PCDA Articles
Your Career in a BANI World: 5 Essential Strategies
(published 20 June 2025)
Your Career in a BANI World: 5 Essential Strategies
The professional world is now a BANI environment – Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible. This means systems can unexpectedly shatter, uncertainty fuels anxiety, cause and effect are unpredictable, and information overload makes sense-making difficult. Traditional career planning simply won't cut it.
Here are five practical strategies to thrive in this new landscape:
1. Embrace Continuous Learning & Reskilling
Dedicate regular time (e.g., an hour weekly) to learning. This could involve online courses, industry webinars, or experimenting with new tools. Focus on both hard skills (e.g., data analysis) and future-proof soft skills (e.g., critical thinking, creativity).
2. Cultivate Radical Adaptability
Regularly assess your interests and transferable skills. Be willing to take on projects outside your comfort zone. Consider opportunities that might seem lateral if they offer valuable new experiences or exposure for long-term growth.
3. Build a Resilient Mindset & Prioritize Well-being
Implement daily self-care rituals like mindfulness or exercise. Practice reframing challenges as learning opportunities. Understand your stress triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Don't hesitate to seek professional support if needed.
4. Strengthen Your Network Actively
Don't wait until you need a job to network. Schedule regular, informal check-ins with former colleagues, mentors, and peers. Offer help as much as you seek it. Engage genuinely on professional platforms and at industry events.
5. Adopt a Proactive, Agile Approach to Career Planning
Define broad career directions instead of fixed roles. Set quarterly or semi-annual mini-goals for skill development or project experiences. Regularly review and adjust these goals based on market changes and personal growth. Your career is a living document, not a static blueprint.
By adopting these strategies, you can not only survive but truly thrive and find purpose in the evolving BANI world. To find out more from like-minded career development individuals, join PCDA.
#BANI #PCDA #CareerStrategies
Embracing the Future at APCDA Conference 2025 (12-25 May 2025)
(published 13 June 2025)
By John Lim, PCDA EXCO member
I had the privilege of attending the Asia Pacific Career Development Association (APCDA) Conference 2025, held from May 12 to 26 at Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. With the theme “Embracing the Future Through Leadership, AI, and Career Design,” this hybrid conference brought together career development professionals, researchers, and educators from many Asian countries and regions as well as other parts of the world to explore emerging challenges and co-create future-ready solutions.
A keynote highlight was Dr. Kevin Glavin’s presentation, “AI-Driven Career Design for a Brighter Future.” He addressed the rising disconnection many young people feel toward traditional career paths – seen globally in trends like Tang Ping and the Sampo Generation. Rather than apathy, this reflects a response to inequality, job insecurity, and rapid technological change. Dr. Glavin introduced how Career Construction Theory (CCT), when paired with AI tools like the Career Construction Interview (CCI), can help individuals reframe their career stories and build meaningful, adaptable paths forward.
As a participant, I was reminded of the power of connection in our profession.
APCDA offers a valuable platform to learn from diverse perspectives, build meaningful networks, and inspire change. I encourage fellow practitioners to stay curious, connect widely, and contribute actively to the evolving career development landscape.
I encourage you to join us as a member of PCDA Singapore and benefit from insightful lessons and great networking opportunities with like-minded individuals.
