Top 20 Jobs of the future: How to prepare for the AI revolution

Artificial Intelligence, described as the most important technological development since the internet, has a lot of professionals feeling jittery. But even after hearing all the "doom and gloom" expressed by major news outlets worldwide, don't worry. The introduction of the internet did have a big impact on work. It did disrupt its share of major industries. But it also introduced a lot more jobs than it eliminated.

According to a Forbes article, AI will impact the future of work in much the same way. Continuing to drive massive innovation, AI will fuel the growth of new industries and create new jobs and professions. Rather than your replacement, you should view AI as a tool to enhance your productivity. Your challenge lies in learning how to make it work to your advantage.

The world is changing at a frantic pace. 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.

Read this article to learn more about future challenges and opportunities. 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.

• Challenges of the future workforce
• Opportunities for the future workforce
• Summary of challenges and opportunities of the future workforce
• Education and skills needed for future jobs
• Summary of education and skills needed
• Emerging fields and future industries
• Top 20 jobs of the future
• Summary
• FAQs

Challenges of the future workforce

Advancements in technology and automation

Technology and automation are the first challenges the future workforce will face. Big businesses, driven by their desire to cut costs and increase efficiency, are firm believers in 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 automate more positions.

In cases where nobody gets fired, challenges will still exist. For example, instead of being let go, a talented metal worker is given a new role as the operator of the machine that replaced him. But he receives no satisfaction at his new position and becomes part of mass resignations across the company.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Another major challenge for future jobs will be AI. Since the 1950s, AI has been attempting to make computers think like humans. Since 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, specifically OpenAI's ChatGPT, is an entirely different animal. It doesn't just block spam. It can perform complex text-based tasks ranging from answering questions and writing content to teaching you to code, and more. Bard (Google), Bing (Microsoft), and LLaMa (Meta) are now also available to the market, all offering their generative AI chatbot services.

AI might be able to create articles and images, but AI-generated content is notorious for its flaws. AI-written code doesn't always work, and AI-written articles can be false and 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. Generative AI is still just an effective tool that makes you more productive. It won't replace you as, for now, people still do the job better.

Constant upskilling, re-skilling, and cross-skilling

Change happens at breakneck speed. To keep pace with these changes, companies expect you to keep adding new skills. Every time there's an update or industry trend, you could undergo training or upskilling to keep up with the market.

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

Like technology, if you don't upgrade yourself, you may find yourself outmoded or, worse, obsolete. Look at PlayStation 5, Windows 11, Android 12, and iOS 16. Keeping up with the market means reinventing yourself and creating new versions of yourself to satisfy future job requirements.

Opportunities for the future workforce

Diversity and inclusion (D&I)

While the future workforce will face many challenges, they'll also benefit from all the developments and opportunities. From its roots in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, the Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) movement has expanded to include people of all races, genders, sexual orientations, ages, religions, ethnicities, and other identities.

In simple terms, diversity is representation. In an organization, the population should represent the various people above. Conversely, inclusion refers to 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 with respect.

Studies have also shown that D&I environments might inspire you to do your job better and prepare for the future in a D&I environment.

Rise of e-commerce

E-commerce is a significant area of growth for the workforce. The pandemic was a problem for all. Nobody could get to work, stores could not operate, and many establishments closed shop forever. Despite this, many enterprising business owners turned to the Internet.

The quarantine contributed to the rise in e-commerce trends. Suddenly, unexpected things like floor tiles were being sold on, of all places, Viber. Driven to desperation, entrepreneurs offered their wares on various social media. Everybody got e-wallets, and many people started a side gig selling things online.

Life has slowly returned to its normal pace. But 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 began to operate remotely. 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.

During this time, students graduated, applied online, and got hired online. Businesses abroad that were looking for more affordable labor discovered English-speaking Filipinos. From a just-for-the-moment remedy, 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. Businesses could lower their electric bills by decreasing the number of days employees had to report to the office. Employees also saved a lot on travel and food expenses, and once again, Filipinos adapted and flourished.

In the Philippines, where traffic is an economic impediment, remote and flexible work is here to stay.

Read more: 3 important questions for the future of remote work

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 relieve the stress of constant re-skilling.

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.

Education and skills needed for future jobs

As the world becomes increasingly digital, new graduates need to prepare to meet the needs of modern businesses. Some companies are forced to train new hires themselves so that they can start work. Those who don't provide training require applicants to receive further education independently.

Less than a decade ago, in 2014, a Gallup Poll in the U.S. highlighted the glaring gap between what educators believe and what employers think. When asked if their institutions were "effective at preparing students for the world of work," 96% of academic officers said yes. Meanwhile, when asked if they think graduates are "well-prepared for success in the workplace," only 11% of business leaders agreed.

In a 2019 survey, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reported that 51% of respondents said that "educational systems have done little or nothing to help address the skills shortage." The soft skills that were specifically 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 (BOI)—showed that college grads are ill-prepared for IT-BPO jobs. Despite strongly urging the work sector to promote continuous learning and instill soft skills, schools have yet to fulfill these expectations. 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. Utilize 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.

Ten 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 not only 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 helps 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 the world of 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.

Emerging fields and future industries

The following fields have gained some prominence lately because of media attention. You can expect their impact on society to grow further in the future.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Due to the sudden popularity of ChatGPT, development in this field will continue to escalate. There will still be many experimenters testing out new means of utilizing AI. Investors will also continue to hop on board, resulting in the creation of numerous applications. The massive interest will also draw regulators into the picture to study the ethics involved in AI.

Skills 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

Around 236 million ransomware attacks occurred in the first half of 2022 alone. With the introduction of AI, this number may increase drastically. Touch, thumb, and face recognition protocols will be enhanced. Eye scanning will also be improved.

Skills needed:

• Computer science degree
• Security across various platforms
• Software development
• Mobile technology
• Cloud technology
• Soft skills

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 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

Blockchain technology is finally recognized for its essential role in transactions between industries. 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 needed:

• Computer science degree
• Blockchain architecture
• Cryptography
• Data structure
• Cryptography and security principles
• Programming languages
• Experience with distributed systems

Jobs created:

• Core blockchain developer
• Software developer

Continuous learning

To create an institution capable of providing students that meet the standards of modern organizations. Companies 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 example.

Skills needed:

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

Jobs created:

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

Top 20 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. Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners, also referred to as Advanced Practice Registered nurses (APRNs), coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare.

Skills required: Master's degree in an advanced practice nursing field

2. Wind Turbine Service Technician

Wind turbine service technicians, also known as windtechs, maintain and repair wind turbines.

Skills required: Postsecondary non-degree award

3. Data Scientist

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

Skills required: Bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or related field

4. Information Security Analyst

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

Skill required: Bachelor's degree in computer science

5. Statistician

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

Skills needed: Master's degree in mathematics or statistics

6. Web Developer

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

Skills required: Variable

7. Medical and Health Service Managers

Medical and health service managers, also called healthcare executives, plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services.

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

8. Logistician

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

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

9. Physician Assistant

Physician assistants typically need a master's degree from an accredited educational program.

Skill required: Master's degree

10. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

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

Skills required: Technical school

11. Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs), under physical therapists' supervision, help patients recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain.

Skills required: Associate's degree from an accredited program

12. Software Developer

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

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

13. Financial Manager

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

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

14. 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, then monitor patients for side effects and reactions.

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

15. 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.

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

16. 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.

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

17. 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.

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

18. Project Management Specialist

Project management specialists coordinate the budget, schedule, and other details of a project. 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.

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

19. Computer Systems Analyst

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

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

20. Mental Health Counselor

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

Skills required: Bachelor's degree

Summary

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

The real future will be something in between, or it may be something else entirely. Nobody can predict the future—we can only stay ready. So how can you stay competitive in the future job market? Through continuous learning.

Stay positive. Keep informed. Stay focused. And above all, keep learning.

Read more: 5 ways to future-proof your career in the age of AI

FAQs

1. What are the jobs of the future?
   ⁠Jobs of the future will be jobs created by the emergence of a field or industry into popularity. For example, Artificial Intelligence is very much in the public eye, and in ten years, it may remain so. An example of an AI job is a Prompt Editor "responsible for triggering the most efficient series of commands to an AI tool to get the desired 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 be replaced by 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 at that time. However, employers are always looking for soft skills, or human skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership. For both technical and soft skills, it is recommended that the job seeker develops a culture of continuous learning.
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.
5. What are some strategies for staying relevant in the job market?
   ⁠Build a visibility strategy. Aside from doing great work, you have to make sure others know what you're doing. You can also take on an "owner" mindset, which is a soft skill that means thinking that you're the owner of the business, 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 the entire 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 will 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 together. Become an advocate of D&I at your workplace to begin a culture of change.

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