The ‘Digital Revolution’… a term found on the lips of many analysts these days. It’s real and it’s happening now! Actually, it’s been happening for several years now, likely catapulted by the pandemia recently, so it is more important than ever to find the right career to secure yourself a job for years to come! As it seems, humankind has reached a new peak in its development as a species (or some may say decrease, depending on your point of view..), as we employ more advanced ways to communicate, interact, buy and deliver goods and services. You can´t escape it.
Experts predict that 85 per cent of jobs that will exist in 2030 are yet to be invented (IFTF 2017). This is partly due to the continual growth and development of technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics which will replace some current jobs. It is estimated that certain professions will be completely obsolete by 2030, such as travel agents, taxi drivers, various construction jobs etc as these jobs are expected to become automated instead of being undertaken by humans.
So are you you prepared for the digital revolution in one way or another?
The gap – and opportunity!- in the (labour)market
With a possible crisis looming, employers are all about saving money and time, and need to hire the right skill-sets to be able to compete in the new digital era. Although definitely some jobs are under pressure, and some might even disappear, we show you the 4 top jobs where a job is almost guaranteed as there are very few candidates who are digitally-qualified enough. So are you one of them?
Digitally-equipped people get paid more
Surprised much? It’s true though! Studies show that digitally-savvy people are more likely to receive salary raises once already employed, salary raises which would normally amount to at least 10% of what their current salary is. Whatever your job, employers value more the employees with added digital skills and you set yourself up for a better career, promotions and salary.
So which are those 4 best jobs to get yourself prepared for?
Computer science and IT are likely the most rapidly evolving field that is only expected to grow over time. There is great demand for people with skills and knowledge in this area which makes it a promising industry for those looking for a career with longevity. Although controversial, robots are increasing the speed and efficiency of many processes and everyday tasks. For example, Artificial Intelligence designed machines that can be used in response to natural disasters, therefore preventing human risk. Robots are also being used in healthcare, such as in surgery for increased precision and control.
So how do you start a career in Computer Science and IT?
While not all jobs require a degree, it will be beneficial for your career in the long term and is compulsory for some positions. Relevant degree subjects include:
You could also develop your skills with a bachelor degree in Artificial Intelligence to start specializing yourself directly, and once you’ve qualified, you can start applying for roles in the robotics field such as a technician, operator, or engineer. The average salary of a robotics engineer is Euro 42,000 per year, but this can increase to 60,000 Euro with experience (Talent.com).
Humans will always need medical care and assistance. This is why roles within medicine are continually in high demand. While some medical processes can be automated, there will always be the need for human interaction, providing empathy and understanding which cannot be easily replicated by machines.
Doctors and nurses need to provide an overall assessment of a patient’s needs, not limited to just their physical condition but also wellbeing and state of mind. In addition, healthcare professionals often face ethical dilemmas that computers are unlikely to resolve. So, if you’ve been thinking about a career in medicine, you needn’t worry about your job becoming obsolete anytime soon.
Find out more about studying Medicine or Health-related degrees here!
Marketers use their creative flair and ability to employ words and imagery to convey different messages. Coming up with new and innovative ideas would be very difficult for a machine to imitate. Digital marketing and management is in particularly high demand as consumers are predominantly online. Gaining digital skills will therefore be beneficial for any career you wish to pursue as so much of our everyday lives exist online. In the EU, the average salary of a digital marketeer is 37,500 Euro per year, reaching 52,000 Euro for a more senior level job (Totaljobs).
Similarly, PR or public relations is all about networking and managing relationships. This profession requires strong interpersonal and communication skills which will always be highly employable even with the emergence of new technologies and automated processes. A PR officer can expect to earn between 25,000 and 40,000 Euro depending on experience, reaching up to 100,000 Euro for senior positions.
Most marketing jobs are open to all graduates, you just need to demonstrate your transferrable skills or relevant work experience. Additionally many can be done as a Freelancer, so you could even start your own company and work flexible, possibly wherever you want!
Empathy, understanding, compassion and emotional intelligence. These are just a few of the most important skills and attributes of any social worker which are unlikely to be adopted by machines any time soon. This role also requires critical thinking and ethical decision-making which you need to develop through training.
To become a social worker, you can study an undergraduate degree in humanities or social science or choose any of the subjects in this field of study. The typical salary for a social worker is between 24,000 and 30,000 Euro depending on location and experience (Graduate Prospects 2019). So, if you enjoy helping others, social care could be the right career for you, offering longevity, fulfillment, and a stable income.
Another example of Social Science work is to deal with global challenges such as: biodiversity, health, climate change, population ageing, migrations and natural disasters. A Degree in Social Science offers the analytical instruments and the knowledge needed to understand the causes, nature and development of political, economic, demographic, climate and healthcare related challenges, as well as the organizational competences to work effectively in public administrations and in international and national organizations.
Online Open Days
Are you not sure what to chose? And more importantly where to study the right degree? We are here to help – take a look at our upcoming online open days and be one step closer to your awesome dream career!
Amelia Watson