Students envision world in 2040

30 Years ago, it would have been difficult to forecast the iPad, smartphones, or even social media – all tools that have changed the way we do business.

Now, the next generation of workers are being asked to make their own predictions of what the workforce will look like nearly 30 years into the future. Focus 2040 is a competition challenging university students across the country to envision the environment, systems and people that will shape business in the year 2040.

Today, a group of 10 finalists presented their ideas to a panel at the DeGroote School of Business for the chance to win $10,000. Some of the students gave us a sneak peek at their predictions before presenting to the judges.

York student Akshay Pattni: “Instead of actually going to interviews and people would ask you what is your leadership style, what kind of leader are you… they’d put you in a virtual simulation where they can actually see you in that situation.”

McMaster student Kelvin Ewald: “Get the workplace redesigned to mimic our proper evolutionary tract how the human body is supposed to move. One example would be to stand up more often and move around while we’re doing our work so there are few ideas like standing desks or tread-desks which does that.”

Mac student Sheeba Thomas: “We’re going to be environmentally conscious people and focused on what we’re doing. We’re going to be passionate about what we’re doing instead of doing something for money or something like that.”

The future of the most successful presenters will get a boost by winning internships with Ford, BPI Group and McLean and Company.