There is rising concern among the modern workforce about job security in the future. It’s hard to predict whether your current role will be automated or replaced by robots. If you are feeling anxious about the future security of your job, well, you have good reason to be. But you should also know that by consistently equipping yourself with knowledge, it’s less likely that you will be made redundant.
The nature of current jobs is merely evolving, changing in scope and definition based on the new demands that companies need. Let us now explore the emerging job trends, jobs that are declining and the new emerging careers of the future.
Emerging Job Trends
Deciding what career to go into is never an easy task. Besides choosing a career that aligns with our needs and passion, understanding the trends in the job market can help narrow our options and shed light on the feasibility of our new profession of choice in the long term.
Here are 3 trends that have emerged in recent years:
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is huge
An increasing number of industries have turned to the adoption of AI to increase productivity, improve performance and grow their GDP. AI and automation are transforming how businesses operate and how they communicate with their clients. As a result, new jobs are emerging and existing jobs are increasingly demanding the knowledge of AI.
2. Employers are seeking soft skills
As work becomes automated, employers are seeking employees with evident human skills that are impossible to be replaced by technology such as AI. Such skills include good communication and collaboration, conflict resolution and creativity.
3. Changing work dynamics
Employees also play a part in the changing job market. Housing costs, politics and the desire for more flexibility by employees are changing the work environment. Almost half the Millenials are looking for remote work opportunities instead of working in the office. As such, companies are catering to these wants by offering jobs that may provide a better quality of life.
5 jobs that are not likely to exist in the future
The adoption of AI and the automation of jobs have made some roles increasingly redundant. Here is a list of jobs that are likely to be replaced by AI machines in the future:
1. Customer Service Executives
This job does not demand a high level of social or emotional intelligence. Many companies are now turning to AI to help answer FAQs and provide customer support questions. You may have noticed that Chatbots are increasingly being adopted as the main point of contact for customers.
2. Bookkeeping and Data Entry
Long gone are the days of manual data entry and bookkeeping by humans. AI and ML (Machine Learning) are now being introduced to help companies better utilise their human resource, increase efficiency and reduce mistakes.
3. Receptionists
Both large and small chain hotels are beginning to introduce auto check-ins. Even fast-food joints, such as McDonald’s, are introducing communication screens where people can place their orders through. The need for receptionists will significantly decline.
4.Proofreading
Many applications are being developed to automate the detection of grammatical mistakes, sentence construction, and other errors can easily be automated. For example, Grammarly is one of professionals top applications to help with proofreading.
5. Manufacturing and Pharmaceutical work
Arguably, manufacturing and pharmaceutical work are sectors that people are most afraid of being replaced by AI jobs. The production process of most commodities can be mechanised, and when that is done, the operational aspect of manufacturing and pharmaceutical work can be easily replaced by AI. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry is seeing the benefits of having robots work with scientists to create a safer environment. Scientists no longer have to put their lives at risk when experimenting.
Top 5 emerging jobs
Now that we know the emerging trends and what jobs are at risk of being made redundant, you may be wondering what jobs exactly should you explore? According to studies by LinkedIn and the World Economic Forum, here is a list of the five emerging professions you may wish to consider.
1. Artificial Intelligence Specialist
As mentioned a couple of times in this post, AI is undoubtedly changing the face of the job market. In just the last four years alone, the hiring of artificial intelligence positions has grown a whopping 74%. Dominating industries such as manufacturing and pharmaceutical work to higher education, it is no surprise that AI specialists are in demand.
Skills required: TensorFlow, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Python, Computer Vision, Py Torch
2. Robotics Engineer
AI and robotics come hand-in-hand; the increased adoption of AI will mean the same for robotics. Robotic engineers build and deploy software that is used to automate tasks like data entry and expense reporting. This software will replace manual business processes, cutting down on business costs and will increase business efficiency.
Skills required: Robotic Process Automation (RPA), UiPath, Robot Operating System (ROS), robotics, Python
3. Full Stack Engineer
Equipped with both front-end web development and software development skills, the versatility of full-stack engineers makes them a valuable asset to any company. Their wide-ranging knowledge allows them to be flexible, adaptable and agile, which will help increase company productivity.
Skills required: React.js, Node.js, AngularJS, Javascript, MongoDB, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
4. Customer Success Specialist
Don’t confuse customer success with customer service. Customer service is a more reactive role, whereas customer success is a more proactive role. Instead of just responding to a customer request or complaint, a customer success specialist aims to understand the client’s needs and help an organisation to meet these client needs. This human element of understanding people’s needs cannot be replaced by AI and robotics and hence why it is an emerging profession you may wish to consider
Skills required: Customer relationship management, account management, customer retention
5. E-Commerce Specialist
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies to move their business online. Online businesses can reach a wider range of audiences and allow customers to shop from the comfort of their own homes. Retailers are starting to see the benefits of online sales. As such, there is a growing demand for e-commerce specialists who specialise in online sales strategies. E-commerce specialists monitor site activity, increase website traffic, develop brand loyalty, and improve user experience.
Skills required: Digital marketing, social media marketing, business developmen
As the saying goes, one door closes, and another door opens. While the continuous development of technology has placed some jobs at risk of being redundant, it has also created new opportunities.
Developing your technology literacy and skills is essential, but human elements such as empathy and critical thinking are just as important. Those are qualities that machines and robots will never replace. At least for now. Here at Bridge, we advocate for the need to stay relevant in your profession by keeping abreast with emerging future trends and upskilling or reskilling yourself.
