Shift happens. Earlier this week, I stumbled across a very interesting video posted on YouTube entitled “Shift Happens.” The video presents a number of very interesting facts and statistics about globalization and technology change. Seeing that we are at a technological institute focused on creating global leaders, this video proved to be a great topic to discuss.
Here are some very interesting statistics that you may have not realized: China’s top quarter of individuals, based on IQ, outnumbers the entire population of North America. Beyond that fact, it won’t be too long until China has more English-speaking citizens than any country in the world. Pretty unbelievable, huh? As for technology, the rate of change is so high that current schools, such as Rensselaer, are preparing us for jobs that don’t yet exist, with technologies that have not yet been invented! And not only are we being prepared for these jobs, but the rate at which technology becomes obsolete is so fast, that theoretically half of what we learn freshman year is obsolete by our junior year. These are truly some incredible statistics.
What are the ramifications upon us during this age of change? Globalization is causing a major paradigm shift in the operation and management of companies and ideas. To remain competitive, we must be attuned to these changes and remain on the forefront of change. As the playing fields of the world become leveled, we have the unique opportunity to take advantage of the tremendous intellectual capital offered by many countries. By traveling or studying abroad, we are given the insight into the cultures, ideals, and relations of our worldwide neighbors. As Americans, we are often thought of as being the most pompous and cocky, and, while our country is surely great, England was the epicenter of activity, wealth, and defense in 1900. It is possible to infer that one day, America may not be the center of activity and research as it is now. It is therefore critical to understand the cultures of the world and develop business models that thrive amidst difference.
We are constantly barraged, through the media, with ideas about immigration and foreign policy so regularly that many of us may have become jaded to the issues. I personally think now is not the time to be building fences, literally or figuratively, but rather to embolden ourselves to the great opportunities available through collaboration with other countries. As students, we must embrace the diversity offered by Rensselaer and realize that it is equipping us as future leaders of the world. There is much change happening, and to really peruse the information and delve into the topic would require more time and space than I have available today. I would encourage everyone to take stock of their strengths and weaknesses, and begin thinking about business and foreign relations on an equitable level. While the initial thought of globalization may be scary, I believe with a little creativity and lots of hard work, we may develop a solution. I believe that we all have our unique talents, but if you really are one-in-a-million, than there are about 301 people just like you in the United States, and 1,300 in China! Sometimes, size really does matter.
