In the aftermath of Covid-19, the global recession is likely to transform the way people work, live, and socialize for decades. There will be disruptive changes across industries and in jobs of the future. Compelling everyone to reform and adapt to secure a spot in the workplace of new realities.

Every recession ushers complex deadlocks across the world. It also brings with it a flurry of opportunities for new-age businesses to rise and shape consumer behavior for years to come. In many ways, this pandemic has demonstrated the power of technologies such as cloud and big data, exposed cybersecurity risks. And, has propelled businesses to secure talent who can visualize novel ways to use data effectively.

According to the Indian Staffing Federation (ISF) research, the future is set to see another three million new jobs in the IT space. Catapulting India’s tech army to reach 7 million by 2023. With a new landscape to cater to, futuristic jobs are surfacing, thriving, and expanding. We focus here on the professions of the future in 5 major domains that are making news at the moment.

SUSTAINABLE LIFE SCIENCES

The new benchmark in sciences is ushering in close collaboration between disciplines that have historically functioned in silos. Modern biological sciences are now rooted in new technologies. And, will be a key discipline to facilitate improvements in human health, lifestyle, and well-being in a post-COVID world. Those pursuing careers in Sustainable Life Sciences are expected to integrate knowledge from diverse fields. And, foresee both the promise and the peril of modern technologies to guide businesses towards a more sustainable future.

Examples of popular job profiles in Sustainability Life Sciences are Biotechnology Industrialists, Clean Car Engineers, Recyclers, Sustainability Managers, Green Builders, Biofuels, Solar Cell Technicians, Sustainability Consultant, Environmental Engineering Technician, and Sustainability-Conscious Financial Advisor, among many more.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Digital transformation is not just about technology. It is also about enhancing business outcomes and customer experiences. Businesses need a mix of human resources to be a part of the digital transformation in the coming years. Some examples include – Data Scientists, Cyber Security Experts, Artificial Intelligence Engineers, Cloud Architects, and Digital Project Manager.

Businesses seek interdisciplinary skill-sets that can help round out the human experience required to leverage the accelerating digital transformation. With technology taking over all industries, these careers will not be limited to the IT world. Futuristic profiles in Digital Transformation are expected to evolve, take shape, and open up in healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, hospitality, tourism, among others.

MOBILITY

Electric vehicle technology is the future. By 2030, the e-vehicle industry may create up to 10 million jobs. This is because new technologies are demonstrating improved performance and reduced operating costs over fossil-fuelled mobility. And new infrastructure systems need to be consistently conceptualized and implemented to realize the benefits of these technologies.

From designing electric vehicles, manufacturing sub-systems, and operating e-vehicle infrastructures, avenues in electric mobility are expanding rapidly. Pursuing a career in Mobility will help the next generation compete in the global economy. And also prepare them with the technical and professional expertise needed for competitive ‘new collar’ jobs.

INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Technologies like augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming ways we interact and share information on the internet and beyond. These diverse tech innovations offer various benefits to society. And, internet users will need improved information access and simple ways to use these technologies.

Building an eco-system that can deliver an unparalleled experience to the human world would require professionals adept in interdisciplinary skills. Professionals who are strong in their understanding of social science domains including ethnography.

Web design, UX, UI, Mobile Application Developer, Health Information Technician, MI, AI, etc. are already popular careers. And they are going to be some of the highest paying jobs in interactive technologies as they navigate the future with higher productivity and increased efficiency.

ENERGY SCIENCES

Energy engineers are tasked with the overall reduction of existing energy consumption. The world leans on their acumen to improve and develop technologies to manage energy more efficiently. Concerns about global warming and oil’s imminent demise make Energy Sciences a highly sought-after discipline. And, the need for specialists who can stay ahead of the curve is at an all-time high. Financial Analysts, Environmental Specialists, Space Scientists, Environmental Engineers, and Geoscientists, are a few of the many avenues that one can pursue.

FUTURISTIC DOMAINS – THE WAY FORWARD

“The basic fact is that technology eliminates jobs. Not work.”

Careers of the future are evolving at a break-neck speed. There are more avenues in the making, and some though non-existent will evolve in the years ahead. Students pursuing an education in futuristic domains aligned with what the future demands are better positioned to have a secure future. Even as there’s some uncertainty, there’s also the hope that technology will open up new opportunities especially for those with a strong foundation in the aforementioned fields.