Explaining The Paradigm Shift in Career Demands
Top 5 Fields Expected to Boom by 2030
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
It is no news that Artificial Intelligence is paving its way in all possible areas. Penetration of AI in day-to-day lives and for global advancement is inevitable. Data science is about extracting valuable insights from large amounts of collected information to create strategies that drive growth and innovation. AI and data science are driving the future of work.
You may have come across the myth that AI will replace humans, but the fact of the matter is that individuals who have mastered the art of using AI will seize all the job opportunities.
To pursue a fulfilling career in the field of AI and Data Science, there are many degrees you can undertake, such as BSc/MSc in computer science with AI and Machine learning tracks MSc in Datta Science from MIT (USA), MSc in Artificial Intelligence; MSc in Statistics (Data Science) from Imperial College (London), MSc in AI; MSc in Data Science and Machine Learning from National University of Singapore (Singapore). All IITs in India also offer multiple programs for both AI and Data Science.
This field has vast career opportunities, such as AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Specialist, AI Ethics Consultant, Business Intelligence Analyst, and AI Product Manager, encompassing areas in healthcare, technology, transportation, finance, education, retail, and creative industries. The possibilities are endless.
This industry is expected to grow exponentially by 2030 with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate of 20-25% and will keep rising steadily.
Renewable Energy & Sustainability
With increasing environmental concerns, the transition towards Renewable Energy and Sustainability is rising. With the rise in global warming and environmental damage, saving the planet has become even more crucial. Transition to green energy and sustainable practices is the need of the hour, thus giving rise to new roles and opportunities in the field.
To be equipped to deal with the demands of the future in this field, you can explore these degrees offered by some of the top universities of the world, such as MSc in Renewable Energy Systems, MSc in Environmental Engineering, and Climate & Energy Policy programs offered by UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and MIT in the USA.
Other notable universities offering similar programs are the University of Melbourne (Australia) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
Careers in this field are shaping the future and empowering global change. The possibilities are vast, and the roles span technology, policy making, and strategy building. These degrees open doors to impactful careers such as Sustainability Consultant, Renewable Energy Engineer, Climate Policy Advisor, and Green Finance Analyst. Each role significantly contributes to preserving the environment and sustainable development worldwide.
The global renewable energy market is expanding rapidly at an approximate CAGR of 8-9.5% as sustainable practices are gaining momentum.
Healthcare & Biotechnology
The healthcare industry is going through a revolution marked by innovation in Precision Medicine, Biotech, Bioinformatics, Genomics, and digital healthcare. With an ageing population and rising global health challenges, advancement in the healthcare sector is inevitable, thus giving rise to new roles and opportunities.
The amalgamation of technology with Biology is redefining the healthcare sector. This integration brings in a new perspective as to how to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
Many top universities offer future-focused degrees in this field, such as B.Tech/MSc/PhD in Biotechnology by Stanford University (USA), University of Cambridge (UK), Johns Hopkins University (USA), and the National University of Singapore (NUS). Other prominent names include the University of Melbourne, Johns Hopkins University, Oxford University, and Imperial College London.
Other degrees include MSc/PhD in Genomics by Harvard Medical School (USA), University of Toronto (Canada), MSc in Digital Health, MSc in Health Informatics by Johns Hopkins University (USA), University College London (UK) and University of Melbourne (Australia). In India, all IITs and Banaras Hindu University (Varanasi) offer some of these prestigious and future-proof degrees.
Tech integration in medical science is making this field a popular choice and a sought-after field of study, providing a future-ready, secure path. The interdisciplinary element of this field opens doors to multiple roles, encompassing medical expertise and technological acumen.
Students who decide to pursue any of these degrees can don the hats of Biotech Researcher, Biomedical Engineer, Genetic Counselor, Bioinformatics Analyst, Precision Medicine Specialist, and Health Tech Innovator. These are some examples from a wide variety of roles that can be undertaken to fulfill the global health demands.
With a projected CAGR of 12–14% through 2030, Healthcare and Biotechnology are one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide, offering a future-proof career path.
Cybersecurity & Digital Infrastructure
In a hyper-connected and digitally driven world, protecting data and sensitive information has become of utmost importance. All governments, businesses, and individuals rely on digital platforms to run operations and even day-to-day tasks.
As the dependency on digital platforms increases, the risks of cyber threats, data breaches, and ransomware have also multiplied. With a high rise in cyber attacks, it has become necessary to safeguard the digital infrastructure encompassing financial systems, healthcare records, and national infrastructure for overall safety and security.
BSc/MSc in Cybersecurity, BSc/MSc in Information Systems Security, MSc in Digital Forensics and Cyber Investigation, MSc in Cyber Law & Policy, MSc in Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing, and PhD in Cybersecurity / Information Assurance are some of the future-ready degrees that can be undertaken for a successful and fulfilling career in Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure.
Some of the top universities, such as Carnegie Mellon University (USA), MIT (USA), Stanford University (USA), University of Oxford (UK), National University of Singapore (NUS), and London School of Economics (UK) offer these cutting-edge degrees. In India, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) and IITs all over the country also offer
Safeguarding digital information is no longer a background task; it has become a pivotal frontline defense system, thus there is an anticipated surge in demand for professionals with this skillset. Name it, and every field, such as finance, healthcare, retail, governments, etc, is digitally enabled and requires protection.
This industry is growing rapidly with a CAGR ranging from 9.5% to 12% through 2030; therefore, the demand and need for Cybersecurity Analysts, Security Architects, Risk Managers, Ethical Hackers, and Forensics Experts is only going to increase exponentially.
Creative Industries & Human-Centered Design
Creativity is no longer limited to physical art forms and design. The penetration of technology in the creative fields is the driving factor behind innovation and enhancing digital experiences. With the rise in immersive technologies such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality) gaming, and interactive media, the demand for human-centric design is high.
This field perfectly blends creative vision with technological advancement and redefines how we interact with products, platforms, and stories. The rise in digital platforms is shaping how we experience and consume products. The overflow of digital platforms and digital media has elevated the UI/UX (User Interface and User Experience) design to the forefront, seamlessly blending creativity, technology, and functionality.
Many conventional and unconventional degrees exist in this field of design. UI/UX Design, Digital Media, Creative Technology, and Gaming Studies, Virtual Reality Design, and Interactive Storytelling and Experience Design are some of the wide variety of areas of study.
You can specialise in any one by pursuing B.Des/M.Des in UX/UI, MSc in Human-Computer Interaction, BA/MFA in Digital Media, MSc in Digital Media Design, BSc/MSc in Game Design & Development, MSc in VR/AR Design, Interactive Media, MFA in Interactive Media & Storytelling.
The top universities in the world offer these cutting edge degrees such as Parsons School of Design (USA), Rhode Island School of Design (USA), MIT (USA), Stanford University (USA), Carnegie Mellon University (USA), University of the Arts London (UK), University College London (UK), Deakin University (Australia) and Coventry University (UK).
The National Institute of Design India, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, NIFT Delhi and Mumbai, and Symbiosis Institute of Design (India) are the most sought-after design schools in India that offer these degrees and provide an interdisciplinary form of education to excel in this field.
The demand for Experience Designers, Creative Technologists, Digital Storytellers, Game Designers, and Innovation Strategists is on the rise as we can see an unprecedented growth at the rate of 10 -12 % through 2030. The digital boom is here to stay and is only going to expand in the coming years as our dependency and reliance on digital platforms are increasing day by day.
Beyond mainstream fields, niche academic programs are emerging that combine two or more relevant areas of study, providing an interdisciplinary approach along with specialized expertise. These changes are shaped by the rapidly changing global demands, cultural trends, societal shifts, and dynamic technological advancements.
Aligning education choices with evolving global demands is the way forward in ensuring future-proof careers. Apart from academics, focusing on other soft skills such as effective communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, leadership, intercultural fluency, etc, is also imperative.
Adaptability, the ability to transition across industries, is a valuable skill to possess. Having static knowledge will not help in advancing your career, but constantly upscaling and upskilling to keep up with emerging trends (AI literacy, digital fluency, etc) will, and it is highly recommended.
Now that you have ample knowledge about what employers will be hiring for in 2030, making smart choices right now is going to transform you into future-ready leaders and help you form an impressive career path. Be open to seeking professional help and guidance from career counsellors and industry experts, and gain as much knowledge as possible to make informed choices.
Remember, the choices you make today will shape your future; therefore, align your academic path with the skills and demands of the future, and by doing that, you’re not just preparing for 2030 but also in a way shaping it.
Author Bio : Silver Fern
silverfern@gmail.com
