In his 1969 book, The Age of Discontinuity, Peter Drucker made the distinction between knowledge workers and manual workers. Knowledge workers were hired for their information and ability to manage and make decisions. Manual workers, on the other hand, were hired to follow instructions and work with their hands. He predicted that the future belonged to knowledge workers as we shifted from an industrial base to a knowledge and information driven marketplace.
According to the Select Greater Philadelphia website, Peter Drucker’s prediction has come true. Their data shows 75 percent of the employment in the Philadelphia area is due primarily from the importance of a knowledge-based economy. While employment in education and health services, professional and business services, financial and information technology traditionally require highly educated and skilled workers, manufacturers such as Boeing and DuPont are requiring more knowledge based workers to operate computerized and high-tech manufacturing equipment.
Job seekers who are considering relocating to the Philadelphia area would find this information helpful to determine whether they have the skills, education and knowledge required to compete for knowledge-based jobs. Local job seekers, frustrated in their job search, may not realize that 75 percent of companies are looking for individuals with good skills and knowledge to function in an increasingly technical environment. If your resume puts you in the manual worker category, your opportunities may be limited and shrinking. Here are some things you need to do now to compete in the knowledge-based sector:
1. Evaluate your own knowledge base. Like it or not, a degree or certificate from an accredited university, college or technical school is still required to prove you have knowledge in a certain area or profession. If you’ve taken some courses in the past but never finished your degree, now is the time to request your transcripts and get back on track.
2. Do some research on major companies in the area and what types of jobs are available. You may be drawn to a company because of its location, benefits, salary, opportunity, eco-friendly or one with a social conscience. Check the minimum job requirements for current job postings. This information, along with your transcripts, will give you an idea of what courses you need to take and how long before you can get your degree or certification.
3. Get started now. Enroll in classes for the next semester. If you are still working, you may be able to take classes on a tuition reimbursement program. It may take time and money, but getting your degree is an investment in your future. You can add ongoing education towards a degree and a projected graduation date on your resume.
4. Volunteer for cross-training or lateral job changes. There may be a freeze on pay raises or promotions, but you can gain valuable knowledge outside your area or field through in-house training or transfers to other areas.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for phillyjobs.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at phillyjobs.com and view additional job postings on Beyond.com.
