How Innovation Drives Employability: Key Takeaways from Webinar with Deloitte Professionals
Carla Dias Wadewitz, Senior Manager of Innovation and Strategy at Launch Pad, emphasized the pivotal role of innovation in enhancing employability during a recent webinar hosted with innovation professionals with Deloitte.
We all know that artificial intelligence, robots, and automation are here. So how can we as human beings compete in the job market? It will be through the development of innovation skills.
She also highlighted the expansive career opportunities that innovation unlocks across industries: “Innovation is and will be one of the most critical roles that organisations are deeply focusing on.”
To provide students with practical insights into job innovation, Carla invited two Deloitte employees to join a panel session: Clea Halliday, an Innovation Product Strategist, and Paul Feronas, a Senior Consultant. The discussion was facilitated by third-year business student at Western; AbdAllah Khankan.
Clea Halliday shared her journey into innovation roles at Deloitte: “I didn’t necessarily choose a career in innovation; I explored various roles where innovation was integral.”
Paul Feronas, reflecting on his experience, remarked, “There are abundant job opportunities, especially when combining innovation with business and problem-solving.”
Snippets from the Q&A Session hosted by AbdAllah
Q/ AbdAllah: Given your extensive experience across different fields and industries, could you give us a specific example of where innovation significantly transformed a business’s strategic position?
A/ Clea: “Innovation requires rigorous processes and unexpected patience. We navigate systems and use conventional tools to achieve the desired innovation.”
Q/ AbdAllah: In your work with large-scale IT organisations, what are the most common obstacles you face in fostering an innovative culture, and how do you overcome them?
A/ Paul: “When implementing change, it’s crucial to support teams in adopting innovation and its transformative effects.”
Q/ AbdAllah: What opportunities are available for students like myself to work or intern at Deloitte?
A/ Clea: “I recommend building a versatile skill set across business functions. Our audit team, for example, has made significant strides in Gen. AI, transforming our practices.”
Q/ AbdAllah: What skills do you believe students should foster to effectively apply innovation?
A/ Paul: “Studying innovation challenges you to think differently, preparing you comprehensively for the workforce.”
Watch a more detailed version of the Q&A session via the button below:
Clea and Paul also elaborated on Deloitte’s Summer internship program, underscoring the company’s emphasis on passion, purpose, and problem-solving abilities over traditional experience.
Clea emphasized the company’s approach to candidate assessment, prioritising passion and problem-solving over specific job experiences or irrelevant details. Whilst, Paul highlighted Deloitte’s commitment to diversity and continuous learning, contrasting corporate stereotypes with their positive experiences at the company.
In summary, Launch Pad and major coorporations like Deloitte both advocate for innovation as a cornerstone of career readiness, promoting adaptability and a holistic skill set in today’s dynamic job market.