By Alison Pike, Head of Careers & Higher Education Guidance
In a world increasingly shaped by automation, the most valuable asset a student can possess isn't just technical knowledge, it’s a limitless sense of curiosity, a distinctly human strength. John Burn-Murdoch in the Financial Times highlighted ‘that contrary to the prevailing view soft skills, more than quantitative competency has seen the biggest rewards in the labour market in recent years.’ Further to this, LinkedIn data referenced in January 2026 noted AI has added 1.3 million new, AI-enabled roles in the past two years, many arising from curiosity-driven innovation.
It is not just industry; the HELOA conference recently highlighted that, as the landscape of qualifications is also changing, the options ahead of our young people are diversifying. This makes the need for expert guidance and personalised, high-quality information and advice increasingly essential in helping students channel their curiosity and moments of inspiration into life-changing next steps for their future careers.
In our recent ‘Creating Great Content,’ session for Scholars, experts from film, gaming, and journalism emphasised to our students the importance of soft skills, particularly staying curious, in the age of AI. They shared how a mindset of continuous learning and exploration has shaped their personal success and offered tips on cultivating these skills. Drawing on their expertise, here is how today’s students can harness curiosity to navigate an evolving professional landscape.
Why Be Curious?
Being curious is the ultimate career skill essential for success in the age of AI. The path to a "dream job" is rarely a straight line. Adam Coates, a Film Editor and Producer, reminded students to set ambitious goals while remaining open to "detours." When you are curious about the mechanics of an industry, rather than focusing on just one specific role, you become more adaptable. Chris Simms, a freelance journalist for New Scientist, echoed this, noting that his own route to journalism was fuelled by a willingness to pivot and learn. In the AI age, the ability to say "I wonder how this works" when faced with a new challenge is what separates leaders from followers.
Curiosity is an active pursuit, not a passive one. Kate Jones, former Content Team Lead at Lycos, urged students to "be brave and try things out." Curiosity drives the critical judgment necessary for media and creative roles. While AI tools are powerful, the speakers warned against letting them dull our natural inquisitiveness. "Keep using your brains! If you ask chatbots to do things for you all the time, you’ll train your brain not to be able to do it," warned Chris Simms. Curiosity is what allows humans to ask the right questions, something AI cannot do on its own. By maintaining a critical desire to understand the "why" behind the "what," students ensure their skills remain irreplaceable.
Curiosity isn't just about subjects; it’s about people. The panellists emphasised the importance of networking and "never burning bridges." A curious student asks questions, seeks to understand different perspectives, and stays connected to the industry through genuine interest.
Our Top Tips For How To Direct Your Curiosity
- Prioritise Information: Identify what matters from the noise.
- Build Expertise: Don't just skim the surface; dive deep into your interests.
- Take Risks: As Richard Wilson, Co-founder of Mobile Pie, noted, some of the most successful games are created by school-aged creators who aren't afraid to experiment in their free time.
At Sidcot, we help students nurture genuine curiosity in their learning and future pathways. Through supportive guidance and chances to explore real-world voices and industries, we encourage them to ask questions, follow their interests, and stay open to new possibilities. By valuing curiosity as a strength, we equip our students with the confidence and adaptability they need for the future.