As children we all had dreams of what we wanted to be when we grew up. Our ambitions ranged from the practical, like becoming a doctor or a teacher, to the realms of fantasy where we dreamed of being princesses, pirates and space explorers.
But as we move into adulthood, we need to spend time seriously considering what it is we hope to do for the rest of our lives, and how we are going to make those career dreams happen. What we want to avoid is putting years of work into a set of skills that we later find are outdated, or into a career that no longer exists when the time comes.
The challenge is choosing the best jobs for the future – something that will have the potential to grow over the next few decades. With technology moving at such a rapid pace and taking the world of work with it, there is no way we can predict the future. What the experts say, however, is that the world is likely to lose millions of jobs to automation thanks to technology. At the same time, new opportunities will emerge, many of them through technologies that will modernise many fields of work, including communication, manufacturing and health.
If we listen to the experts, there is a very good chance that we can chose to move in a direction that will give us both job satisfaction and job security.
Careers to pursue if you want to be in-demand in 10 years
Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the jobs of the future, and specifically the best careers over the next ten years.
Technology careers
Technology is now an integral part of our lives, both at home and at work so it stands to reason that much of the future growth in the job market will take place in the technology industry. The Future of Jobs Survey 2020, published by the World Economic Forum, emphasises that many jobs will emerge from the field of technology, especially jobs that involve analytical thinking and creativity.
- Software developers: It’s no surprise that this is one of the fastest growing career areas out there. All the technology around us, from phones to computers to networks, has been created by software developers and engineers. Software developers work across a range of industries to design, programme and maintain the software utilised within that industry. Their work is integral to our everyday 21st century lives, and jobs in this field will be with us for many years to come.
- Computer system analyst: The main role of a computer system analyst is to make the computer systems within an organisation operate as efficiently as possible. Career options in this area are growing in leaps and bounds as there are increasingly fewer organisations that do not have computer systems in place.
- Informational security analyst: This is another career of the future that is rooted in technology. Today, and more so going forward, our data is stored online. An information security analyst’s job is to ensure their clients’ information is stored safely and securely. They identify potential problems or weaknesses and find ways to protect sensitive data from being hacked or stolen.
Environmental careers
With the harmful environmental effects of climate change and global gas emissions increasing at a rapid pace, careers involved in protecting the environment, notably the creation of renewable and sustainable energy, will become integral to the world of work. Whether engineers, salespeople or technicians, there are many opportunities for those involved in the installation of solar panel systems and wind turbines. Other best careers over the next 10 years include eco architects, who would design using sustainable materials and limiting their impact on the environment, and environmental scientists who will use their knowledge and skills to protect the environment.
The most in-demand careers at the moment
While nobody has a crystal ball to see what jobs will be in and what will be out in the next decade, there are some good indications already of the direction things are taking. According to the Future of Jobs Survey 2020, these are the top 20 job roles in increasing demand across industries:
- Data Analysts and Scientists
- AI and Machine Learning Specialists
- Big Data Specialists
- Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialists
- Process Automation Specialists
- Business Development Professionals
- Digital Transformation Specialists
- Information Security Analysts
- Software and Applications Developers
- Internet of Things Specialists
- Project Managers
- Business Services and Administration Managers
- Database and Network Professionals
- Strategic Advisors
- Strategic Advisors
- Management and Organisation Analysts
- FinTech Engineers
- Mechanics and Machinery Repairers
- Organisational Development Specialists
- Risk Management Specialists
At The Independent Institute of Education’s (The IIE’s) Varsity College, you can choose from a variety of IIE qualifications to equip students with the skills needed to build a career for the future. The IIE’s Varsity College impart a broad range of analytical skills, including work readiness skills, teaching students to be innovative, entrepreneurial and creative. From technology, business and engineering to law, humanities and management, we offer a way for students to learn, study and qualify to kickstart their chosen careers.