Top 15 Jobs of the future: How to prepare for the AI revolution

According to a Forbes article, AI will impact the future of work in much the same way. Continuing to drive massive technological innovations, AI will fuel the growth of new industries and create new jobs and professions. Instead of your replacement, you should view AI as a tool to improve your productivity. It's up to you to learn how to make it work to your advantage.

Technology, apart from AI, continues to develop by leaps and bounds. Political, environmental, and social forces also contribute their fair share in molding the future workforce. As the future is being shaped, start preparing yourself for how to keep up.

Read this article to learn more about future challenges and opportunities in the workforce. Explore solutions to obstacles job seekers will face. Discover what fields will see exponential growth and what jobs will be in high demand. Move past your fears to find the emerging industries and future careers waiting for you.

• The future workforce
• Top 15 jobs of the future
• Emerging fields and future industries
• Education and skills needed for future jobs
• Summary of education and skills needed
• FAQs

The future workforce 

The future of the workforce is affected by many factors, including the emergence of AI. In this section, let's explore the challenges and opportunities of the future workforce.

Challenges

Advancements in technology and automation

Technology and robotic process automation are the first challenges the future workforce will face. Big businesses, often driven by a desire to cut costs and increase efficiency, believe in advanced technology. As a result, they constantly upgrade to the latest tech and automate where possible.

Jobs with simple repetitive tasks - like assembly workers and information desk clerks -are at risk of being automated. And, as technology advances, so will the capabilities of machines, allowing companies to optimize the manufacturing process even further. This is reminiscent of the Industrial Revolution, except we're dealing with AI instead of industrial production machinery.

Generative artificial intelligence

Another major challenge for future jobs will be AI. Since the 1950s, people have tried to get computers to think like humans by using AI. In the 2010s, Gmail, Facebook, and Netflix have used simple AI models to block spam, recognize faces, or suggest the next movie to see.

But generative AI, like OpenAI's ChatGPT, is an entirely different animal. It doesn't just block spam. It can perform complex text-based tasks, such as answering questions, writing content, and teaching coding skills. Bard (Google), Copilot (Microsoft), and LLaMa (Meta) are now also on the market, all offering their own generative AI chatbot services.

AI might be able to create articles and images, but AI-generated content is known to have many flaws. AI-written code doesn't always work and AI-written articles can be false or misleading. Then there's the challenge of writing the right text prompt (command) so the AI will give you exactly what you want.

Right now, there's no need to worry about AI taking over. Generative AI is still just an effective tool that makes you more productive. It won't replace you since people still do the job better.

Constant upskilling, re-skilling, and cross-skilling

Change happens at breakneck speed. Companies expect you to keep up with these changes by learning new skills. Every time there's an update or future industry trend, you may need more training or upskilling to keep up with the market.

For new functions and roles, you might need reeducation. For existing skills that need improvement, you might receive re-skilling. Through this cycle, learning becomes your new skill.

Like technology, if you don't upgrade yourself, you might become outdated or obsolete. Look at PlayStation 5, Windows 11, Android 12, and iOS 16. Keeping up with the market means creating new versions of yourself to meet future job requirements.

Opportunities

Diversity and inclusion 

In simple terms, diversity is representation. In a company, the employees should represent a diverse group. Inclusion is how well these people are given a chance to contribute and grow. There should be an environment of respect and a culture that embraces the differences between people. Studies have shown why diversity matters, as it has helped companies achieve better business performance.

As a Filipino, you should enjoy the opportunities D&I gives you. When you do online work for international companies, when you offer your services globally, or when you physically have to work in another country, D&I policies ensure that you will be treated respectfully. 

Rise of e-commerce

The quarantine contributed to the rise in e-commerce trends. Due to the need for social distancing, commercial transactions started to move to the digital online space. From shopping to paying your bills, everything was handled online.

Even in the new normal, e-commerce is here to stay. It was the salvation of many during the pandemic, and by 2026, estimated e-commerce sales will grow to P1 trillion.

Remote and flexible work

COVID was also the time when remote work opportunities increased. Left with no choice, BPOs allowed their staff to work from home. Then, output-deadline-oriented firms like advertising agencies also went remote. And other companies followed suit.

Video conferencing tools like Zoom became popular. Group chats kept everybody up to speed. And, of course, there was the old reliable email.

Students graduated, applied for jobs online, and got hired online. Businesses abroad that were looking for more affordable labor discovered English-speaking Filipinos. From a just-for-the-moment fix, remote work became a full-time occupation. And Filipinos, happy to be earning from home, embraced the opportunity.

Post-quarantine, remote work continued, morphing into flexible remote work. It was a good deal for some employers. Some businesses could lower their bills by decreasing the days employees came in. Employees also saved a lot on travel and food expenses. Once again, Filipinos adapted and flourished. In the Philippines, where traffic can be a problem, remote and flexible work is here to stay.

Summary of challenges and opportunities of the future workforce

Challenges are opportunities you just haven't figured out yet

• Just because AI is a threat doesn't mean it can't help you find your path to future jobs.
• If you're in danger of automation, improve your skills to upgrade your job.
• Constant re-skilling is a chore, but it will give you the skills you need for your future career.

They also interconnect with each other and mold each other

• E-commerce needs will fuel the development of further advancements in technology.
• AI will help advance technology, providing more tools and devices to improve remote work.
• The use of D&I practices will help you prepare for future job opportunities. 

The best strategies to address challenges and embrace opportunities

• Stay informed of developments.
• Stay open to suggestions.
• Stay motivated to learn.
• Above all, stay positive.

Top 15 jobs of the future 

The following list is a mix of the fastest-growing occupations and highest-paying jobs. These are U.S. jobs, but from the examples, we can see what future jobs in the Philippines may be like. And for Filipinos seeking work abroad, it's a glimpse of what will be in demand in the future.

1. Data Scientist

Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or related field
• Skills required: Programming languages, data analysis, machine learning, big data
• Average salary: ₱68,000 to ₱78,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Data analyst, business intelligence analyst, machine learning engineer

2. Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts plan security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree in computer science
• Skills required: Cybersecurity knowledge, attention to detail, analytical skills
• Average salary: ₱45,000 to ₱55,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Cybersecurity analyst, information security engineer, security architect

3. Statistician

Mathematicians and statisticians analyze data and apply computational techniques to solve problems.

• Education needed: Master's degree in mathematics or statistics
• Skills required: Statistical analysis, mathematical proficiency, critical thinking
• Average salary: ₱22,000 to ₱32,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Data analyst, biostatistician, quantitative analyst

4. Web Developer

Web developers design and maintain websites. They are also responsible for the site's technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity.

• Education needed: Variable, but a bachelor's degree is often preferred
• Skills required: Proficiency in programming languages, web development frameworks, problem-solving skills
• Average salary: ₱33,000 to ₱43,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Front-end developer, back-end developer, full-stack developer

5. Logistician

Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization's supply chain, which is the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree
• Skills required: Analytical skills, organizational skills, attention to detail
• Average salary: ₱31,000 to ₱41,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Supply chain analyst, logistics coordinator, transportation specialist

6. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar photovoltaic installers, also known as PV installers, assemble, set up, and maintain rooftops or other systems that convert sunlight into energy.

• Education needed: Technical school
• Skills required: Technical expertise in solar installation, safety procedures, physical stamina
• Average salary: ₱39,717 per month
• Similar job titles: Solar panel installer, PV technician

7. Software Developer

Software developers use programming and design knowledge to build software that meets user needs in consumer and industry-specific applications.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree
• Skills required: Proficiency in programming languages, software development methodologies, problem-solving skills
• Average salary: ₱44,000 to ₱54,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Web developer, mobile developer, applications developer

8. Financial Manager

Financial managers provide financial reports and interpret financial information to managerial staff while recommending further courses of action.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree
• Skills required: Financial analysis, strategic planning, leadership
• Average salary: ₱75,000 to ₱85,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Finance director, controller, investment analyst

9. Registered Nurse

Registered nurses assess, observe, and speak to patients. They record details and symptoms of the patient's medical history and current health. They prepare patients for exams and treatment, administer medications and treatments, and then monitor patients for side effects and reactions.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree
• Skills required: Clinical knowledge, attention to detail, communication skills
• Average salary: ₱29,000 to ₱36,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Licensed vocational nurse (LVN), nurse practitioner

10. Information Systems Manager

Information systems managers design, manage, and monitor information systems by overseeing a team of specialists who install and maintain hardware and software upgrades.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree
• Skills required: IT management, strategic planning, leadership
• Average salary: ₱70,000 to ₱80,000 per month
• Similar job titles: IT manager, network administrator, systems analyst

11. Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts gather and analyze data on consumers and competitors. They study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential product or service sales.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree
• Skills required: Market analysis, research methodologies, data interpretation
• Average salary: ₱23,000 to ₱33,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Marketing specialist, business analyst, consumer research analyst

12. Accountant

Accountants help businesses make critical financial decisions by collecting, tracking, and correcting the company's finances. In addition, they are responsible for financial audits, reconciling bank statements, and ensuring financial records are accurate throughout the year.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree
• Skills required: Financial analysis, attention to detail, accounting software proficiency
• Average salary: ₱35,000 to ₱45,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Auditor, tax accountant, financial analyst

13. Project Management Specialist

Project management specialists coordinate a project's budget, schedule, and other details. In addition, they lead and guide the work of technical staff. They may also serve as a point of contact for a client or customer.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree
• Skills required: Project management methodologies, communication skills, problem-solving abilities
• Average salary: ₱70,000 to ₱80,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Project manager, program manager, operations manager

14. Computer Systems Analyst

Computer systems analysts conduct in-depth tests and analyze information and trends in the data to increase a system's efficiency.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree
• Skills required: IT knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication abilities
• Average salary: ₱35,000 to ₱45,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Business systems analyst, network analyst, software analyst

15. Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors develop treatment plans, facilitate individual and group interventions, and cover their patients' overall mental health and well-being.

• Education needed: Bachelor's degree
• Skills required: Counseling techniques, empathy, communication skills
• Average salary: ₱14,000 to ₱16,000 per month
• Similar job titles: Therapist, psychologist, social worker

Emerging fields and future industries 

The following are some of the fastest-growing industries that have gained some popularity lately because of media attention. You can expect them to grow in the future.

Artificial intelligence

Due to the sudden popularity of ChatGPT, development in this field will continue to grow. There will still be many experimenters testing out new ways to use AI. With big players investing heavily in this technology, new opportunities will surely follow. The massive interest will also draw regulators into the picture to study the ethics involved in AI.

Skills and education needed:

• Computer science degree
• Software development
• Game development
• AR/VR development
• Robotics
• Mobile development
• Cloud development

Jobs created:

• Prompt engineer
• AI developer
• AI lawyer

Cybersecurity

With society so heavily dependent on digital technology, cybersecurity is already a very in-demand field. It's expected to flourish even further in the future as security attacks become more aggressive and effective.

Skills and education needed:

• Computer science degree
• Security across various platforms
• Software development
• Mobile technology
• Cloud technology
• Soft skills, like critical thinking

Jobs created:

• Whitehat hacker
• Security administrator
• Security specialist
• Security Engineer
• Forensic examiner
• Cryptography engineer

Augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR)

Huge strides in development in this field have fueled interest, attracting investors and developers alike. Previously primarily designed for gaming, AR/VR has excellent potential as simulations for training and education. The entertainment sector may take advantage of virtual sets for shows.

Skills and education needed:

• Computer science degree
• Programming skills
• Understanding of extended reality
• 3D animation and modeling
• Soft skills

Jobs created:

• AR/VR software engineer
• Web development programmer
• C# Unity developer
• Platform configuration engineer
• Learning experience architect

Blockchain technology

Many people now think blockchain technology is essential in transactions between industries. It is one of the most in-demand jobs. Aside from streamlining verification during transactions, it offers robust security and enhances data privacy and protection. The use of blockchain is expected to expand the global economy by $1.76 trillion in 2030.

Skills and education needed:

• Computer science degree
• Blockchain architecture
• Cryptography
• Data structure
• Cryptography and security principles
• Programming languages
• Distributed systems experience

Jobs created:

• Core blockchain developer
• Software developer

Continuous learning

Companies now need innovative, adaptive, and ever-changing workers to stay competitive in today's global marketplace. Continuous learning educators will be the best at this since they practice what they preach. They will be able to impart knowledge and skills, not just through words but also through examples.

Skills needed:

• Various soft skills, like emotional intelligence
• Technical expertise in their subject of choice (marketing, management, programming, etc.)
• Digital literacy

Jobs created:

• Educator (various fields of study)
• Dean
• Administrator

Renewable energy

As the world continues to prioritize sustainability and combat climate change, the demand for renewable energy technologies is expected to surge. Industries such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy are experiencing rapid growth, driven by advancements in technology and increasing investment in clean energy infrastructure.

Skills needed:

• Engineering
• Environmental science
• Project and energy management
• Expertise in renewable energy technologies

Jobs created:

• Solar panel installer
• Wind turbine technician
• Renewable energy project manager
• Environmental engineer
• Energy analyst

Education and skills needed for future jobs 

As the world becomes more digital, new graduates need to prepare to meet the needs of modern businesses. Some companies train new hires themselves so that they can start work. Those who don't provide training require candidates to seek training on their own. 

In a 2019 survey, the Society for Human Resource Management reported that 51% of respondents said that "educational systems have done little or nothing to help address the skills shortage." The soft skills mentioned were problem-solving, critical thinking, innovation, creativity, communication, and the ability to deal with complexity and ambiguity. Employers now place more importance on soft skills than technical skills when hiring. Expect this trend to continue in the future.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the National Skill Mapping Survey - conducted in 2021-2022 by the Bureau of Investments - showed that college grads are ill-prepared for IT-BPO jobs. More workplaces want schools to promote continuous learning and help students learn those important soft skills. Here are some solutions that could fix the issue.

Four ways to bridge the education-work sector gap

1. Create new education models that focus on building a culture of continuous learning. Based on answering the needs of the early 20th-century workforce, the current model needs to be equipped for present-day digital life.
2. Move away from the "one size fits all" course offerings, which mass produce people capable of doing the same repetitive functions as everyone else. Courses should be modular, allowing students to personalize their learning experience to match what they see happening in real life.
3. Use the latest technologies to teach the latest knowledge and skills. If traditional institutions refuse to adapt, more innovative education providers should be encouraged to flourish.
4. Focus on skills, not degrees. For over a century, degrees have been highly valued as a guarantee for success. Since that's not the case now or in the future, attention should be shifted to certificates, badges, and other credentials employers find more relevant.

10 soft skills + digital literacy = a future-proof career

1. Cognitive flexibility is a skill you need to navigate through a world of constant, fast-moving changes.
2. Critical thinking helps you interpret data and extract insights from information (something AI can do, too). It also lets you connect the meaningful bits to make decisions (something humans can do better).
3. Oral and written communication helps you speed up processes, improve employee interactions, strengthen client relations, and even liven up presentations.
4. Creativity is the source of innovation, which fosters business growth. Being able to find new ways to do things improves productivity.
5. Social and emotional intelligence help you bring a diverse group of people to work together in harmony. You'll make everyone feel included, getting the best from them.
6. Leadership and collaboration empower you to steer the team in the right direction and to inspire productive engagement with the members.
7. An entrepreneurial mindset makes it natural for you to be proactive and energetic. By exercising your "ownership" of the business, you always try to do all you can all the time.
8. Problem-solving and lateral thinking help you quickly overcome obstacles and adapt to changing situations.
9. Time management demonstrates your ability to handle several tasks at the same time. You are professional in your actions and dependable at work.
10. Work ethic and integrity are highly valued wherever you go. The trust you earn from your colleagues and boss makes you an indispensable organization member.

Summary of education and skills needed 

Preparing for jobs of the future means constantly evolving

• Continuous learning is a vital ingredient to your future success.
• Because the current educational system is lacking, changes will occur.
• Alternatives will become available due to the natural market forces of supply and demand.
• Digital literacy is vital for jobs in the future.
• Possessing soft human skills will also help you stand out in AI and automation.

The best strategy to stay relevant in the future job market

• Practice creativity. Avoid predictability.
• Strengthen the skills that make you human.
• Build a reputation that machines can't imitate.
• Above all, stay positive.

There are two vastly opposing views about jobs in the future. The negative view assumes that millions will lose their jobs to AI, and society will crumble. The positive view believes workers will use AI to their advantage and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Nobody can predict the future – we can only stay ready. So, how can you remain competitive in the future job market? Through continuous learning. Stay positive. Keep informed. Stay focused. And above all, keep learning.

FAQs 

1. What are the jobs of the future?
   ⁠Jobs of the future are employment opportunities that come from a new field or industry. For example, artificial intelligence is very much in the public eye, and in 10 years, it may remain so. An example of an AI job is a prompt editor who makes the most efficient series of commands to AI to get the right outcome.
2. How will technology and automation impact the job market?
   ⁠Automation is the replacement of an employee with a computer or machine. For example, manual factory workers can be replaced by machines, while a phone-based customer care manager can replace a chatbot with speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities. Technological advancements will determine when the company can be ready to automate.
3. What skills are required for jobs of the future?
   ⁠It will depend on the industry's needs and job requirements. However, employers always seek soft or human skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership. For both technical and soft skills, it's important to keep continuous learning in mind.
4. How can I prepare for jobs of the future?
   ⁠You can prepare by being aware of the circumstances that caused the job market to change. A habit of continuous learning is also helpful since this will keep your skills always updated. Even massive open online courses can help your skills remain up-to-date and keep your career future-proof.
5. What are some strategies for staying relevant in the job market?
   ⁠Build a visibility strategy. Aside from doing great work, you must ensure others know what you're doing. You can also take on an "owner" mindset, which is a soft skill that means thinking you're the business owner, not just an employee. It's an attitude of helpfulness and responsibility that may allow people to remember you.
6. What challenges and opportunities does the workforce of tomorrow face?
   ⁠Challenges come in the form of threats that may disrupt the team, company, industry, or economy. For example, automation is a threat to the job security of employees with simple tasks.
   ⁠Meanwhile, there are also opportunities for the future workforce. For example, employees could be more productive because diversity and inclusion promote a more harmonious workplace.
7. How can I promote diversity and inclusion in the job market?
   ⁠Champion everyone, no matter their background. While diversity is a mix of different races, genders, and religions, inclusion is how well these different personalities and voices mix. Become an advocate of D&I at your workplace to begin a culture of change.