourself with a range of skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the 21st century.
To get some expert insight, we spoke to Nicole Hategekimana, Talent Manager at BAG Innovation, who shared her thoughts on the top 21st century skills for entrepreneurs, as well as tips on how to develop these skills.
BAG is an online platform that connects talents to employers through online programs designed to give students a taste of what it’s like to work at their favorite African companies. They help talents build their skills portfolio and employers build robust talent pipelines using fun experience programs.
The company is seeking to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers by linking available skills with the right people. The firm’s purpose was to give a chance to the youth, graduates and university students to gain skills of solving real-life business challenges and link them with internship placements and job opportunities.
The firm recognizes that making it in the Rwandan entrepreneural ecosystem requires several skills.
According to the Talent Manager, the top three 21st century skills for entrepreneurs are creativity, pitching, and tech-savviness.
“Being able to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to difficult problems is essential,” she says. “There are so many business ideas out there, but those that make a name for themselves are those that find an innovative way to solve a problem or capitalize on an opportunity.”
Pitching is also a must-have skill for entrepreneurs. “Brands and businesses that are making a shout are those that can present their products and services in a compelling way,” says Nicole.
And with the rise of digital technology, entrepreneurs need to be well-versed in the latest trends and understand how they can use them to their advantage. “Tech-savviness is essential for success in the 21st century,” says Hategekimana.
But one skill that’s often overlooked is adaptability. “The business world moves so quickly, and adaptability is essential for success,” she said adding, “Staying up-to-date on industry trends and technology advancements will help you anticipate the changes that are coming and how you can take advantage of them.”
The BAG’s Talent Manager recommends constantly learning and staying open-minded to embrace the idea of change. She also suggests surrounding yourself with people who have different perspectives and skill sets to build a more diverse team and foster a culture of growth and adaptation.
Collaboration is another crucial skill for entrepreneurs. “We actively foster an environment of open communication and collaboration by hosting brainstorming sessions, encouraging feedback, and providing opportunities for team members to work together on projects,” she said.
When hiring team members, Nicole looks for people with a good approach to learning and collaboration. She prioritizes those with a proven track record of working well with others, who value open communication and are eager to bring their unique perspectives to the team.
Have you heard about emotional intelligence? It is becoming increasingly important in business. “We look for qualities such as self-awareness, empathy, and social skills when assessing a candidate’s emotional intelligence during the hiring process,” she said.
So, if you’re a young entrepreneur looking to develop these skills, she recommends seeking out training sessions, workshops, and guidance to upskill yourself in your chosen industry.
Over to you, which of these skills do you think is most important for young entrepreneurs to develop, and why? How can you start developing these skills today? Share your thoughts with us.
And to all the young entrepreneurs out there, we urge you to take action today. Seek out opportunities to learn and grow, and don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace change. With the right skills and mindset, you can achieve great things and make your mark on the world.
