We all want to follow a career path that is rewarding in every sense of the word, but there’s no point studying a topic you’re passionate about if you can’t get hired at the end of it all.
So while your interests and strengths are important, it’s equally vital to understand future job prospects. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what the top jobs in demand are predicted to be over the next decade or so.
Financial Analysts
Average salary: $72,015
A financial analyst helps companies and individuals make informed investment decisions. Investing will be more complicated than ever in 2030, with the vast range of options including stocks, shares, crypto, NFTs, and more. This can be overwhelming for unqualified investors — that’s where a financial analyst can help!
Financial analysts compare different investment instruments, monitor data, and prepare comprehensive reports that show the risks and profits of various investments. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in financial accounting or a similar topic to work as a financial analyst.
EDHEC offers 2 online Master of Science (MSc) that can lead you towards a career as a financial analyst: a MSc in Data Management & Business Analytics and a MSc in Corporate Finance.
Software Developers
Average Salary: $110,140 in 2020
Analysts are expecting a 22% growth in the number of software developer jobs by 2030, predicting the creation of 409,500 new vacancies in the US alone.
As a software developer, you can specialise in a variety of programming languages and write complex codes that make applications more effective and user-friendly. Ultimately, the goal of software development is to improve human interactions with technology.
Software development is becoming increasingly valued by businesses and individuals because it can allow them to automate tedious, manual tasks. To become a software developer, you’ll need a sound understanding of technology, programming languages, and systems.
There are a number of degrees that can equip you to work in the field, including Computer Science, Information Technology, and Software Engineering.
Primary School Teachers
Average Salary: $60,660 in 2020
Primary school teaching is another growing field, with jobs expected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030.
There are significant prospects for teachers at the primary level, as well as kindergarten teachers. Not only can you expect a reliable income as a teacher, but you’ll also enjoy the rewards that come with knowing you’re shaping the academic future of youngsters.
These days, there are also remote opportunities where you can teach kids from your own home, and these are only set to increase towards 2030. All you’ll need is a laptop and a stable internet connection. If you are good with children and have a passion for education, a career as an elementary school teacher could be perfect for you.
Accountants and Auditors
Average salary: $73,560 in 2020
The BLS estimates 96,000 new job openings in the accountancy and auditing industries from 2020 to 2030, representing a growth of 7%. However, don’t write this field off as boring — gone are the days when being an accountant was all about crunching numbers.
As an accountant in 2030, you’ll have to do more than simply prepare financial statements for companies and individuals. Your scope will include a high level of participation in the financial management of the companies you work for or with. You’ll evaluate financial reports and suggest growth strategies.
At a minimum, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in accounting to work as an accountant or auditor. For high-level positions, a master’s degree and additional certifications will be advantageous, if not a prerequisite.
General Practitioners and Surgeons
Average salary: $216,290
The demand for jobs in the healthcare sector has surged dramatically in the last couple of years and this growth is only set to continue in the future.
As the COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly across the world, the healthcare sector saw an extreme demand for physicians and certified practitioners. As the pandemic continues to make its presence felt, governments are increasingly realising the importance of having enough medical staff.
General practitioners and surgeons are always in demand, and enjoy high salaries along with a range of other benefits. Of course, if you want to pursue this career you’ll need to invest in years of study, internships, and certifications.
Construction Managers
Average salary: $97,180
As the world’s population increases, so does the demand for construction projects. We’ve seen a boom in construction that is predicted to last into the next decade, and each project requires a construction manager.
A construction manager plays an essential role in supervising construction workers, making operational decisions, and ensuring the project is delivered on time and on budget. In this role, you may have an office for planning and coordination, but you will spend most of your time on construction sites. This role offers good pay and has tremendous scope for future growth.
The Bottom Line
There’s no denying that job hunting can be tough. You can send out your CV to hundreds of companies, put in dozens of applications, do plenty of interviews, and still have nothing to show for it at the end of the day. However, if you’re lucky enough (or plan well enough) to hold a sought-after qualification in an in-demand field, you’ll find it that much easier to land a rewarding role in an organisation of your choice.
Of course, it’s important to follow your passions – there’s no point in pursuing a career in a field that has great prospects but bores you to tears. Find a vocation that both matches your interests and will have plenty of jobs in demand in the future and you’ll be good to go!
Take a look at EDHEC’s programmes for qualifications that will be in high demand in the future.
