According to a recent study by the World Economic Forum, two main factors are changing the game: the emergence of new technologies, automation, and the shift towards a green and sustainable economy.
The rapid advancement of new technologies, such as Big Data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence, is expected to bring about radical changes in the job market.
The good news is that the advent of new technologies is boosting the economy as a whole and, while destroying some jobs, it is also creating many others. In fact, when a company can do more with fewer resources, it naturally expands.
Researchers at the World Economic Forum claim that nearly a quarter of current professions will change in the next five years.
Therefore, to succeed in an increasingly competitive job market, it will be necessary to constantly acquire new skills and refine one's abilities.
Key Skills
Technical literacy is one of the key skills to acquire to stay competitive in the new job market.
This does not mean that everyone should know programming languages or understand the intricacies of machine learning.
But in the future, STEM jobs are expected to be in even greater demand. STEM is an acronym used to group distinct but related technical disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Therefore, if you're wondering what subjects your child should prioritize in school, here's the answer: mathematics, computer science, and natural sciences.
The next skill to consider is analytical thinking. To improve it, it is necessary to hone cognitive skills, that is, the ability to notice patterns, connect facts, and draw conclusions that are not influenced by emotions or personal preferences.
To do this, it is essential to train attention and focus, as gadgets, social media, online games, and advertisements constantly compete for our attention and cause fear of missing out.
Analytical skills also include curiosity and continuous self-education, and to improve and learn constantly, one needs to be able to concentrate on a goal.
Learning English at a high level is also a valuable skill to acquire.
Additionally, creativity: whether in science, engineering, design, or art, the sought-after promotion will be granted to the person who can combine technical literacy with creativity.
Communication and empathy will be two highly valued skills, especially in the era of artificial intelligence.
No matter how fast machines develop, people will still need each other, and human attention, teamwork, the ability to listen, tell a story, support, and empathize will become even more appreciated.
According to a 2020 LinkedIn report, communication has already become the most sought-after skill in the current job market.
“With the increased use of AI and robotics in the workplace, a more remote workforce, and technology that allows us to connect with people worldwide, it has never been more important for us to know how to talk and listen to one another and build connections,” says Dan Negroni, an expert in talent and workplace engagement.
1. New Technologies
It’s no surprise that IT and new technologies are also among the most promising sectors in the near future.
The development of artificial intelligence and machine learning will offer exciting opportunities.
One of the most promising professions in this field is that of a support engineer, a specialist in communication with AI models who helps correctly formulate requests and acts as an intermediary between artificial intelligence and humans.
Other potential AI-related jobs include ethicists, security engineers, and developers of user-friendly interfaces for human-machine interaction.
In general, when it comes to artificial intelligence, people in various professions are advised not to view it as a competitor but as a partner and to learn how to cooperate with it.
Another field of opportunities is Big Data analysis, a wide variety of information ranging from online platforms like Netflix to the hadron collider or control systems.
Cybersecurity specialists will certainly not run out of work either, simply because there will be more sensitive information.
Fintech specialists, business analysts, and blockchain system developers will also be needed.
2. Green Jobs
According to the 2023 Future of Jobs report by the World Economic Forum, the demand for green jobs is rapidly increasing across all sectors and industries.
"Globally, the green transition could create 30 million jobs in clean energy, efficiency, and low-emission technologies by 2030," the report says.
For now, the countries offering the most new job opportunities in green energy and sustainable development are Western nations and Japan. China is gradually catching up.
These jobs may be related to business, science, politics, or directly to the environment, in sectors working on developing renewable energies or new energy sources and batteries, preserving endangered species, advising companies, or, for example, practicing law and evolving environmental protection legislation.
Urban planners, architects, designers, and smart home builders will also be needed.
3. Healthcare Professionals
The global population is aging, and life expectancy is increasing. Care and treatment for the elderly will become increasingly necessary.
Healthcare professionals will therefore be in high demand in the near future.
Healthcare workers who provide patients not only with medicine but also moral support will be particularly valuable.
Doctors and healthcare specialists will need to constantly learn and adapt to new diagnostic and treatment methods. Artificial intelligence will also contribute to this.
There will also be work for psychotherapists and various personal development mentors or spiritual practice instructors.
4. Manual Labor
In the coming years, manual workers such as mechanics, repairers, electricians, and builders will still be needed.
If small, precise tasks need to be performed in different circumstances, humans will remain irreplaceable.
But to stay afloat and be in demand, these specialists will also need to constantly improve their technical knowledge and master new smart tools.
The demand for new jobs in agriculture is also expected to increase. The planet's population is growing, and everyone needs to eat. However, once again, the demand will be more for skilled engineers than traditional farmers.
Disappearing Jobs
Many jobs will soon start to disappear from the labor market. These are the types of jobs that are increasingly easy to automate.
Here is a list of jobs that could soon disappear from the labor market:
- Customer service (cashiers, salespeople, advisors, etc.)
- Office management (due to the increase in remote work)
- Data entry (employees in statistics, finance, typists, technical translators)
- Accounting
- Factory workers performing repetitive tasks.
5. Storytelling
Another profession, rarely mentioned but undoubtedly needed in the future, is that of storytellers.
As it has been necessary for thousands of years, any creative work related to conveying human experience will remain essential.
We will continue to need writers, poets, directors, actors, comedians, artists, and musicians, even as artificial intelligence presents new challenges in these sectors.
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