As automation and artificial intelligence penetrate industries, it’s crucial to look towards the future and prepare for careers that don’t exist yet. After all, 7 out of 10 people are working in roles where there is high uncertainty about their future. These individuals could do with preparing for the careers of tomorrow. IFTF (Institute for the Future) experts estimate that 85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 are yet to be invented, which isn’t eye-opening considering that jobs like drone operators and app developers didn’t exist 15-20 years ago.
So while it may seem silly to prepare for non-existent roles, it’s a good idea to think ahead and equip yourself with the skills that may be applicable in a future position. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an exciting career in the future economy.
Keep Track of Trending Topics
Bookmark YouTube channels, podcasts, blogs, and webinars that cover hot topics and issues in industries that interest you. Revisit them weekly to learn about new developments. You can also follow the movers and shakers (people running these channels/websites) on social media and message when appropriate. Who knows, they might start seeing you as a prospective employee considering you have good knowledge about the advancements that will shape the future of their industry.
Pursue New Courses
Whether online or in an academic environment, it will help to enroll in courses that cover the most up-to-date information on an industry. You can enroll in a course about artificial intelligence, virtual reality, cognitive cloud computing, blockchain, and more. Many learning platforms offer flexible courses, meaning you can fit learning into your professional schedule. Not to mention, a certification or two in a trending technology increases the appeal of your resume.
Develop Communication Skills
The ability to communicate clearly will also play an essential role in securing future jobs. With technological developments expected to attract different people to companies (some less tech-literate than others), being able to communicate with both rookies and tech-savvy employees is a soft skill that can make you a desirable applicant. It’s also worth mentioning that companies seek out people with high adaptability and emotional intelligence, both of which can tie into good communication skills.
Get Hands-On Experience
This is a big one. Make a list of the most innovative startups and companies in your field, then apply for an internship in those companies. You may not get lucrative pay, but you’ll learn things that will go a long way in shaping your future employment outlook. Also, be open to part-time and freelance roles, as they can give you the relevant experience and help you see if this is an industry you really want to work in. All of this hands-on learning will help set you up for success. For help in getting started with one of these companies, contact our experienced team of technology recruiters.
Pro tip: Try building new relationships with people, even if you’re only an intern. The benefit of doing so is that you could ask for personal recommendations or job references once the internship period is over. Consider joining internal groups, both in-person and virtual.
Contribute to Data-sharing Platforms
Data-sharing platforms allow companies to share and collaborate on data. Large companies are more capable of collecting and evaluating large quantities of data, while small enterprises may be better at adapting and implementing new innovations. Regardless of large or small, young job seekers should encourage firms to continue the trend of developing data-sharing platforms. Accessing these platforms online means people with an internet connection can easily access and share information across the world. Creative thinkers and industry leaders often contribute to these platforms, so there’s a lot to gain from supporting their expansion.
Potential Jobs of the Future
Self-driving Auto Mechanic
Although self-driving vehicles are on the rise, technology hasn’t advanced to an extent where the cars would repair themselves. These automobiles will still require mechanics, but new software and techniques will be required to perform a successful repair.
Psychological Device Customizer
The mobile phones of tomorrow could boast apps to help manage and track our stress levels and advise us on critical decisions. As a result, new positions might emerge for people who program and integrate psychological features in smart devices. Future mobile developers could be conducting behavioral analysis to customize people’s devices to match their characteristics.
End-of-life Coach
This profession will be linked to helping families and individuals make better decisions about how to spend the last days of their lives. End-of-life coaches will help people explore their treatment options and personal values so that they can have the sort of end of life they desire.
Urban Farmer
Did you know that more than 50% of the US population worked on farms in the 1800s? The figure stands at less than 2% today, mainly because people have shifted to cities and taken up other jobs. That said, farming is poised to make a comeback in the shape of urban farming. The last few years have seen a sudden rise in farming in areas like warehouses, bunkers and rooftops. You can influence the growing conditions of various plants by making use of hydroponic technology.
Space Tour Guide
Yup, there will be jobs for tour guides that accompany people on space travel. With space agencies (ESA, NASA, etc.) and companies like SpaceX making explorations relentlessly, the possibility of normal people taking trips to space is not far from happening. And they’ll need someone knowledgeable for learning as they go and make their trip enjoyable.
Garbage Designer
Remember Wall-E? The Disney robot character that gathers debris and transforms it into a handy structure? Garbage designers will be doing just that. Instead of letting people bury or burn their waste, they’ll help them recycle and reuse it in an efficient manner. This future job will probably rely on software to make attractive and lightweight garbage designs, so make sure to equip yourself with some automated design skills.
These are some of the jobs that are expected to be official in the upcoming years. Research as much as you can about them and follow the tips above to set yourself up for success in uncharted territory.