Artificial intelligence, digital currencies, cryptocurrency, digitized everything are all cool buzzwords… but are they realistic indicators of future careers?
The World Economic Forum contends that businesses are rethinking the future of work, redefining the employer-employee relationship and preparing for the jobs of tomorrow.
So, what are these jobs of tomorrow and which degrees will be in hot demand?
“The top skills and skill groups which employers see as rising in prominence in the lead up to 2025 include groups such as critical thinking and analysis as well as problem-solving, and skills in self-management such as active learning, resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility.” - World Economic Forum (WEF)
Artificial intelligence
There’s no getting around it – AI is here to stay. The discipline opens up countless job opportunities in machine learning and robotics and students will apply these skills to the foundations of AI, web searching, information retrieval and robotic theory. For instance, a robotics engineer will use their skills in project management to design and build robots and automated systems.
Renewable energy / environmental science
We know that climate change and global warming are more critical problems than ever that need addressing and fixing. An engineer in this field will be able to create and execute renewable energy systems that can successfully solve environmental issues that are plaguing billions of people around the globe.
Actuarial science
A career in actuarial science enables graduates to work for insurance companies, consulting and investment businesses and even government agencies. These roles can take the shape of fund managers, management consultants, budget analysts or business analysts as actuarial scientists are trained in economics principles, mathematics and statistics to define and analyze social and financial issues. Recent information from WEF points out that careers for statisticians in the US is set to grow by more than 35% by 2030.
Computer sciences
With eight billion people in the world – and growing – one thing almost everyone has in common is a computer as a mode of communication, work and social connector. A computer engineer is trained to solve problems within databases and understand the theoretical functions of computing. With this type of knowledge base, graduates can work as computer hardware engineers, systems analysts, security analysts, web developers and more.
Management (MBA)
It seems the tried-and-trusted Management degree (MBA) will never go out of style. This encompassing degree can’t be beat for imparting soft and hard skills in business strategy, entrepreneurship and business management. A management degree can be applied in virtually all industries in innumerable capacities – from a project manager to a business analyst or strategist.
Dentistry
If we can take away any learnings from the Covid pandemic, it’s the importance and value of medical professionals. An often-underrated discipline within medicine seems to be dentistry and its scope for success. According to Indeed.com, dentistry is one of the highest-paying professions in the US and the market is not as competitive as it would be for general practitioners. They estimate that over 90% of graduates are able to secure employment within six months of graduation.
Economics
Another high-paying career in a relatively open industry is that of an economist. For those who love numbers, data, trend analysis and the complexities of global finance, majoring in economics can set the stage for a valuable and profitable career. With this degree, graduates can work for businesses or even governments in various sectors and industries, including banking and financial services.
Healthcare administration
A career in healthcare administration can truly be a globalized one. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of healthcare workers worldwide will fall short by 12.9 million in 2035. This creates an industry that will be scrambling for employees. With a degree in healthcare administration, graduates can work in any country that requires staff, as operational personnel for facilities, hospitals and clinical areas and who are trained in management and organization of health policy, business administration and health science.
Public administration
A degree in public administration trains and prepares graduates to work within the public, private or non-profit sector. The degree commonly entails subjects such as government and business/non-profit management, engaging with stakeholders and the public to essentially work for the good of public service. Graduates may apply their skills in public policy, budgeting and finance, administration of an NGO, urban planning and social development programs and initiatives.
Software development
An evergreen career, a degree in software development, is by all accounts set to be one that proves its value for years to come. U.S. News and World Report recently released its annual 2023 Best Job Rankings list and software developer scored the top spot. It was cited as the best job due to the position’s growth potential and salary, and while there have been redundancies in certain industries, its demand continues across all industries.
