1. FutureSurfing
W e d e sig n t h e f u t u re

2. What is the future of work?
The Current Rules
• High IQ (academic
intelligence)
• Qualifications are a
‘passport’
• Promotion based on
experience
• Being willing to take any job
The Future Rules
• High EQ (emotional
intelligence)
• Lifelong learner
• Entrepreneurial attitude
and employability
• Being willing to take risks

3. How FutureSurfing supports students
A programme that takes
groups of students on a
journey of self discovery,
exploring possible career
options and the world of
work while developing the
vital self-promotion skills and
strategies they will need to
survive and thrive in an
increasingly competitive
global workplace.
Skills developed:
• Creative thinking
• Strategic thinking
• Decision making
• Analytical thinking
• Oral communication
• Written communication
• Peer mentoring
• Team work
• Research
• Interviewing
Attitudes developed:
• Curiosity
• Self-awareness
• Responsibility
• Visionary
• Commitment
• Confidence
• Experimental /
Risk-taking
• Entrepreneurial

4. What is a FutureSurfer?
“A person who is aware of
their purpose, talents and
opportunities and designs an
inspiring future for
themselves and others.”

5. Why is self-awareness important?
“Your unique interest pattern is the
most important factor in
determining the right choice for
your career. It is also highly stable,
even over the course of your
lifetime.”
Source: CareerLeader, developed by Timothy
Butler PhD and James Waldroop PhD at the
Harvard Business School.

6. What if…
Self-awareness
=
your backpack
Interests and Hobbies
Strengths
Skills
Values
Places
Purpose
Attitudes

7. Learning together
“We are all creative and
talented. Nobody needs
fixing. We are all learning.”
Developing natural talents
“Using our in-born talents
results in flow, fulfilment and
success.”
Learning through experience
“We participate, we
experiment, we are learning all
the time.”
Designing the future
“We contribute to and are
catalysts for change in the
community.”
The foundation of our program:

8. The team!
Nicola Tanner has spent the last 10 years designing and
delivering career development programs for teens and adults.
Nicola also draws on her personal experience as a parent of
two teenagers.
• CSFC – Certified Solution Focused Coach
Banan Hadidi has worked in coaching and child development
for more than seven years. She is also licensed by Top Ten Skills
in the USA to deliver their academic coaching program for
students.
• CPCC – Certified Professional Co-active Coach

9. Our results so far with FutureSurfing:
We ran pilot programmes and taster sessions with students at:
• Dubai British School
• Emirates International School
• Dubai American Academy
Here are some comments from our pilot run in December 2011 with Year 10
students at Dubai British School:
• “Finding out more about myself.”
• “Believe in myself”
• “To never give up no matter what happens.”
• “Inspired me to think a job isn’t just about money but about pursuing your
dreams.”
• “More aspects to consider when choosing a career path.”