How to have a digital career at any age

One of the world’s most successful startup founders is urging Australian job seekers of all ages to take an “entrepreneurial approach” to their careers to survive and thrive in the digital economy.

Matthew Brimer, co-founder of the pioneering global technology education enterprise General Assembly, is in Sydney to host a series of talks and masterclasses as part of the City of Sydney’s visiting entrepreneur program.

He says portable, employable skills are a must for today’s career-seekers.

“The world is transforming so rapidly that jobs are increasingly in flux, and the idea of taking an entrepreneurial approach to your career has become increasingly important,” Mr Brimer said.

“The skills you need throughout your life change dramatically. The skills and proficiencies you need when you’re 25 years old look very different to what you need when you’re 35, 45, 55 or older. Your education should evolve throughout your entire life with the evolution of your interests, passions, and career.

“To stay relevant, you need to adapt, stay current and keep your skills fresh. You should never stop learning at any age.”

The visiting entrepreneur program is produced by the City of Sydney in collaboration with partner organisations to support the local startup industry. The latest program will focus on building local networks and creating global growth.

“Our visiting entrepreneur program is an important part of our work supporting Sydney’s tech startup sector,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I’m pleased to welcome Matthew Brimer to our city to share his insights with local entrepreneurs.

“This series of talks and masterclasses will give people the chance to develop new skills and explore their potential in the startup space, where the opportunities for innovation are limitless.”

Mr Brimer co-founded General Assembly as a community hub, co-working space and education campus for New York City’s startup ecosystem in 2011. The company now has campuses in 30 cities, including Sydney and Melbourne. He recently sold the company for $412.5 million. He also co-founded Daybreaker, a lifestyle brand and event production company that produces ‘sober morning dance parties’ in major world cities.

Mr Brimer says Sydney’s entrepreneurs can use distance from other global tech hubs to their advantage.

“Problems that exist in other parts of the world outside of Silicon Valley are often great opportunities to tackle. There’s less competition and more time and space to build a real solution,” Mr Brimer said

“I’d recommend hunting after big, difficult, hairy challenges that people are actually struggling with.

This is a chance to build them a solution they were never expecting, to solve a problem they’ve always had to deal with.”

Mr Brimer will feature at a series of free and discounted events from Tuesday 27 November to Thursday 29 November, including:

Going Global with General Assembly – in conversation with Matthew Brimer Tuesday 27 November, 6.30pm, Sydney School of Entrepreneurship – free

Brimer talks to complex problem solver Holly Ransom about the leadership lessons he's learned throughout his accomplished entrepreneurial career.

Healthy Founders, Healthy Ecosystems – Wednesday 28 November, 9am, ACS Innovation & Technology, Barangaroo – free

In this session, Benjamin Chong will host Matthew Brimer and Amanda Price, Head of High Growth Ventures at KPMG Enterprise, in conversation on founder wellbeing and the importance of healthy ecosystems.

The Future and Disruption of Education – Wednesday 28 November, 6pm, Sydney Startup Hub – free

This conversation with Matthew Brimer will focus on how the future of work will be tightly linked to lifelong learning and how ‘edtech’ startups are trying to bridge the gap between a traditional liberal arts education and the skills-based education needed for careers of the future. An introductory keynote will be followed by a panel discussion of educators and influencers.

Brand + Community Masterclass with Matthew Brimer – Thursday 29 November, 9am, General Assembly – Tickets $15.

Matthew Brimer will lead a masterclass on how to build strong communities as a core part of your brand, and why it's so important to take this approach. Find out why community has been the most important part of his global companies General Assembly and Daybreaker.

Tech’s Hottest Jobs of the Future – Thursday 29 November, 6pm, Customs House – free

Find out about the top four most in-demand jobs of the future and learn which traditional roles have the most transferable skills for high-demand roles in the tech sector. A panel of experts in these roles will also share insights into how they successfully migrated into these roles.

Find out more and book tickets for upcoming events in the visiting entrepreneur program.

For media inquiries or images, contact Belinda Wallis. Phone mobile 0467 810 160 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Anusha Muller Phone 0408 494 545 or email [email protected]