Tomorrow's Careers
What you will find here:
- My summary on how innovation will shape the labour market (with many references)
- A list of roughly 450 professions that are more likely to be safe than the rest in the foreseeable future (perhaps 15-20 years)
- Brief introductions of these professions
Feedback and comments are more than welcome and they will help me make improvements in the updates.
last updated: November 18th, 2024
Tomorrow's Careers
What you will find here:
- My summary on how innovation will shape the labour market (with many references)
- A list of roughly 450 professions that are more likely to be safe than the rest in the foreseeable future (perhaps 15-20 years)
- Brief introductions of these professions
Feedback and comments are more than welcome and they will help me make improvements in the updates.
last updated: November 18th, 2024
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
What to Expect, Why and How to Prepare
Choosing a career should take future changes into account as much as possible. I’m basing my list of future-proof careers on the scenario of the future, where AI services are already reliable[1]([2])[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][38] (very accurate in what they say and do) and are even quite a bit more effective than they are now; robots and drones can do a lot of tasks[12][13], but they still have ways to go. I’m taking some other safe-to-assume changes not relevant to AI into account as well, such as the cycle of ups and downs in the world economy[14][15].
AI Agents
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Choosing a career should take future changes into account as much as possible. I’m basing my list of future-proof careers on the scenario of the future, where AI services are already reliable[1]([2])[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][38] (very accurate in what they say and do) and are even quite a bit more effective than they are now; robots and drones can do a lot of tasks[12][13], but they still have ways to go. I’m taking some other safe-to-assume changes not relevant to AI into account as well, such as the cycle of ups and downs in the world economy[14][15].
AI agents will be able to take charge of many sorts of tasks very soon[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][40][41] and there’s no clear indication that their developments will slow down in the near future[23][32][42][48]. They are bound to become extremely effective and versatile[24][25][18][19][20][21][22]. What they can’t or won’t be fully entrusted with yet are:
- considering and handling human, ethical and other organic factors
- understanding and handling politics
- business relationships
- topics that LLM’s can’t completely grasp yet (e.g. 3D environments, where they could cause harm)
- diplomacy
- PR
- high responsibilities (for now)
- leading employees
- negotiations and conflict resolution
- navigating cultural nuances
- evaluating out-of-the-box ideas
- handling sensitive or confidential information
- understanding and addressing emotional and psychological factors
- interpreting and responding to non-verbal cues in communication
- handling sensitive HR issues and workplace dynamics
- taking many (but not all) sorts of physical action
AI Agents
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
AI agents will be able to take charge of many sorts of tasks very soon[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][40][41] and there’s no clear indication that their developments will slow down in the near future[23][32][42][48]. They are bound to become extremely effective and versatile[24][25][18][19][20][21][22]. What they can’t or won’t be fully entrusted with yet are:
- considering and handling human, ethical and other organic factors
- understanding and handling politics
- business relationships
- topics that LLM’s can’t completely grasp yet (e.g. 3D environments, where they could cause harm)
- diplomacy
- PR
- high responsibilities (for now)
- leading employees
- negotiations and conflict resolution
- navigating cultural nuances
- evaluating out-of-the-box ideas
- handling sensitive or confidential information
- understanding and addressing emotional and psychological factors
- interpreting and responding to non-verbal cues in communication
- handling sensitive HR issues and workplace dynamics
- taking many (but not all) sorts of physical action
As they prove themselves, they will gradually be entrusted with greater and greater financial and other responsibilities, and handling more and more complex systems without continuous supervision.
Very soon, agentic AI chatbots[26][27][28][18] will be capable of
- deeper thinking,
- step-by-step reasoning,
- making plans and following them[29][21][22][33][34],
- communicating and taking certain digital actions independently[21][22][30],
- trying things and then learning from them (active inference)[31],
- attempting to solve a problem hundreds or even thousands of ways and then picking the best one by a separate integrated process[33],
while making fewer and fewer mistakes.
Robots
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Robots taking over physical jobs outside of factories promises gigantic profits, and will also play a crucial role in the competitiveness of countries. Therefore, extremely large investments are likely to pour into getting rid of the manufacturing bottlenecks of useful robots that make use of AI. To see the effect of large investments upscaling an industry quickly, the most recent examples are:
- Solar and other renewable energy[43]
- Biotechnology and mRNA vaccine production[46][47]
- AI development and how many useful AI tools exist already[48][49][50][51]
- GPU manufacturing for AI[42]
- Electric vehicles[52]
These bottlenecks that will receive large investments and develop at break-neck speeds are:
- Humanoid robot market research and industrial design
- Internal computer control of these robots that can be upgraded in computer hardware and software as well
- Developing frameworks that make robots "understand" the environments they will operate in, how they should handle items, and creating a general plan for how to behave in unfamiliar environments[53]
- Distribution, upgrade and repair centres with well-trained technicians
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Apart from automation, AI and robotics, there are other very influential technological developments underway as well, and they are also scaling up very quickly:
- Energy storage and production
- Blockchain technology, crypto currencies
- Medical advances, such as gene editing, personalised medical treatments, regenerating human tissues, reversing aspects of aging, preventing, diagnosing and treating all sorts of illnesses we couldn't up until recently, including the most common ones, tackling obesity completely
- Many more that can appear and become very influential suddenly, such as nanotechnology, using biological processes in manufacturing, bioengineering creating organisms that can fulfil useful functions in many ways, etc.
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
The conclusion is that we need to specialize and gain relevant experience to stay competitive. Bear in mind though that the more specialized your profession is, the more you have to be willing to relocate, in case you can't keep working at the same place or you want to change for a better work environment, career progression or a higher salary; because the other similar companies may be far away, or in extreme cases, even abroad. Among many other examples, this can be the case for some helicopter pilots, professionals in the oil and mining industries who need multiple degrees, engineers working for chip development companies, etc. A few examples of other factors that may also make it necessary or highly beneficial to move could be
1. Nasty surprises and hardships like Brexit, wars, economic, crime rate and political issues, the housing crisis, natural disasters and climate migration, or events like the conscription of soldiers in Russia for the war in Ukraine, etc.
2. Due to such and similar problems, employees migrating in large numbers nationally and internationally, affecting unemployment levels and salaries in multiple countries
3. Water scarcity
4. Urban overcrowding and gentrification
5. Migration policy changes
6. Significant tax policy changes
7. The affordability of education
It’s clear to me that governments will have to take action against the shocking effects of AI on the labour markets[36][37], but I would be surprised if they were coordinated, effective and proactive; see: COVID response, Paris Accord, climate goals busted, reigning in the rich regarding tax evasion, standing up to illegal fishing, deglobalisation, limited success of international sanctions, etc. Therefore, the scenario I’m basing my list of future-proof professions on is a point where technological progress and problems affecting the economies cause too many people to lose their jobs. This may prove to be a long period and this is the situation, in which job security will be the most crucial. There is no way to know when this point arrives, but with the exponential growth of so many technologies, it would be a miracle if it didn’t happen in many countries within 20 years[24][36][37].
This list doesn’t include a lot of jobs, which are potentially even more desirable than the safer choices. I’m not advising you to avoid them, but please, be aware that during harder times, they may not be suitable to provide you with financial security. The solutions could be sufficiently large and diversified investments, savings and/or a safer profession that you can fall back on, in which you can be competitive. Dedicating time and effort to lower your expenses can also help much more than you may realize, and it doesn’t necessarily mean major compromises.
This list is meant to be reasonably universal, not specific to any one country. Please make sure that the career you choose has a good outlook in the place where you plan to live.
As mentioned above, if the last few years are any indication, then it’s also clear that there will be nasty surprises and disruptions affecting much of the population of the world in the coming decades as well. There is no way to anticipate many of them, the reactions to them, indirect effects and political decisions. Yet we must still try to adapt and prepare for the future, including decisions on the career paths we take.
Universal Basic Income (UBI) will not save us, in my opinion: When everybody has more cash on hand, prices simply rise. There would still be plenty of people that have more income than their UBI, so landlords can simply ask for higher rent, grocery stores can adjust their prices higher to maximise profits, taking people’s increased income into account, etc.
A greater political change is needed to resolve the rising inequality, profession-specific and overall unemployment caused by disruptions[36][37], which could make it hard to keep peace and stability. Major political reforms in democratic countries are usually slow and difficult, and we can expect a lot of push back, because staying the course with current policies would benefit people in power and the wealthy, whom political decision makers depend on. What will happen is highly unpredictable, just the way the different countries took vastly different actions against COVID19. (Such unpredictable political changes are likely to make political jobs less secure than they are now.)
Yes, there will be many jobs created as well, and some imagine that lots of people will simply move on to jobs ‘one level more complex’ than what they did before. In my opinion, this will not be feasible on a large enough scale quickly enough.
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Disclaimer: I did my best to research the following professions, but some of their descriptions might not be perfect. I trust that it won’t be a major issue, because their goal is to help you figure out which professions you would like to find out more about. I welcome feedback, which I will incorporate in updates as quickly as I can. I will keep expanding this list in the future.
Don't let the job titles confuse you. Different countries and companies name them differently, and how much they vary in job descriptions across the similar job titles is also messy. Sometimes, there are even a dozen synonyms for the title of the same position or very similar ones. Once you've found professions that pique your interest, look up their different names that are used in your country. You will need them for your further research.
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work
Law Enforcement
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Careers and duties within the intelligence services are extremely diverse. Work for law enforcement agencies, businesses, organisations, military branches, cybersecurity agencies, security consultancies. Specialise in parts of IT, data analysis, various types of crimes or finance. Develop and execute plans to gather, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks, etc. Assess threats. Think creatively to anticipate and prevent organised crime activities, such as terrorism and to figure out and prove major crimes committed. Make predictions. Prepare reports on potential threats or opportunities for decision-makers. Brief government officials on intelligence findings. Dedication, perseverance, discipline, competitive spirit, being able to handle ambiguity, particularly high analytical, creative problem-solving skills and intelligence are all essential. Continuous learning in the specialised field and adjacent ones too. This work can make a major difference for the country, which many would find rewarding.
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing the law. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol an area, direct traffic, issue traffic fines, investigate accidents, apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. A large part of the job may be to provide guidance to tourists and civilians, for example when visiting events.
Collect evidence and fingerprints at crime scenes, take photographs of evidence for use in criminal and civil cases. Assist in identifying suspects through fingerprint analysis or photo comparisons. Provide information to authorised personnel for investigations. Many other types of administrative tasks.
Gather information for clients about legal, financial or personal matters. Conduct surveillance and collect evidence for cases. Interview people to gather information about investigations. Perform background checks for businesses or individuals. Search computer databases and public records for clues. Assist in locating missing persons. Compile and analyse many types of information. Prepare reports on investigation findings for clients. Testify in court about evidence collected during investigations.
Protect passengers, employees and property on public transport systems. Patrol trains, buses and transit facilities to prevent crime. Respond to emergencies and incidents on public transportation. Investigate crimes that occur on transit property. Enforce fare payment and other transit rules. Coordinate with local law enforcement on transit-related issues.
Guard inmates in prisons or rehabilitative institutions. Maintain security and enforce rules within correctional facilities. Supervise inmate activities and monitor their behaviour. Conduct regular inspections to prevent escapes or violence. Assist in rehabilitation programs for inmates. May guard prisoners in transit.
Manage the operations of a correctional facility. Supervise personnel, develop and oversee correctional procedures, and ensure the operation is compliant with legal regulations. Perform administrative duties and facilitate cooperation with external institutions and staff providing aid to the facility.
Educate legal offenders, including prisoners, on social rehabilitation and correctional behaviour. Assist prisoners in gaining skills which aims to facilitate their reintegration into society and increase their chances at finding employment after release. Analyse the students' individual learning needs, plan and prepare teaching materials and sessions and update their learning records. Ensure the working area and materials are safe from danger and accounted for, and supervise the students at all times.
Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of a rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment requirements.
Investigate and inspect persons, goods and vehicles entering or leaving the country to detect violations of immigration and customs laws. Enforce customs, immigration, and agricultural laws and regulations at borders. Detect and prevent smuggling of illegal goods or substances. Verify travel documents and visas of people entering the country. Conduct interviews to see if foreign visitors can enter the country. May collect customs duties and fees on imported goods. Cooperate with other law enforcement agencies on border security issues.
Investigate crimes to identify and arrest suspects. Collect and analyse evidence from crime scenes. Interview witnesses and suspects to gather information. May conduct surveillance on suspected criminals. Prepare detailed reports on investigations for use in court. Testify in court about evidence and investigative findings. Collaborate with other law enforcement agencies on cases. Diligence, patience and strong social and creative problem-solving skills are essential for success in this profession. Career progression typically leads to leadership or management roles. Many branches within the profession are even less glamourous than portrayed in movies and TV shows, because it makes the person spend a lot of time around desperate, violent, psychologically ill and malicious people.
Shift work on a 24-hour rotation as a security guard in a Samsung mobile device factory.
Oversee and coordinate activities of police officers or detectives. Assign cases and tasks to officers based on their skills and experience. Review reports and evidence to ensure thorough investigations. Provide guidance and support to officers during complex cases. Evaluate the performance of police officers and recommend training or discipline. Ensure compliance with department policies and procedures. Cooperate with other law enforcement agencies and community leaders. Manage budgets and resources for police operations.
Enforce laws related to hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation. Patrol wilderness areas to prevent poaching and illegal activities. Check hunting and fishing licenses and inspect catches or kills. Investigate violations of wildlife laws and regulations and reports of damage to crops or property by wild animals. Collect data on wildlife populations and habitats.
Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Operate hand and power tools to install, maintain, overhaul and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Perform regular checks, clean or replace filters, and troubleshoot issues with equipment. Ensure systems are working efficiently and safely, and educate customers on proper system use and maintenance.
Design heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems for buildings and vehicles. Calculate heating and cooling loads, select appropriate equipment and create detailed plans for installation. Extensive software use (e.g. for analysis and 2D and 3D modelling). Communicate with other professionals and the client.
Operate hand and power tools to install, maintain, overhaul and repair cooling systems in buildings and vehicles. Set up refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, connect electrical and plumbing components, and test systems for proper operation. Diagnose mechanical and electrical issues, repair or replace faulty parts, and ensure systems comply with safety and environmental regulations. Overlaps with HVAC technicians’ work.
Program and operate computer-controlled machines to cut and shape materials like metal or plastic. Read blueprints, configure machines and monitor production to ensure precision. Adjust machine settings, tools or programs as needed to produce precise parts.
Operate manual machines to cut, drill and shape metal or plastic parts. Read blueprints, select appropriate tools, and set up machines for each task. Measure and inspect finished parts to ensure they meet specifications.
Fabricate, install and repair products made from thin metal sheets. Read blueprints, cut and shape metal using hand tools and machines. Install sheet metal products in buildings or vehicles, ensuring proper fit and function.
Technical positions with a focus on organisation duties and people, which both can be stressful, due to high responsibilities and the difficulties with employees (including putting pressure on them). Often significant parts of the work are coordination, coaching, monitoring hazards, overseeing work quality and productivity or boring administrative tasks. Manage schedules and
address any issues that arise during operations. Management may involve negotiations, several types of financial duties and decision making. Good communication skills and handling people well (including motivation) are indispensable. Some roles even involve strategic planning, which requires solid analytical skills and abstract thinking.
Develop and implement quality assurance programs to ensure products or services meet required company and legal standards. Lead teams in conducting inspections, tests and audits covering the entire production process. Analyse data to identify trends and areas for improvement in quality. Create and maintain documentation of quality processes and procedures. Train staff on quality standards and best practices. Investigate the root causes of quality issues, which can be stressful. Collaborate with other departments to address these issues. All decent-quality products and online services have to pass tests, including food, produce, custom-built items and apps, so many directions are available within this field, especially with additional specializations.
As above without the managerial duties.
Examine raw materials and products for defects throughout the manufacturing process, ensure they meet quality standards and sort items based on specific criteria. Conduct tests, take samples for analysis and take measurements. Record inspection results and report any quality issues.
Stay up to date on regulatory standards, ensure final products or services meet these standards and are delivered to customers with consistency. Develop and oversee quality control processes. Work with other departments to fix quality problems. People working in QA are often unpopular among coworkers, because they are seen as the people who point out their mistakes, bad performance and make them redo tasks. It takes QA workers great empathy and people skills to be liked by colleagues, but it’s very important, because they usually spend many hours a week educating workers too. Report writing and making detailed suggestions take up a large part of the work time as well.
Install, maintain, and repair regulating and control systems and valves in industrial settings, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves. Interpret blueprints and assemble components. Test systems for proper operation. Troubleshoot issues, replace faulty parts, and adjust control mechanisms to ensure optimal performance.
Install and service automatic and manual doors in commercial and residential buildings. Assemble door components, connect electrical systems, and adjust mechanisms for smooth operation. Diagnose and repair issues with door systems, including sensors, motors and safety features.
Install, maintain and repair electrical power lines and related equipment. Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access lines, replace damaged components and connect new lines to power sources. Respond to power outages and perform emergency repairs even in bad weather conditions.
Install, maintain and repair elevators, escalators and other people-moving equipment. Read blueprints, assemble and install mechanical and electrical components and test systems for safety and efficiency. Perform regular maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and repair or replace faulty parts.
Install, move, maintain and repair industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. Read technical diagrams, communicate with other professionals and the client to make sure every detail of the plan is correct, disassemble and reassemble machines, align and calibrate equipment. Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot issues (often with creativity) and fabricate replacement parts when needed.
Set up, operate and maintain electronic equipment used in radio and television recordings and broadcasts, including Internet streams. Regulate sound and picture quality and monitor transmissions. Troubleshoot hardware and software issues, conduct emergency repairs and assist with the production of live or recorded programs.
Set up and operate audio equipment and software for concerts, recordings and broadcasts. Mix and balance sound sources, adjust sound quality, and create desired audio effects. Maintain and repair audio equipment, and collaborate with performers or producers to achieve the desired sound output.
Install and repair equipment and wiring used in telephone, internet and cable TV systems. Set up hub systems, routers and other network devices, and test connections for proper operation. Diagnose and fix hardware and software issues.
Install and replace telecommunications lines and cables. Climb poles or work in underground tunnels to access lines and connect wiring to network equipment. Test lines for signal strength and quality, and replace damaged lines and related components.
One of the environmentally friendly, renewable sources of energy. Geothermal energy utilises the temperature under the ground to produce electricity (high temperature) or to supply heating and cooling for residential or industrial uses. Oversee operations at geothermal power plants and injection well fields, ensuring efficient and safe energy production. Manage staff, coordinate maintenance activities, and optimise plant performance. Cooperate with coworkers extensively, work with accuracy, administration, oversee repairs.
Install, test, maintain and repair geothermal heating and cooling systems in power plants, industrial and residential settings. Test soil and rock conditions for system suitability. Design and plan geothermal loop installations. Connect geothermal heat pumps to building systems. Oversee the processes and be available to take action if any fault or inefficiency arises. Educate customers on geothermal system operations. Work at night and on weekends too.
Manage the operations of hydroelectric power plants, overseeing energy generation and distribution. Manage staff, coordinate inspections, maintenance and repair work of dams, turbines and related equipment. Ensure safety protocols are followed, optimise plant efficiency, administration, oversee repairs. Handle unexpected events.
Operate and maintain equipment in biomass power plants. Monitor boilers, turbines and generators. Control fuel feeding systems and combustion processes. Perform routine inspections and maintenance on plant equipment. Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical issues. Maintain records of plant operations and equipment performance. Work at night and on weekends too.
Assemble and install various components of aircraft, including the frame, wings and control systems. Read blueprints, use specialised tools, and ensure proper alignment and fit of parts. Perform quality checks and testing of assembled components.
Assemble parts and products according to specifications in manufacturing settings. Use hand tools, machines and other equipment to put together components. Follow Quality Control procedures and work efficiently to meet production targets.
Design and create tools, dies and special guiding devices used in manufacturing. Operate machines to cut and shape metal into precise specifications. Test and refine tools and dies to ensure they produce parts accurately.
Join metal parts using heat and/or pressure, following blueprints and specifications. Operate welding equipment, select appropriate materials, and inspect completed welds. Cut metal using torches or other cutting equipment. More studies are needed to do such jobs than how simple they sound and further specializations provide even more lucrative opportunities.
Set up, operate and monitor automated welding, soldering and brazing machines. Adjust machine settings, load materials and ensure proper joining of metal parts. Inspect finished products for quality and make necessary adjustments.
Set up, operate and tend machines used to cut, shape and finish wood products. Read work orders, adjust machine settings and load materials. Monitor machine operation and inspect finished products for quality.
Measure, cut and install carpet in residential and commercial buildings. Prepare surfaces, lay padding and secure carpet using various tools and techniques. Repair or replace damaged carpet sections and ensure proper fit and appearance.
Examine homes to assess their condition, safety and compliance with building codes. Inspect structural elements, electrical systems, plumbing and other components. Prepare detailed reports of findings for buyers, sellers or real estate professionals.
Repair and maintain boats, ships and other marine vessels using hand and power tools. Take part in manufacturing vessels. Diagnose and fix issues with engines, electrical systems and other mechanical components. Perform routine maintenance and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Maintain and repair various types of motorboats and small watercraft. Work on engines, electrical and propulsion systems and steering. Diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults efficiently requires good analytical skills and some studies or plenty of experience. Perform routine maintenance like oil changes and winterising. Replace worn or damaged parts. Handle and move heavy objects. Adjust and tune engines for optimal performance. Test boats after repairs to ensure they're working correctly and safely. Sometimes, making custom parts and metalwork is needed. Depending on the climate, the work may be seasonal.
Support engineers during the development process and prototype testing of ships and boats, their components and setting up the manufacturing processes. Collect and analyse data from the performance tests of the vessel. Investigate issues, overcome hurdles creatively and recommend improvements. Perform quality control checks. Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create technical drawings. If focused on the production processes, then assist in the construction and assembly of ships and boats. Read and interpret technical drawings and blueprints. Use various tools and equipment to cut, shape and weld metal components. Install mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Perform quality control checks throughout the manufacturing process.
Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, steam boilers, pumps, compressors and air-conditioning equipment. Monitor gauges, keep track of industrial processes, make adjustments to keep machines operating safely and with optimal efficiency. Regular maintenance, testing and administrative duties, minor assembly and repair tasks. Extensive expertise is required to manage unexpected events well. Such engineers work on ships and oil rigs, in large commercial buildings, industrial facilities, office complexes, hospitals, universities, malls, hotels and airports.
In charge of operating, maintaining and repairing ships' engines and mechanical systems. Monitor engine performance and fuel efficiency. Diagnose and fix mechanical, electrical and hydraulic problems. Manage engine room crew and oversee repair and routine maintenance work. Keep detailed logs of all engine operations and maintenance activities.
Inspect ships and offshore structures to assess their condition. Advise on ship values for insurance, loan or sale purposes. Check vessels for safety, seaworthiness and compliance with regulations. Investigate maritime accidents and damages. Provide detailed reports on vessel conditions and needed repairs. Oversee repairs and modifications to ensure they meet standards. The subjects of the inspections are the ship’s hull, machinery and electrical systems, therefore, a high level of technical knowledge in ship construction, maintenance and repair is required to properly identify and diagnose issues. Attend ship launches and sea trials. Keep up-to-date with maritime laws, regulations and industry standards.
Manage fleet operations for shipping companies. Oversee maintenance and repair of vessels. Ensure ships comply with safety and environmental regulations. Coordinate crew management and training. Handle budgets for ship operations and maintenance. Liaise with port authorities, classification societies and insurers. Investigate and report on maritime incidents. Develop and implement company policies for ship operations. Requires at least a relevant bachelor’s degree and advanced knowledge of ship operations, engineering and maritime regulations, combined with hands-on experience. Networking and maintaining good relationships with fleet owners and stakeholders is important for this career. Continuous learning is expected. Specializations include technical, operations, leading, quality assurance and safety focussed roles. Stressful, demanding profession.
Manage refrigeration and air conditioning systems on ships. Operate and maintain cooling equipment for cargo and crew areas. Monitor temperature-controlled spaces to ensure proper conditions. Troubleshoot and repair refrigeration system malfunctions. Manage inventory of refrigerants and spare parts. Train and supervise refrigeration team members. Coordinate with other ship departments on cooling needs.
Design, install and maintain automated systems on ships. Program and operate computerised control systems. Monitor and optimise ship's automation for efficiency and safety. Troubleshoot complex technical issues in ship's automated systems. Implement upgrades to ship's automation technology. Train crew members on use of automated systems. Collaborate with other engineering departments on system integration. This role demands expertise in control systems, programming and sensor technologies.
Oversee all electrical systems and equipment on typically large ships, such as cruise ships or tankers. Manage, maintain and repair electrical generators, motors, lighting and electrical distribution systems. Troubleshoot complex electrical problems. Supervise and train electrical team members. Plan maintenance schedules.
Manage the ship's engine room, propulsion systems, mechanical systems used in cargo operations or specialised offshore equipment. Oversee maintenance and repair of main engines and other machinery. Monitor fuel consumption and optimise engine performance. Troubleshoot mechanical issues and perform emergency repairs. Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Supervise and train engine room crew. Maintain inventory of spare parts and tools. Coordinate with bridge officers regarding engine operations. On vessels like drillships or offshore support vessels, the Chief Mechanic oversees the mechanical equipment, including cranes, drilling machinery and heavy lifting gear. This role demands expertise in mechanical engineering, hydraulics, pneumatics and experience in heavy machinery maintenance.
Oversee loading, placement and unloading of ship's cargo. Plan cargo placement for ship stability and efficiency. Operate and maintain cargo handling equipment. Ensure proper securing of cargo for sea transport. Also found on specialised vessels like liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, take charge of the safe handling, transfer and storage of liquid or gas cargo. Monitor cargo conditions during the voyage. Comply with regulations for handling different types of cargo. Coordinate with port officials and stevedores (if any) during cargo operations. Maintain accurate cargo records and documentation.
Operate advanced computerised systems to keep a ship in a precise position. Monitor and control ship's thrusters and propulsion systems. Interpret data from GPS, wind sensors and other positioning equipment. Maintain ship's position during offshore operations like drilling or cable laying. Respond quickly to changes in weather or sea conditions.
Supervise deck crew and oversee deck operations. Maintain deck equipment (e.g. winches and mooring systems), cargo handling (e.g. cranes) and lifesaving appliances. Coordinate painting and general maintenance of the ship's exterior. Assist in mooring and anchoring operations. Oversee cargo loading and unloading on the deck. Conduct safety drills and ensure deck safety procedures are followed. Maintain inventory of deck department supplies. Act as a link between deck crew and ship's officers.
The Safety Officer is responsible for ensuring the ship's compliance with safety regulations, including conducting safety drills, maintaining safety equipment (lifeboats, firefighting systems, etc.) and overseeing crew safety training. This position requires extensive knowledge of maritime safety protocols, emergency response systems and international maritime regulations (SOLAS, ISM Code). Though often a deck officer with specialised safety training, it can be a separate role on the ship, which involves technical and leadership expertise.
Install and maintain pipe systems used in industrial settings and large buildings, which may contain various liquids and gases. Read blueprints, cut, weld, thread, join pipes and install valves and other fittings. Test systems for leaks, pressure and proper operation. Steamfitters are pipefitters that are also qualified to work with high-pressure systems and pipes that carry hazardous materials.
Trim and shape horses' hooves and fit them with appropriate horseshoes. Assess hoof health and gait to determine proper shoeing needs. Fabricate or modify horseshoes and attach them securely to horses' hooves.
Repair, modify and customise firearms for optimal performance and safety. Diagnose and fix mechanical issues, replace worn parts, and adjust sights and other components. Perform routine maintenance and ensure compliance with firearms regulations.
Operate machines and equipment to produce firearms and other small and large weapons. Follow blueprints and specifications to ensure accurate production of parts. Perform quality checks and assemble components into finished products.
Create products and structures using fiberglass materials. Mix resins, apply fiberglass layers, and shape materials using moulds or forms. Finish and trim products, ensuring proper strength and appearance.
Conduct sleep examinations to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. Set up and operate specialised monitoring equipment to record patients' sleep patterns. Analyse data, educate the patient and provide treatment.
Set up and install prefabricated buildings and mobile homes. Prepare sites by levelling ground and laying foundations. Assemble the building, including the flooring, wiring, walls, doors, windows and roof either in the workshop or on the prepared foundations. Assist lifting and transporting the building sections or the whole home to installation sites. Align and connect building parts according to plans. Install utility systems like plumbing, electricity and heating. Seal joints and openings to make buildings weatherproof. Anchor structures to foundations. Inspect installations to ensure they meet building codes. Supervisors also coordinate the work, supervise and motivate workers, resolve technical and personal issues. Managers are more involved in sales, customer service, watching out for following regulations, resourcing, hiring, profitability, finance and long-term planning; as opposed to carrying out the work itself.
Diagnose, repair and maintain various types of vehicles or machinery. Use diagnostic tools to identify issues, replace or repair faulty parts and perform routine maintenance. Ensure proper operation and safety of equipment. Whether mechanic and technician mean the same thing and if not then what the differences are varies by the region and the industry. Colloquially, the two words mean the same, with a few exceptions.
Operate, maintain and repair conveyor systems used in manufacturing or logistics. Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and perform necessary adjustments or repairs. Design and implement improvements.
Oversee and coordinate manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency and quality. Production managers work on the production of a huge variety of goods (e.g. plastic toys, ovens, screws, windows, car parts, ready meals, bread, canned food, wooden chairs, clothes, medicines, magazines, etc.), but they gain experience with a limited variety of them, which confines their career to a certain extent. Manage and train production staff, assigning tasks and ensuring proper skill development. Monitor equipment performance and coordinate maintenance to minimise downtime. Collaborate with other departments such as purchasing, logistics, quality control and sales to ensure smooth operations. Ensure compliance with legal standards and company guidelines.
Operate heavy lifting equipment to move materials in construction, manufacturing, warehouse or shipping settings. Follow safety protocols, interpret hand signals, and precisely control equipment movements. Perform equipment inspections and basic maintenance.
Control machines that remove sand, gravel or other materials from bodies of water. Navigate dredging vessels, monitor underwater operations, and maintain proper depth and material flow.
Operate drilling and boring machines to create holes or tunnels underground. Set up equipment, monitor drilling progress, and adjust operations as needed. Collect soil or rock samples. Depending on the task at hand, maintaining the equipment can be a large part of the job.
Handle, transport and use explosives in construction, weapon manufacturing, mining or demolition works. Determine appropriate explosive types and quantities, set charges and detonate explosives safely. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and proper disposal of unexploded ordnance.
Construct and repair various types of fences for residential, commercial or agricultural properties. Measure and mark fence lines, dig post holes, and install fence posts and panels. Ensure proper alignment, stability and strength of fences.
Operate machines that drive piles into the ground for building foundations or other structures. Position and align piles, control driving force, monitor depth and angle of piles. Ensure proper installation and stability of driven piles.
Operate and maintain equipment used in oil and gas extraction, processing and transportation. Monitor well performance, adjust equipment settings, and perform maintenance on pumps, compressors, engines and other machinery. Must have solid knowledge of the equipment, their maintenance needs and safety protocols, to ensure safe and efficient operation of oil and gas production units with minimal downtime.
Oversee the planning and development of wind energy projects. Coordinate site assessments, obtain necessary permits, and manage project budgets and timelines. Collaborate with engineers, landowners, contractors, investors and government agencies to implement wind farm projects.
Manage the day-to-day operations of wind farms to ensure efficient energy production by supervising the work of team members and contractors. Oversee maintenance schedules, monitor turbine performance, and coordinate repairs. Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations while optimising energy output.
Engineers and Technicians
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Install, maintain and repair wind turbines. Perform routine inspections of turbine components. Diagnose and fix mechanical, hydraulic or electrical issues, which require good analytical skills and physical fitness. Replace worn or damaged parts. Monitor the operation of the wind turbines remotely, on computers. Collect and analyse data on turbine performance. Perform regular maintenance like lubricating moving parts and tightening bolts. Be on call and fix problems quickly when needed. Wind farms are often in remote locations.
The distribution of responsibilities and qualifications required to work in the different roles of architecture vary greatly: Mainly by country (due to legislation), but also by the size of the construction and sometimes, by how rural a project is. There are tradesmen whom are already called architects at the age of 18, but usually they are apprentices in effect, until they gain years of experience.
Mostly, an architect is someone who is responsible for overseeing every part of a construction project. There are famous architects, the names of which are like brands, such as Gustave Eiffel, Antoni Gaudi, Zaha Hadid, Toyo Ito, etc, because they create impressively novel yet viable design concepts. Generally speaking, a certified architect has to be responsible for the soundness of the design and the implementation as well, otherwise, the project won’t be able to go ahead… ideally. But in practice, corners are often cut, mistakes are made, clients request unreasonable changes and it’s impossible to expect perfection from the contractors. Such issues can put a lot of stress on the architects and the other people involved in the project alike.
Architects design buildings and structures, creating detailed plans and drawings. Collaborate with clients to understand their needs and develop creative solutions. They also oversee the construction projects to ensure designs are properly implemented. They ensure the buildings are safe, functional, and comply with regulations. Architects are also responsible for staying within the budget and the contracted timeframe. They attend lots of meetings, conduct negotiations, educate the clients, support other professionals involved in the project, check the works carried out regularly, make design amendments and manage contractors and employees. They may also be heavily involved in the sales to line up the upcoming projects.
Professionals responsible for construction projects other than the ones that erect buildings are also often called architects of various types. They build bridges, tunnels, parks, underground facilities, offshore oil rigs or do large-scale landscaping.
An architect’s job is often somewhat superficial when it comes to the engineering aspects of the design and its implementation. Architect engineers take an active role in creating the design and oversee these aspects during the construction as well: structural soundness, detailed blueprint and design elements, construction processes, utilities, their machinery and piping and wiring plans, managing sunlight that enters the building, costs, fulfilling legal requirements. They use software, including 3D-design ones extensively and solve engineering problems.
Design and oversee construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, tunnels, railroads, airports, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants and water and sewage systems. Analyse survey reports, maps and other data to plan projects, develop technical and engineering specifications. Be in charge of and work on structural soundness, detailed blueprint and design elements, construction processes, utilities, their machinery and piping and wiring plans, costs, fulfilling legal requirements. Use software, including 3D-design ones extensively and solve engineering problems.
A branch of civil engineering. Design and improve transportation systems such as highways, streets, junctions, airports, large pipelines, public transportation, traffic control systems and railways. Analyse characteristics of local communities, traffic patterns and plan new transportation routes. Draft maps, cooperate with contractors and other professionals, estimate project budgets. Ensure transportation projects meet safety standards and environmental regulations. Develop solutions to reduce traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency.
Develop plans for the use of land and resources in cities, towns and rural areas to make them practical, efficient, pleasant, attractive and shape the local communities in positive ways. Conduct studies on environmental, economic and social issues affecting communities. Gather and analyse data. The specialisations in this field are transportation, land use, economic development, environment, urban design and community planning. Whatever the specialization, the other parts of urban planning always have to be taken into consideration as well. Create long-term strategies for managing urban growth and development. Design plans for new parks, housing developments and other community facilities. Analyse population trends and project future needs for housing, transportation and public services. Strive to attract businesses and investment. Review and assess proposals for new developments to ensure they meet planning regulations. Consult with community members, investors, property owners, developers and government officials on planning issues and opportunities. Prepare and present planning reports and recommendations to decision-makers. Monitor the implementation of approved plans and assess their effectiveness.
Similar to transportation engineering, but less technical. It aims to support government officials by proposing sound plans, including making relevant systems resilient in handling extraordinary circumstances. Gather and analyse information, conduct studies, write reports on the expected impact of projects and potential policy changes. Many work in the private sector too.
Assist civil engineers in planning and implementing a wide array of infrastructure projects and their maintenance. Conduct field surveys and collect data. Make recommendations on the types of materials to be used and calculate the required amounts. Prepare reports, estimates and technical drawings. Help oversee construction activities and ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
Design practical and comfortable outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, campuses, etc. Create plans for plants, walkways and other landscape features. Oversee installation of landscape projects.
Create detailed drawings and plans for buildings and infrastructure projects. Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce precise technical illustrations. Incorporate design specifications and building codes into drawings. Collaborate with architects and engineers to refine plans.
Have at least a general understanding of every part of a construction project. Oversee every phase of it from planning to completion. Coordinate activities of workers, subcontractors and suppliers. Ensure project meets quality standards, safety regulations and budget and time constraints. Solve problems that arise during construction, communicate about the progress and details with clients and other professionals. Hire, motivate staff, delegate tasks, resolve personnel issues.
Operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, cranes and excavators on construction sites. Follow construction plans to move earth, lift materials, or perform other tasks. Maintain and perform basic repairs on construction equipment.
Collect data about land features using specialised equipment for uses, such as construction, creating maps, marking boundaries, mining, etc. Assist surveyors in measuring land boundaries and preparing maps. Record survey measurements and descriptive data. Help create detailed maps and plots using computer software. Surveying technicians spend a significant amount of time working outdoors, exposed to the weather, whereas mapping technicians primarily work indoors.
Take measurements of a plot of land to mark the borders of it; measure and map or clarify details about the topography and what’s below. Examine the soil to a certain depth, to be able to make recommendations on design feasibility, costs and planning. Participate in it and oversee the production of a detailed, digital map to submit to the client. Often have to carry heavy surveying equipment.
Lead a team of architects and/or engineers in design and Research & Development projects. Responsible for meeting deadlines and budget requirements. Consult with clients and other professionals on project specifics and progress. Likely to be heavily involved in sales.
Can be a private entrepreneur or an employee. Find lucrative construction, remodelling and renovation opportunities, investors, buyers, contractors and professionals for making it successful. Has to oversee the entire project without micromanaging it: market research, purchase, permits, financing, planning, design, construction, sales. Negotiate favourable terms with all other parties involved (potentially banks too). Acquire properties or empty lots, make sure there are no legal hurdles. Be well versed in what properties there is high enough demand for. Market and sell the properties on prices that make projects viable, but also quickly enough, so that the capital is not tied up, holding up the next project.
Design ships, boats and other marine vessels. Calculate strength, stability, power requirements and performance of vessels. Oversee construction and testing of marine craft, cooperate with the client and other professionals. Likely to be in charge of fulfilling the expected specifications, keeping deadlines and staying within the budget.
Design and develop mechanical systems for ships, boats, other marine vessels, harbors, oil rigs and off-shore electricity generation systems. Create plans for propulsion, steering, electric, electronic and navigation systems onboard. Oversee installation, maintenance and testing of such marine equipment. Solve technical problems. Many work in offices, but others do hands-on work, for example on ships and shipyards. May involve project management.
Sell complex scientific and technological products to businesses. Explain technical aspects of products to potential customers. Customise solutions to meet clients' specific needs. Provide ongoing technical support to customers. Sales-oriented role, which usually requires relevant technical qualification as well.
Sales positions can be rather stressful, because of the competition aspect, and because it is hard to keep up a high performance, but success in sales often means a very high income. The higher the overall sales value, the greater the competition and the reward. The more technical or scientific expertise required, the higher the potential salary and bonuses. Successful sales people often work long and odd hours, and sometimes have to be very flexible about how and where they work.
As above, but part of the specialised knowledge required is being able to assess the energy needs of the client and what equipment will serve those needs best. Plan simple solar energy systems and coordinate their installation with a technical team.
Design and implement energy systems for buildings, industries and power generation facilities. Analyse energy consumption patterns and recommend solutions or improvements for energy efficiency. Develop renewable energy solutions such as solar, wind and geothermal systems. Ensure energy systems comply with legal regulations. Conduct energy audits and create reports on energy usage and potential savings. Collaborate with architects and other professionals to integrate energy-efficient systems into new and existing structures.
One branch of energy engineering. Design and develop solar photovoltaic and thermal energy systems for residential, commercial and utility-scale applications. Conduct site assessments and evaluate solar energy potential. Select appropriate solar technologies, components and installation methods. Ensure solar energy systems comply with building codes, electrical standards and environmental regulations. Develop strategies to integrate solar energy with other renewable and conventional power sources. Oversee the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of solar energy systems. Collaborate with architects, electricians and other professionals to deliver comprehensive solar energy solutions.
One branch of energy engineering. Design, develop and optimise wind turbine systems and wind farm infrastructure. Conduct wind resource assessments to determine the best locations for wind energy projects. Select appropriate wind turbine technologies and configurations based on site conditions. Oversee the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of wind energy systems. Develop strategies to integrate wind power into existing electricity grids. Ensure wind energy projects comply with environmental and other legal regulations. Collaborate with project managers, construction teams and utility providers to deliver efficient and sustainable wind energy solutions.
Design aircraft, missiles, spacecraft and related systems. Develop and test prototypes of aerospace vehicles and components. Oversee and support manufacturing, retrofitting, repairs and maintenance. Investigate and solve problems with aircraft and spacecraft. Depending on the job, the work can be exclusively office-based, hands-on or anything in between. Extensive administration duties.
Assist aerospace engineers in constructing and testing aircraft, missiles and spacecraft. Build and maintain test equipment for aerospace systems. Collect and analyse data from flight tests and simulations. Assist in the manufacturing and modification processes of aerospace components. Perform quality control checks. Troubleshoot potentially complex problems, which often includes cooperating with other technicians and engineers. Record keeping is a significant part of the job. Be well versed in and follow strict manufacturing, safety and regulatory guidelines in aerospace operations. Some of the specializations for technicians are avionics (communication, navigation, sensors, control systems, etc.), propulsion technology, frame and aircraft body construction, spacecraft body and systems, quality assurance, flight tests and electrical systems.
Inspect, maintain and repair aircraft systems and structures. Perform scheduled maintenance checks on engines, landing gear and other components. Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues. Replace defective parts and perform necessary repairs. Test aircraft systems to ensure proper operation and safety. Maintain detailed records of all maintenance and repair work.
Install, inspect, test, adjust and repair electronic equipment in aircraft. Work on navigation systems, radio communications, radar, weather tracking and the systems that control every movement of the plane. Diagnose faults using specialised testing equipment. Creative problem-solving of complex issues. Replace faulty components and wiring. Performing routine maintenance checks is a large part of the work. Upgrade avionics systems with new technology.
Create and modify existing designs of vehicle components and their manufacturing processes, oversee and support manufacturing, which may include mechanical, electric and electronic parts as well. Depending on the job, the work can be exclusively office-based, hands-on or anything in between. May include spending a lot of time creating documentation for new designs. In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations is required. Close cooperation with the Quality Assurance and other departments.
Support automotive engineers during the development process and prototype testing of vehicles, their components and setting up the manufacturing processes. Collect and analyse data from vehicle performance tests. Investigate issues, overcome hurdles creatively and recommend improvements. Perform quality control checks on vehicle systems. Use computer-aided design software to create technical drawings. Stay updated on advancements in automotive technology and regulations.
Diagnose and repair mechanical issues in cars and light trucks, e.g. brake systems, steering, engine, transmission and suspension problems. Perform routine maintenance such as oil and tyre changes. Explain repair and maintenance needs to customers, provide cost estimates and quotes. Test and repair vehicle electrical systems and components. Use computerised diagnostic equipment to identify vehicle issues. Replace (but not usually fix) faulty electronic parts. Freelancing is less common than working as an employee. In many countries, formal education is not essential to get started in this industry, but of course, getting qualified and completing specialised trainings make a huge difference in pay and opportunities. Most car mechanics specialise in one car brand.
The same job as that of car mechanics, but specialised in large diesel vehicles and engines. Diesel engines are also found in boats, generators, construction, industrial and agricultural equipment, trains and tanks.
Similar to the work of car mechanics, but focused only on the chassis and the outside of the cars. Straighten bent frames using hydraulic machines. Repair or replace damaged body panels, fenders, mirrors, lights, etc. Remove dents using simple and specialised tools and techniques. Sand and prepare surfaces for painting. Apply primer and paint to repaired areas.
Remove damaged windscreens and other glass panels. Clean and prepare the frame to receive new glass. Apply adhesives and sealants to ensure a watertight fit. Install the new glass, making sure it's properly aligned and secured. Check for leaks and make any necessary adjustments. Repair small cracks or chips in windscreens using special resins and tools. It’s possible to enter this field without prior qualification.
Install and repair electronic equipment in cars, trucks and other vehicles. Work on entertainment systems, GPS navigation, alarms, rearview cameras, touchscreen displays, remote starters and many more kinds of systems. Connect and configure various electronic components. Diagnose and fix issues with existing systems. Upgrade vehicles with new technology.
The same job as that of car mechanics, but for motorcycle brands. With usually less money involved and the bikes beings less complicated than cars, the entry to this profession is quicker and easier, but it often pays less.
Very similar to the work of car mechanics, but the vehicles are forklifts, construction, mining, logging and other sorts of industrial vehicles and machinery. It’s also a little different, because instead of the individual clients, the work is provided mostly for businesses or done within the company.
Very similar to the work of car mechanics, but the vehicles are motorhomes, caravans and campervans, which adds a few more types of jobs done on the vehicles: electrical systems, plumbing, furniture, bathroom fixtures, stoves, generators, storage tanks, connectors and custom-made parts.
Physically demanding, hands-on work. Inspect, maintain and repair various types of railway cars (mining, transporting goods, chemicals, produce, livestock, passengers, etc.). Work on brakes, couplings, wheels and suspension systems. Diagnose mechanical and electrical faults. Replace worn or damaged components. Perform routine maintenance and safety checks. Ensure all repairs meet industry standards and regulations.
Future proof only in certain countries: When self-driving trucks become common, that will take away some of the need for railroad use, which will lower maintenance needs. Operate specialised machines to lay and maintain railway tracks. Use equipment to align tracks, make ballast under the tracks compact, firm and steady and replace worn rails. Clear debris and vegetation from tracks. Perform routine maintenance on track-laying equipment. Inspect tracks for damage or wear. Physically demanding. No qualifications required. Much of the work is out of the office hours.
Inspect, maintain and repair railway and metro signals and track switches. The signals are like traffic lights and they show if there is a train ahead, on the track. Test electrical and mechanical components of signalling systems. Diagnose and fix faults in switches and crossing gates. Replace worn or damaged parts.
Enchant, negotiate with, bribe and occasionally sweet-talk temperamental carpets, especially when they think they know better than their riders. Mediate disputes with the help of a stern look. Perform sass inspections, altitude and attitude adjustments, ensuring they can handle tight squeezes through crowded markets, dodge palace guards auto-park with flair, withstand teenage joyrides, and are fully capable of dramatic entrances and exits. Troubleshoot anti-nose-diving safeguards, daydreaming and sulking issues and spontaneous loop-de-loops caused by rogue, tickling sand particles. Solve complex problems that cause glitches, such as, spell fizzles, tassel twirling, causing scenes and turning upside-down in case of sudden rain showers. Fine-tune carpets’ barrel roll arcs and auto-hover mode for dramatic moments and mid-air selfie stabilization; and to achieve the perfect balance of speed, showing off and drama. Qualification in advanced magical theory and membership in the Arcane Eco-Friendly Guild is usually expected by the clients.
Conduct upgrades to the latest anti-camel collision, in-flight entertainment systems, djinn-approved landing sequences, anti-tassel-tangling, pigeon deterrent and small-and-fluffy cloud technologies. Upgrades may also include the latest in flying comfort, including seat-belt spells, lumbar support, star-mapping navigation, mid-flight snack dispensers, self-fluffing, auto-landing for passengers who aren’t fond of heights, automatic sunset mode, anti-paparazzi cloaking, mood lighting and built-in “Do Not Disturb” signs. Perform regular spell checks to ensure carpets do develop quirks (e.g. mid-flight spinning exercises, carpets racing each other while with passengers), but avoid mid-air naps and suddenly deciding to turn into a picnic blanket or a doormat. Carry out mood stabilizations to prevent carpets from getting too excited during turbulence. Diagnose spell hiccups and slippage. Replace weakened enchantments with fresh, high-octane spells that make carpets glide smoother than a palace floor. Bachelor-level qualification in spellwork and about 270 years of relevant experience is usually expected to be able to intern for and receive mentoring from an Arcane Weave Aerial Carpet Artisan.
Design and oversee the Research and Development projects of biofuel and biodiesel technologies and products. Manage research teams working on new renewable fuel sources (soybean, corn, grass, algae, vegetable oil, etc.), fuels derived from them and systems that make use of the fuels. Ensure biofuel products meet quality and regulatory standards. Collaborate with or lead production teams to implement new biofuel technologies. Usually a multidisciplinary role, which requires active participation as opposed to only leading a team.
Operate equipment to convert biomass into biofuels. Calculate, measure, load, mix and process raw materials with additives in fermentation and reaction process vessels, and monitor and control manufacturing process. Collect and test samples throughout the production process. Maintain and troubleshoot biofuel processing equipment. Keep detailed records of production data and equipment performance.
Design, implement and improve processes and their automated control systems for producing chemicals, fuels, drugs and all sorts of products. Oversee the operation of manufacturing equipment in chemical plants. Collaborate with other engineers, scientists and other professionals to solve complex problems, often by being a project manager. A lot of independent work in the office: data and other analyses, problem solving, creating diagrams, models, computer simulations, presentations, reports, detailed documentation. Lots of specializations are available within this field and the place of work varies greatly as well. Create safety procedures for handling dangerous chemicals and materials. Ensure chemical processes and products meet regulatory standards.
Hands-on work. Assist chemists and chemical engineers in research and development or in chemical, pharmaceutical or other sorts of manufacturing. Take part in the development of new chemical processes or products. Prepare chemical solutions and manufacturing samples for testing. Operate laboratory equipment to analyse chemical properties. Record and interpret test results, write reports and present findings. Maintain laboratory and manufacturing equipment and carry out minor repairs. Follow safety procedures carefully. Stay updated on advances in chemical technology and laboratory techniques.
Control and monitor chemical production processes for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, synthetic fibres, petrochemicals, fertilizers, paints and coatings, food additives, detergents and cleaning agents, adhesives and sealants, etc. Operate equipment such as heat exchangers, pumps and compressors, filtration units, valves, distillation columns and mixing tanks. Monitor instruments and adjust process variables to maintain product quality and production rates and ensure safe operation. Collect and analyse samples to verify product specifications. Troubleshoot equipment and process issues. Maintain accurate records of production data and equipment performance.
Design, develop and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards and memory devices. Create and evaluate computer and other related specialised equipment hardware prototypes to ensure they meet performance and compatibility requirements. Work with software developers to ensure hardware and software work together efficiently. Oversee the manufacturing process of computer hardware. Troubleshoot and resolve hardware-related issues in existing computer systems.
Create solutions for generating, distributing and using electrical power. Design, develop, maintain and test electro-mechanical equipment, electricity generation or supply systems, for example power stations, power supply and control for parts of a power grid, all sorts of vehicles, satellites or electronics. Create plans for electrical wiring in buildings, vehicles and other structures and equipment. Ensure electrical systems are safe, efficient, and comply with relevant standards. Investigate electrical failures and implement corrective measures as quickly as possible. Collaborate with other engineers and technicians to integrate electrical systems into larger projects. Almost exclusively team work. Plenty of office work, such as creating detailed documentation, diagrams and administration.
Design and develop electronic components, circuits and systems for various devices. Create and test prototypes of electronic equipment to ensure they meet performance specifications. Analyse user requirements and design electronic solutions to meet those needs. Improve the performance and efficiency of existing electronic systems. Ensure electronic products comply with safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards. Work on projects ranging from consumer electronics to complex industrial control systems. Collaborate with other engineers to integrate electronic systems into larger products or infrastructure. Almost exclusively team work. Plenty of office work, such as creating detailed documentation, diagrams and administration.
Support electrical and electronic engineers in developing and testing electrical devices, their components and especially circuits. Assist in designing and refining electrical systems on a computer. Build test setups for electrical and electronic systems and prototypes. Troubleshoot issues in complex electrical and electronic equipment. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential and so is being comfortable working alone for several hours at a time.
Design systems and procedures to prevent and control accidental fires in buildings and other structures. Analyse building plans and materials to ensure they meet fire safety standards. Develop and implement fire safety training programs for building occupants and staff. Investigate the causes of fires and recommend improvements in fire protection measures. Design and test fire suppression systems (e.g. sprinklers), alarms and evacuation procedures. Ensure compliance with local and national fire safety regulations. Collaborate with architects and other engineers to integrate fire safety features into building designs. Driving is often required to travel to inspect buildings. Almost exclusively team work. Strong communication and people skills are a must.
A fuel cell may use methanol, natural gas or other energy sources as well, but most often it is hydrogen that powers an electric motor. Innovate, design and develop fuel cell systems for vehicles or stationary power generation and collaborate with other engineers to integrate them. Improve the efficiency and performance of fuel cell technologies through research and experimentation. Build and analyse prototypes, implement designs into manufacturing, troubleshoot fuel cell operation and durability. Ensure fuel cell products meet safety and environmental standards. Develop methods for producing, storing and distributing hydrogen and other fuel cell fuels. Create detailed documentation, manuals, software models.
Develop procedures and create safe environments to protect people from illness and injury in various settings. Identify and evaluate potential chemical, physical and biological hazards in workplaces, living and public spaces, products and transportation systems. Design safety devices, equipment and warning systems to minimise risks. Investigate accidents and incidents to determine causes and prevent recurrences. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and standards. Conduct safety training programs for employees and managers. Collaborate with other professionals to integrate safety considerations into product designs and work processes. A lot of report writing and administrative work is required, but it’s an occupation that involves many social interactions.
Design and plan the extraction of minerals, metals and other geological materials from the Earth. Conduct surveys and analyse geological data to locate valuable deposits and assess their potential for mining. Develop safe and efficient methods for extracting resources, including the design of mine layouts and selection of appropriate equipment. Ensure mining operations comply with environmental regulations and minimise impact on surrounding ecosystems. Oversee the construction of mine infrastructure, such as tunnels, shafts and transportation systems. Monitor mining operations for safety and efficiency, implementing measures to prevent accidents and optimise resource recovery. Collaborate with other professionals, such as geologists, environmental scientists and safety specialists, to address complex challenges in mining projects.
Audit and improve safety procedures for mining operations to protect workers and equipment. Inspect mines to ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards. Investigate accidents and incidents in mines to determine causes and prevent future occurrences. Design and oversee the installation of safety systems such as guard rails and other physical barriers, ventilation, ground support, alarm and emergency response equipment. Train mining personnel on safety practices and emergency procedures. Analyse mining processes to identify potential hazards and recommend changes. Extensive office work.
Analyse and make recommendations on design improvements of products and all sorts of physical environments that people occupy, in order to make them safe, efficient and easy for people to use. Study how people interact with machines, tools, devices and environments to identify areas for improvement. Develop guidelines for ergonomic design of equipment, workstations and user interfaces. Conduct experiments and analyse data on human performance and behaviour to inform design decisions. Collaborate with product designers and engineers to ensure human factors are considered in new designs. Evaluate existing products and workplaces for ergonomic issues and recommend changes if needed. Stay updated on research in human factors and ergonomics to apply new findings to design practices.
Design and improve manufacturing systems and processes in the service industry, healthcare, transportation and logistics to optimise efficiency and quality. Contribute to the development and implementation of quality assurance procedures to ensure consistent product quality. Create efficient facility layouts and material handling systems. Implement cost-reduction strategies while maintaining or improving product quality and worker safety. Make use of observations, computer simulations and statistical analysis to model and improve complex systems. Make recommendations on staffing and work schedule changes. Collaborate with management and workers to implement changes and improvements in production processes. Creative problem solving.
Support industrial engineers in improving manufacturing, transportation, banking, finance, retail, healthcare, service industry and public service processes. The goal is to improve efficiency, quality, customer satisfaction, and reduce maintenance needs, errors, costs and wastage. Observe the work and analyse production data to identify areas for improvement. Write detailed reports that also contain recommendations. Assist in designing factory layouts and workflow systems. Collect and analyse data on manufacturing equipment performance and product quality. Help implement changes and quality assurance procedures.
Design and improve manufacturing plans and processes for producing goods efficiently and consistently. Cooperate with product designers to ensure designs can be efficiently manufactured. Select and set up appropriate tools, machines and materials for production lines. Create, amend and take part in quality assurance procedures. Cooperate with colleagues to analyse and solve technical problems related to manufacturing processes and equipment. Develop and implement cost-saving measures in the production process. Ensure manufacturing processes comply with safety and environmental regulations. More hands-on role than most other engineering jobs.
Source and purchase materials, equipment and supplies for manufacturing operations. Analyse market trends and negotiate with suppliers for best prices and terms. Manage inventory levels to ensure smooth production. Coordinate with production managers to determine material needs. Evaluate supplier performance and quality. Maintain purchasing records and prepare reports.
Based on the requirements towards products and on the budgetary constraints, analyse which materials (glass, metals and alloys, plastics, ceramics, semiconductors and other compounds) or their combinations might be the best options to manufacture them from. Test the materials to be able to propose the best choices. Build a prototype for further testing. Supervise the production of raw materials or the product itself. Collaborate with other professionals for the best results. Stay updated on new material technologies and incorporate them into designs when appropriate.
Design, develop and test mechanical devices, such as tools, engines and machines, including many electric ones. There are career opportunities in all types of vehicle manufacturing, the energy industry and making all the products and entire systems that have moving parts as well, e.g. building ventilation, household appliances, manufacturing robots, escalators, etc. As this field has many specializations, most don’t work with the entirety of the design and manufacturing process. Create detailed product designs, models and simulations on a computer, the robots to build them, prototypes, or oversee the manufacturing process, in many cases as a project manager. Analyse problems to see how mechanical and thermal devices might help solve them. Develop and test prototypes. Ensure designs meet performance specifications and comply with safety standards. Investigate equipment failures and find solutions to prevent future issues. Collaborate with engineers in other fields to create complex systems and products. Carry out maintenance, repairs or even modifications. Write detailed documentation and manuals, extensive administration.
Assist mechanical engineers in designing and testing mechanical devices (e.g. engines, any types of vehicles, their components and tools and products that have moving parts, such as power tools, manufacturing robots, elevators, etc.). Create technical drawings and 3D-designs on a computer, write detailed documentation and operation manuals. Build and maintain test equipment for electrical and mechanical systems. Collect and analyse data from performance tests. Help troubleshoot issues and improve designs. Assist in developing manufacturing processes for mechanical parts.
Design and develop systems, in which software and electronic components operate mechanical tools, such as robotic arms for manufacturing assembly lines, conveyor systems, automated inspection machines, smart home devices, drones, vehicle components, prosthetics. Integrate sensors (e.g. cameras, motion detectors, proximity sensors), moving parts and control systems to create smart mechanical systems. Create schematics, 3D models, blueprints, documentation and manuals. Build prototypes, test and refine them through simulations. Develop and implement software to control mechatronic systems. Analyse and solve problems. Ensure mechatronic systems meet performance, safety and reliability requirements. Stay updated on advancements in robotics, automation and control systems to incorporate new technologies into designs. Usually involves a lot of team work and often project management too.
Work hands-on with systems that combine mechanical, electrical, electronic and computer technologies. Assist in designing and testing automated manufacturing equipment and many types of drones. Maintain and repair robotic systems and other automated machinery. Program and calibrate mechatronic devices. Troubleshoot issues in complex electro-mechanical systems. Collect and analyse data on equipment performance.
Very similar to mechatronics engineering, but focused on robotic arms (e.g. assembly, welding), service robots, drones, self-driving vehicles and research and development in artificial intelligence for robotics.
Hands-on work. Either assist in designing and testing new robots and their applications and build prototypes; or assemble, install, modify, maintain and repair robotic systems used in manufacturing and other industries. Program and fine-tune robots for specific tasks. Troubleshoot issues in robotic systems and their control software. Train operators on proper use of robotic equipment.
A specialization within mechatronics engineering that works with devices and systems that generate, transmit, detect and control light. Create lasers, optical sensors, fibre optic communication networks and other photonic technologies. Conduct research to improve the efficiency, performance, reliability and how photonic components are used, or integrate them into electro-mechanical systems. Develop manufacturing processes for producing high-quality photonic devices. Ensure photonic systems meet the expected standards and legal requirements. Collaborate with scientists, technicians and other engineers to advance photonic innovations. Apply photonic technologies in fields like telecommunications, medical imaging and surgeries, defence industry and consumer electronics.
Support the development and production of devices that use light. Assist in designing and testing lasers, fibre optics and other photonic systems. Operate specialised equipment for manufacturing photonic devices. Perform quality control checks on optical components. Troubleshoot issues in photonic equipment. Collect and analyse data on device performance. There are many directions to specialise in and with the development of this technology, more opportunities are still to come.
A specialization within mechatronics engineering that works with RFID systems for tracking and identifying objects, animals or people. RFID chips are tiny, flat, bendable computer chips that can be scanned to send information without touching them. They are used as hotel key cards, public transportation ticket cards, for contactless debit card payments, in library books, pet collars, and in manufacturing and logistics to identify and track items. Select appropriate RFID hardware, software and network infrastructure for the application at hand, and cooperate with other engineers and IT professionals to integrate them into electronic systems.
A specialization within mechatronics engineering. Design and develop microscopically small micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), which are the tiny versions of electromechanical devices. They are already all around us, in airbags, smart phones, medical devices (even in the human body), microphones, fiberoptics, laptops, drones, labs, printers, etc. and are capable of a surprising number of tasks: measure temperature, pressure, movement, vibration, light, chemistry, process digital signals, turn switches, make use of energy, create sounds, etc. MEMS devices are manufactured with methods similar to semiconductor fabrication.
Hands-on work. Oversee the extremely complex and sophisticated processes of semiconductor manufacturing, which are automated in a large part. Set up and maintain equipment. Monitor and control various processes by checking digital readouts to ensure everything is running within specified parameters and changing settings. Perform visual inspections, and use specialised testing equipment to check the quality of the unfinished chips at various stages of the production. Troubleshoot equipment and process issues, if they can be resolved without input from engineers. Creative problem solving. Perform routine maintenance and calibration of manufacturing equipment. Train colleagues.
Research, design and develop miniature electronics systems at the nanoscale level. Create innovative materials (e.g. for solar cells, batteries, catalysts), devices (e.g. drug delivery systems, nanosensors for medical diagnostics, targeted cancer therapies) and products using nanotechnology (e.g. sunscreens, skincare, stain-resistant fabrics, antimicrobial clothing, food packaging, paints and coating, sports equipment, pesticides, fertilizers). Conduct experiments to study the properties and behaviour of nano-scale components and items. Ensure nano-systems meet performance, reliability and safety requirements. Develop manufacturing processes for producing nano-scale products. Work closely with materials scientists, chemists and other engineers to advance nanotechnology.
Either support nanotechnology research and development in creating new nanomaterials and nanodevices; or implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment. Operate specialised equipment for nanoscale fabrication and analysis. Prepare samples and conduct experiments at the nanoscale level. Collect and analyse data from nanotechnology experiments. Maintain clean room environments and follow strict contamination control procedures. Stay updated on advancements, no matter how small they are.
Work mostly in the field or in an industrial setting, which can both be physically demanding. Test, maintain and fix electric motors, generators, power tools (e.g. jackhammer, chainsaw, circular saw, drill, power washer, pump, compressor, angle grinder, heat gun, lawn mower, etc.) and other, potentially larger electronic, industrial equipment. Replace worn or broken parts. Adjust and calibrate equipment for proper operation. Advise on equipment upgrades or replacements. These are often a good balance between team and independent work. Vocational qualification or a bachelor’s degree is always required.
Maintain and repair equipment like lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, boat motors and other engines and small vehicles. Diagnose engine problems and electrical issues, which can be difficult enough to require strong analytical skills and being able to read complex operations manuals. Replace worn or damaged parts. Adjust engine components for optimal performance. Sharpen blades and other cutting tools. Perform routine maintenance like oil changes and filter replacements. Advise customers on proper equipment use and care. May work freelance, for a repair shop or a brand service centre.
Work mostly in the field or in an industrial setting, which can both be physically demanding, depending on the specialization. Install, test, maintain and fix electrical and electronic equipment. Replace worn or broken parts. Adjust and calibrate equipment for proper operation. Lots of specializations are available, such as electrical work (wiring, switches, fuses, transformers, etc.), large telecom devices, equipment on trains, planes, ships and other vehicles (e.g. sonar, GPS, radio), etc. Read technical manuals to understand complex systems. Advise on equipment upgrades or replacements. These are often a good balance between team and independent work. Apart from the simplest of positions, specialist courses are needed on top of a vocational qualification or a degree.
Install and maintain equipment used in radio, cellular and other wireless communication systems. Climb towers to access and repair antennas and other equipment. Test signal strength and quality using specialised tools. Replace faulty components in transmitters, receivers and other devices. Align dishes and antennas for optimal signal reception. Troubleshoot issues in complex communication networks. Travel to carry out tasks, including communication equipment on ships, planes, emergency vehicles and related control centres. Some diagnose and repair equipment in a workshop.
Test, diagnose, maintain and repair issues in power generation and distribution equipment in power plants, substations and relay stations. Replace or fix faulty components. Adjust and calibrate control systems. Perform regular maintenance to prevent power outages. Coordinate with other technicians during large-scale repairs or upgrades. Some repairs are urgent, which can be tiring and stressful.
Develop and/or operate nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. Design nuclear reactor systems and related equipment. Ensure nuclear power plant operates safely and efficiently. Develop protocols for handling radioactive materials and minimising radiation exposure. Monitor and maintain nuclear systems to prevent accidents and environmental contamination. Collaborate with scientists, technicians and operators to address technical challenges. Contribute to research on new nuclear technologies and fuel sources.
Monitor radiation levels in nuclear power plants, radioactive storage sites and weapon manufacturing facilities. Operate and maintain radiation detection equipment. Collect and analyse samples from natural environments to detect radioactive contamination. Ensure compliance with nuclear safety regulations. Assist in implementing radiation protection procedures. Respond to radiation-related emergencies and abnormal situations.
Monitor and control nuclear reactor systems to generate electricity safely. Adjust control rods and coolant systems to maintain optimal reactor performance. Respond to alarms and abnormal conditions following strict safety protocols. Conduct regular equipment checks and safety inspections. Coordinate with maintenance teams for reactor servicing.
Assist nuclear engineers and physicists in power plants or nuclear research. Operate and maintain various equipment in power plants or research facilities. Monitor radiation levels and ensure safety procedures are followed. Collect and analyse data from power plant operations or nuclear experiments. Assist in the handling and disposal of radioactive materials. Perform quality control checks and regular maintenance duties on nuclear systems and components.
Devise methods for extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs. Analyse geological and geophysical data to locate and evaluate energy deposits. Design and oversee the construction of drilling rigs, pipelines and other production facilities. Develop strategies to maximise the recovery of oil and gas resources. Monitor production operations and implement safety protocols. Troubleshoot problems that arise during exploration and extraction. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations in petroleum activities.
Specialise in a field of engineering to fully understand the important characteristics of the products. Develop and implement validation protocols to ensure the reliability, safety and regulatory compliance of these products, processes and systems in laboratories and factories. Calibrate various kinds of testing equipment. Design and execute validation tests, such as performance, functionality and stress testing. Analyse data and prepare validation reports to demonstrate that requirements have been met. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including quality assurance, manufacturing and regulatory affairs. Stay updated on industry standards and regulatory guidelines to maintain validation processes. Provide technical guidance and training to support the implementation of validation tools and processes.
Apply engineering techniques to solve problems related to biology. They develop new technologies and methods for improving processes in areas like agriculture, environmental conservation and biotechnology. There are many paths within bioengineering. Create genetically modified crops that are more resistant to pests or develop systems to clean up pollution using bacteria. Design processes for manufacturing biological products, such as biofuels or pharmaceuticals. Collaborate with biologists, chemists and other engineers to develop and test their designs. Their work often involves research and innovation. Bioengineers help address global challenges like food security, environmental sustainability and healthcare.
Design and develop technologies that help improve healthcare and medical treatments. Create medical devices, such as artificial limbs, pacemakers, automated insulin injectors, imaging machines and other diagnostic equipment, as well as software for managing patient data, control medical equipment and improve diagnoses. Work closely with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure their designs meet the needs of patients and medical staff. Develop new materials that can be used in the human body, such as implants or tissue scaffolds, which are safe and effective. Test and refine medical equipment to ensure it functions correctly and safely.
Create custom orthotics, prosthetics, braces and other items helping the mobility of patients. Assemble devices from ready and 3D-printed pieces. Adjust and repair existing medical appliances. Instruct patients on proper use and care of their devices. Several specializations are available.
Maintain and repair electronic medical equipment used in hospitals and clinics. Test and calibrate devices like X-ray machines, patient monitors and surgical equipment. Replace worn or faulty parts. Troubleshoot software. Train medical staff on proper equipment use. Based on the types of devices, several specializations are available. Some travel to many different hospitals for work, but many have fixed places of work. Vocational to BSc-level studies are needed.
Work in the public or private sector or for environmental consulting firms. Assist environmental engineers in designing, implementing and monitoring plans that protect the environment. Take part in environmental impact and general site assessments, inspect outdoor locations. Collect and analyse environmental data, such as air and water quality, soil and waste composition. Operate and maintain equipment used for environmental monitoring, lab tests and cleanups. Implement regulatory compliance procedures. Provide technical support to environmental engineering projects. Document findings, prepare reports.
Work in the public or private sector or for environmental consulting firms. Design and oversee the development and implementation of plans and technologies to manage natural resources, prevent, control and alleviate or clean up environmental pollution and degradation. Conduct environmental impact assessments and feasibility studies for proposed construction, industrial or infrastructure projects. Develop strategies for waste and waste water treatment, recycling and the cleanup of contaminated sites. Ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Collaborate with scientists, policymakers, managers and the public to address environmental challenges. Manage projects, find creative solutions. The amount of office work heavily depends on the specialization within the field.
Work in the public or private sector or for environmental consulting firms. Collect and analyse environmental samples, such as air, water and soil, to assess quality and identify contaminants. Investigate the sources of pollution and contamination. Operate and maintain specialised equipment for environmental monitoring and testing. Visiting sites can be physically demanding. Document findings, prepare reports and provide technical support to environmental scientists and engineers. Take part in cleanups. It’s possible to start working in this field without a degree.
A specialization within environmental engineering. Conduct assessments of water resources and treatment requirements. Design, construct and manage systems for water and wastewater supply and treatment and stormwater management. Plan and oversee the installation, maintenance and repair of water and wastewater infrastructure, including pipes, pumps and treatment facilities. Ensure water and wastewater systems meet regulatory standards. Develop strategies for water conservation, reuse and sustainable management. Collaborate with municipal authorities, environmental agencies, various professionals and managers to address water-related challenges. Manage projects, solve problems.
Mostly fieldwork. Collect and analyse data on water resources, including surface water, groundwater, precipitation regarding their physical, chemical and biological properties. Measure and report on flow rates and ground water levels, troubleshoot field equipment, collect water samples, install and collect sampling equipment, and process samples for shipment to testing laboratories. Assist in the development and implementation of water resource management plans (e.g. working on flood control projects or water conservation). Collaborate with hydrologists, civil engineers and environmental scientists to address water-related issues. May collect data on behalf of hydrologists, engineers, property developers, government agencies or agricultural companies.
Mostly fieldwork, monitoring the health of woodlands and the soil and water around them. Collect and analyse samples and data on forests, wildlife habitats and environmental conditions. Operate specialised equipment for surveying, monitoring and maintaining forest and natural areas. Assist in the implementation of forest management and conservation plans, such as supervising the planting of trees. Collaborate with foresters, biologists, other conservation professionals and logging company employees to protect and manage nature and urban parks and other green areas.
Both field and office work. Assist geologists in field and laboratory activities, such as mapping, sampling and analysing geological formations. Operate specialised equipment for surveying, search for mineral deposits by digging or drilling, and testing soil, rock and mineral samples. Maintain detailed records and prepare reports on geological observations and findings. Provide technical support to geologists, engineers and other professionals working in the earth sciences.
Perform a variety of laboratory tasks to support biological and medical research and other tests, such as DNA testing or assist in ecological, forensic or medical investigations. Operate scientific equipment and instruments for experimentation, analysis, data collection or producing experimental drugs or food ingredients. Prepare samples, maintain cultures, and record observations related to living organisms. Provide technical support to biologists, biochemists and other life science professionals. Extensive administration and report writing.
Design and develop electronic equipment and systems to improve agricultural production and processing. Use expertise in mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering to develop innovative solutions for irrigation, growing crops, livestock management and food processing. Ensure agricultural methods, systems and machinery are efficient, sustainable, keep all wastages to a minimum, and comply with environmental regulations. Collaborate with farmers, stakeholders and other professionals to address challenges in modern agriculture and support them on the use of modern devices, maintain and repair them. Stay informed about advancements in areas like precision farming, renewable energy and data-driven decision-making.
Use smart devices to gather information on every small part of a farm land: soil temperature, moisture, nutrient levels, pests, crop yield, received sunlight, etc. Export the information into detailed maps on what actions are needed on which parts of the land, and for example how much fertilizer, water or pesticide they each require for the best results. Apart from increasing yields significantly, this work also saves a lot of time, effort and money. Set up, maintain, troubleshoot smart devices and drones. Mostly fieldwork, but also includes office tasks and educating colleagues in preparation for upcoming tasks.
Either usually visit crime scenes or work in a lab. Collect, process and analyse evidence from crime scenes and other locations. Operate specialised equipment for various forensic analyses, such as DNA profiling, ballistics and toxicology. Document findings, maintain detailed records, and prepare reports for use in legal proceedings. Adhere to strict protocols and quality assurance measures to ensure the integrity and reliability of forensic evidence. Apart from the obvious specializations, one is digital forensics, which investigates frauds, scams and other sorts of electronic-device and Internet-related crimes.
Diagnose and repair various types of cameras, lenses and other photographic equipment. Disassemble, clean and adjust mechanical and electronic components. Perform routine maintenance and preventive care on photographic gear. Advise customers on the care and use of their equipment. Stay updated on the latest camera technologies and repair techniques.
Set up, maintain and repair coin, bank-card, RFID card or token operated machines, such as vending machines, coffee makers, ticket machines, arcade games and other automated-service machines. Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, plumbing, electrical and electronic issues. Perform preventive maintenance, replace worn parts, and ensure machines are functioning efficiently and reliably. Advise clients on the appropriate placement, programming, operation and servicing of their equipment. Restock and clean machines.
Most work as employees, but running your own business is also possible. Need to specialise: computer, Android or Apple devices. Diagnose and repair hardware and software issues quickly and confidently. Disassemble equipment, identify faulty components. Make recommendations, source and replace parts and software. Provide technical support to users on the proper operation and maintenance of these machines. Sell selected accessories. Solid knowledge is but formal qualification is often not required.
Diagnose and repair ATMs or office machines, such as printers, copiers, scanners and LCD projectors. Disassemble equipment, identify and replace faulty components, and perform software troubleshooting. Make recommendations, source and replace parts and software. In case of office electronics, provide technical support and training to users on the proper operation and maintenance of these machines. Might spend many hours a week on the road.
Oversee and motivate teams of mechanics, installers and repair workers. Plan and assign work tasks. Ensure quality and timeliness of the work. Train new staff and provide ongoing guidance. Manage budgets and resources. Address customer concerns and resolve complex issues. Implement safety procedures and ensure compliance with regulations. Doesn’t have to be the best-trained person on the team, but has to fully understand the outlines of every work process supervised and other related fields as well. At least a vocational-level qualification and a couple of years of experience is required, but often significantly more. It’s easy to underestimate how challenging it is to lead people, therefore, I highly recommend studying leading.
A job for problem solvers. Visit clients, diagnose and fix household appliances like washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators, etc. Provide cost estimates for repairs. Source and replace parts and manage inventory. Provide good customer service and work independently. Educate customers on proper appliance use and care, and on how to troubleshoot basic issues. Can be a reasonably lucrative job that doesn’t require years of studies, but there are not many career advancement opportunities available within the field.
Maintain, diagnose and repair industrial machinery, including mechanical, electric, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Read technical manuals and blueprints to understand complex systems. Replace worn or damaged parts. Calibrate machinery for optimal performance. Train machine operators on proper equipment use and basic maintenance. A more hands-on role than most other professional fields. Often very balanced between team and solitary work. As the machines often run 24 hours a day, shift work and inconvenient schedules are common. Much of the job is problem solving.
Perform routine inspections and maintain floors, ceilings, doors, windows, electrical systems, plumbing and decorative elements of buildings. Fix or buy/order and replace faulty equipment, sometimes very urgently. Manage heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Coordinate with specialised contractors for complex repairs.
New technologies are likely to be adopted even quicker than until now. This will provide great opportunities for people grabbing the opportunity to learn their operation, installation and maintenance quickly. Potentially very lucrative.
Install and repair locks and safes. Open locks when keys are lost or locks malfunction, often in an urgent manner. Repair and replace damaged locking mechanisms. Install and troubleshoot electronic access control systems. Advise on security measures for homes and businesses. Mainly hands-on, solitary work, visiting the clients. No qualifications are needed to get started in this field. Many learn the trade on the job. Virtually no career progression opportunities.
Repair and maintain various musical instruments. Diagnose issues with string, wind and percussion instruments. Replace worn or damaged parts. Adjust instrument mechanisms for proper operation. Tune instruments to correct pitch. Restore old or damaged instruments. The work might even include removing dents of brass instruments, hot metal work or building parts from scratch. Advise musicians on instrument care and maintenance.
Maintain and repair high-precision instruments used in various industries, which require specialised training and experience. Generic studies can’t fully prepare a person for fixing rare types of devices or brands that are less common, e.g. microscopes (cryo-electron microscopes, atomic force microscopes, transmission electron microscopes), quantum devices, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, synchrotron radiation equipment, electron beam lithography systems, high-resolution mass spectrometers, neutron scattering instruments, ultra-high vacuum equipment, tandem mass spectrometry systems and other medical equipment, scientific instruments or industrial measuring tools. Diagnose complex issues using specialised testing equipment. Replace or repair delicate components. Calibrate instruments to ensure accuracy. Follow strict quality control procedures. Stay updated on advancements in precision technology across different fields.
Test and adjust measuring instruments to ensure accuracy. Work with a wide range of devices, from simple scales to complex scientific equipment, e.g. pressure gauges, temperature sensors, devices that measure the flow of liquids or gases, instruments that analyse the spectrum of light, precision power tools, etc. Use specialised tools to verify instrument readings. Repair or replace faulty components in measuring devices. Develop and implement calibration procedures. There are jobs available in the following industries: manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, power generation and distribution, telecommunications, medical devices maintenance and working for companies that provide calibration services. Due to the large variety of devices such a professional works on, troubleshooting can be challenging and often require detailed diagnostics. Largely solitary work, which is not suitable for many people.
Inspect materials and structures with X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic particles to detect flaws, e.g. welds, metallic pipes, aerospace and automotive components, boilers, turbines, storage tanks, reactors, bridges, tunnels, dams, steam generators, turbine blades, rotors, drilling equipment and offshore oil platforms, etc. Interpret test results and prepare detailed reports. Develop testing procedures for different materials and structures. Maintain and calibrate non-destructive testing equipment. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards. This work is often required in Quality Assurance.
Design jewellery pieces using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Program and operate CNC milling machines to create metal components or jewellery moulds. Set up and run 3D printers to produce moulds for casting. Set the gemstones. Finish and polish jewellery pieces using various tools and techniques. Maintain and troubleshoot equipment. Adapt designs and processes for custom jewellery orders.
IT
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Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
There are several roles and specializations in this field. GIS databases may hold many types of information that are all tied to geographical locations. The data may include land ownership, parcel boundaries, property values, businesses and infrastructure present, jurisdiction limits, all sorts of information relevant to agriculture, weather phenomena, natural disasters, ecological information, wildlife habitats, demographic data, various characteristics of the locals or detailed information on the terrain, etc. Collect, input, manage and analyse such data and their combinations using specialised software. Develop maps, charts, models and render videos to visualise spatial information. Integrate data from various sources, such as satellite imagery, statistics and census records. Create and maintain databases to store geographical data. Present analysed data and maps to urban planners, business managers, stakeholders, land owners and other professionals, in order to support decision-making processes. Provide technical support and train users on GIS software and applications. Collaborate with geographers and other professionals to address problems. Depending on the level of expertise, there are good routes for career progression and reasonably high salaries.
Hands-on work. Design, develop, modify and troubleshoot telecommunications systems and infrastructure for businesses, residential buildings and larger areas, working for the service provider or a public institution. Analyse network requirements and select appropriate technologies, such as fibre optics, wireless networks, phone lines and voice over IP (VoIP). Configure and integrate various telecommunications components, including cables, switches, routers and transmission equipment. Implement and manage network security measures to protect against cyber threats. Monitor and optimise the performance of telecommunications systems, addressing any issues that arise. The work can be urgent when a connection is down.
A surprisingly complex profession in some countries, that requires years of studies, focused on IT, regulations and often a BSc in nursing as well. It has about a dozen branches, which focus on different duties that overlap each other to varying degrees. The tasks are mixtures of the following list: Setup, manage and keep secure patient health records in digital systems of hospitals, clinics, medical organisations, clinical trials and government offices. Ensure data accuracy and privacy. Analyse and export health data for a wide variety of purposes, create reports. Manage colleagues in the same field and projects aimed at usage, software and hardware improvements. Train staff to make sure they use the databases correctly and to their full potential. Develop policies for health data management. Maintain compliance with health data regulations. Some work alone for many hours a week, but they all cooperate with colleagues a lot as well. Accuracy and strong communication skills are crucial in this field. Perhaps unintuitively, the demand for such work is likely to grow significantly.
Both businesses and individuals need all different sorts of IT systems planned, components sourced, built, installed, modified and repaired, such as small, complete IT systems for offices, alarms, security cameras, smart home systems, small AI functions for businesses (e.g. customer service chatbot, knowledge base for employees), private servers, home cinemas, precision agriculture services, museum digital art installations, drone shows, etc. Their cheapest reliable option is often an experienced professional or a small business in this field, but such work is also widely available as employees of large companies. Market the services, provide good customer service to clients. Assess the needs, create a sales pitch, present it, propose price quote options and work timelines. Carry out the work, test the systems. Guide the users on how to make full use of them, address concerns and occurring issues.
Design and develop comprehensive computer network infrastructure to meet an organisation's communication and data transfer requirements. These can be local networks or complex virtual networks in the cloud as well. Analyse the organisation's current and future needs, taking into account factors such as scalability, security and cost-effectiveness. Determine the appropriate network layout (topology), hardware and software components required to support the organisation's operations. Develop detailed network specifications, including system configurations, security measures and disaster recovery plans. Oversee the implementation and testing of the designed network infrastructure, ensuring it functions as intended. Monitor the performance and stability of the network, making necessary adjustments or upgrades over time. Provide technical guidance and support to network administrators and IT teams responsible for managing and maintaining the network. In order to understand an organisation’s needs deeply, business management qualifications can help a lot, but relevant IT experience and qualifications at least on a bachelor’s level are a must.
Responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of computer networks. If the network is complex enough to involve a network architect, then the role of a network engineer is rather to build the prepared design. Analyse the requirements of a network and select the most cost-effective hardware and software for it, such as routers, switches and wireless infrastructure. Configure and integrate network components, ensuring seamless connectivity and data flow. Prepare and manage network security measures, such as firewalls, VPNs and user access permissions, to protect against cyber threats. Monitor and optimise network performance, addressing any issues or bottlenecks that arise. Leading projects or IT teams are often parts of the job, and sometimes so is providing trainings. Both bachelor-level studies and experience are needed to be able to work efficiently in this role and be capable of troubleshooting issues quickly and independently. Most network engineers need to be good communicators.
Very similar to a network engineer, but less focused on network components and potentially more qualified to operate server infrastructure (mail, application and web servers), database, storage, virtualization and cloud computing solutions. Some of the application solutions are web portals, e-commerce platforms, Content Management Systems to publish digital content (e.g. WordPress) and internally used ones, such as Enterprise Resource Planning, accounting, Customer Relationship Management and corporate internal collaboration tools.
Manage and maintain the overall health and performance of computer systems and networks. Install, configure and update operating systems, software and hardware components. Implement and monitor security measures, such as firewalls, access controls and data backups, to protect against cyber threats. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to system malfunctions, network connectivity and user access permissions. Optimise system resources and configurations to improve efficiency and reliability. Provide technical support and training to end-users on the effective use of IT systems. Collaborate with IT teams and external service providers to ensure the seamless integration and operation of all technology assets. Solid problem-solving, communication and people skills are essential for this role. Urgent tasks can often make this job somewhat stressful. If necessary, low-level relevant qualifications can be sufficient to enter this field.
Similar to a network architect, but designs the entire IT systems listed under systems engineer, as opposed to concentrating on the network stability, speed and optimization.
Very similar to a systems administrator. The same skills, but not the same qualifications are required. Manage and maintain the computer networks that connect an organisation's IT systems and users. Install, configure and update network hardware, such as routers, switches and wireless access points. Implement and monitor security measures, including firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs) and access controls, to protect the network from cyber threats. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to network connectivity, performance and reliability. Optimise network resources and configurations to improve efficiency and data flow. Provide technical support and training to end-users on the effective use of network-based applications and services. Collaborate with IT teams and external service providers to ensure the seamless integration and operation of all network-related technologies.
Manage and maintain the servers that power an organisation's IT infrastructure. Install, configure and update server operating systems, applications run from these servers and related software. Some of these applications are web portals, e-commerce platforms, Content Management Systems to publish digital content (e.g. WordPress) and internally used ones, such as Enterprise Resource Planning, accounting, Customer Relationship Management and corporate internal collaboration tools. Implement and monitor security measures, such as firewalls, user permission management and data backups, to protect server data and prevent unauthorised access. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to server performance, availability and functionality. Optimise server resources and configurations to improve efficiency and reliability. Provide technical support and training to end-users on the effective use of server-based applications and services. Collaborate with IT teams and external service providers to ensure the seamless integration and operation of all server-related technologies.
A systems engineer with all the same responsibilities, with the addition of management duties. May oversee the work of multiple IT teams, including system administrators, network engineers and support specialists. Responsible for the overall management and optimization of an organisation's IT infrastructure.
Responsible for bridging the gap between software development and IT operations deploying the application, ensuring efficient cooperation between these two teams. Automate and streamline the software development, testing and deployment processes to keep workflows moving quickly, without team members waiting for each other’s input. Monitor and optimise the performance of deployed applications, addressing any issues or bottlenecks that arise. Provide technical guidance and support to development and operations teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Design, develop, modify and maintain IT solutions (applications) to meet specific business or user needs. Some of these applications are web portals, e-commerce platforms, Content Management Systems to publish digital content (e.g. WordPress) and internally used ones, such as Enterprise Resource Planning, accounting, Customer Relationship Management and corporate internal collaboration tools. Analyse requirements and create detailed technical specifications for application development. Select the right tools and technologies to build or modify the application. If the task is not integrating, customising and setting up an off-the-shelf solution, then lead a team to write, test and debug code using various programming languages and development tools. Integrate applications with other systems, databases and third-party services. Test, troubleshoot and resolve issues related to application performance, functionality and user experience. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, quality assurance and product managers, to deliver high-quality applications. Provide support to users, helping them understand how to use the application effectively. Continually look for ways to improve the application, whether through updates, new features or optimising existing ones.
Makes sure that all end products work properly, including all their functions, parts, speed and reliability. The job is like reverse problem solving: thinking creatively to try to produce errors that might occur during actual use. It may involve a lot of trial and error, until there is something to report. Must be comfortable with detail-oriented work and stay extremely persistent to perform well.
Lead a team responsible for ensuring the quality of software, web services, firmware or hardware products and updates before they are released to customers. Develop strategies and plans to test products thoroughly, making sure they work correctly, consistently, don’t slow down and meet all requirements. Work with development teams to get issues fixed.
Instead of classic project management processes, a scrum master supports the leader of a software development project and the team facilitating modern, more efficient methods, lowering team members’ time spent in meetings and waiting for each other to complete tasks. These principles and practices are parts of a framework called Agile. The main goals are to optimise cooperation within the team, hold efficient and effective meetings often, and anticipate and avoid bottlenecks and obstacles during the project. Coach team members on Scrum practices and help them improve their collaboration and self-organisation skills. Create a positive, cooperative environment. Protect the team from external distractions and ensure they can focus on their goals. Set short-term, well-defined individual goals for the members. Help the team reach consensus in important matters. Scrum masters are increasingly used in many other industries as well.
AI development is not a safe choice as a career for a few reasons:
1. Too many people will try to enter the field.
2. AI itself will do a lot of the Research and Development work on AI systems, such as Recursive Self-Improvement (RSI). Approaching and reaching Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), AI tools will outcompete their developers at their own tasks more and more.
3. It's impossible to predict what kinds of work will be needed for innovations in this field 5 years down the line and beyond.
The link between stakeholders and a development team working on a software, an IT service or another type of IT application. Take charge and communicate with both sides proactively, in order to compile and funnel the features the stakeholders request into what the team work on. This keeps their workload balanced at all times, while maximising the improvement to the value of the product in each development period. Gather feedback and data on the features already rolled out and their business value. Research the potential technical and use case issues to minimise financial risks.
Similar to a product owner, but oversees the overall strategy and vision of an IT product, as opposed to managing the development team's work. Set long-term goals, guide the product's direction, make high-level decisions about what the product should achieve, and collaborate with other departments (e.g. marketing, sales, finance). Manage market research efforts, analyse competition and customer needs. Ensure that the development aligns with the broader product strategy, but focus on the product's success in the market rather than on day-to-day feature development.
Provide technical support and troubleshooting for complex issues related to software, hardware or IT services remotely or in person. Analyse and diagnose problems, develop and implement solutions. May support customers, colleagues, or work for a company providing tech support to businesses. Generally expected to be able to find solutions quickly and efficiently for most issues that first and second-line technical support have passed on. Collaborate with engineering and development teams to address product-related issues and improve overall quality. Create and maintain technical documentation, knowledge bases and support materials. Provide guidance and training to junior support staff on advanced technical issues. Contribute to product improvement initiatives by providing feedback based on customer interactions and support trends. AI will automate a lot of this field over the next decade, so only new and niche services will require this work, due to developing comprehensive AI solutions not being cost efficient or quick enough.
Oversee and manage a team of technical support representatives and engineers. Develop and implement technical support strategies and processes to ensure high-quality service delivery. The service may support customers, colleagues, or may be in a company providing tech support to businesses. Monitor and analyse support metrics, identify areas for improvement and implement solutions. Collaborate with developers, engineers and people in charge of FAQs, written and video guides to address product issues, enhance customer experience and drive customer satisfaction. Manage customer escalations and complex support cases, ensuring timely and effective resolution. Provide coaching, training and performance management for support team members. Develop and maintain customer support documentation, knowledge bases and training materials.
Assess and analyse an organisation's IT systems to identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities. Operate firewalls, intrusion detection systems, data encryption software, and grant colleagues the appropriate access to data and IT systems. Try to make sure all employees adhere to security policies, to protect sensitive data and digital assets. Monitor security systems and networks for potential breaches or suspicious activities. Investigate and respond to security incidents, such as malware infections, data breaches and unauthorised access attempts. Perform regular security audits and risk assessments to ensure compliance with regulations. Provide security awareness training to employees and stakeholders.
Information security is needed in virtually every field of work. Develop and oversee the implementation of an organisation's information security strategy and policies. Manage a team of information security professionals, including analysts, engineers and specialists; and support their professional development. Assess and mitigate information security risks across the organisation's systems, networks and data assets. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations related to information security. Coordinate incident response efforts in case of security breaches or cyberattacks. Contract external IT security service providers, and manage operations around their services. Collaborate with executive leadership to align information security initiatives with business objectives. Manage the information security budget and resource allocation. Bachelor-level qualification and at least 5 years of relevant experience is needed to be considered for this position.
The higher-level version of the work of Information security analysts. Design, implement and maintain IT security solutions to protect an organisation's information systems and data. Develop and configure security infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems and mechanisms managing employees’ permissions to access data and systems within the organisation. Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses. Implement encryption and other data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information. Monitor and analyse security logs and events to detect and respond to IT security incidents and potential threats. Collaborate with IT teams to ensure security is integrated into all aspects of the organisation's technology infrastructure. Provide technical guidance and support for security-related projects and initiatives.
A particularly knowledgeable and experienced information security engineer that focuses on the needs of the organisation and the overall design of the system, rather than its parts. Such professionals are needed only for larger organisations or those with complex systems or highly valuable data and IT or related systems. Design and develop information security architectures. Analyse the organisation's technology landscape and security requirements to create robust security frameworks. Determine appropriate security controls, technologies and processes to address identified risks and vulnerabilities. Develop security standards and guidelines for the organisation's IT infrastructure and IT applications. Ensure that security architectures align with business objectives and comply with relevant regulations. Collaborate with IT teams, management and stakeholders to implement and maintain effective security measures. Provide expert guidance on complex security issues and emerging threats.
Serve organisations as an external contractor by simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in an organisation's computer systems, networks and IT applications. Plan and execute various types of penetration tests, including network, web application and social engineering assessments. Use a combination of manual techniques and automated tools to discover and exploit security weaknesses. Document findings, including the methods used, vulnerabilities discovered and potential impact on the organisation. Provide detailed reports and recommendations for addressing identified security issues. Work with IT teams and management to prioritise and implement necessary security improvements. Conduct follow-up tests to verify that vulnerabilities have been properly addressed.
Finance, Business and Management
I expect that there will be somewhat more part-time managerial positions, because large parts of the duties will be automated. Many managers will work full-time by being in charge of multiple units of a business, coordinating more subordinates or having higher or lower-level duties as well.
“… companies will be forced to hand over increasingly high-level decisions to AIs in order to keep up with their rivals.”[35] AI managers are coming in the near future as well, but managerial positions are still fairly safe. This is due to the complex set of skills needed for success in management, and because of people’s natural reluctance to hand responsibilities over to a system we don’t fully understand and have very limited experience with.
If worse comes to worst, a manager can even take a lower-level position in their field of expertise. AI agents will even coordinate the work of employees after a while, but by then, the solution to tackle the unemployment issue is likely to start taking shape, due to the labour market disruptions it will have already caused.
Some people are well suited for managerial jobs, enjoy it and are successful at it, some have a much easier time specialising in different ways. It's easy to underestimate how challenging it is to lead people; therefore, I highly recommend studying leading for all the supervisory and management roles.
Finance, Business and Management
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
I expect that there will be somewhat more part-time managerial positions, because large parts of the duties will be automated. Many managers will work full-time by being in charge of multiple units of a business, coordinating more subordinates or having higher or lower-level duties as well.
“… companies will be forced to hand over increasingly high-level decisions to AIs in order to keep up with their rivals.”[35] AI managers are coming in the near future as well, but managerial positions are still fairly safe. This is due to the complex set of skills needed for success in management, and because of people’s natural reluctance to hand responsibilities over to a system we don’t fully understand and have very limited experience with.
If worse comes to worst, a manager can even take a lower-level position in their field of expertise. AI agents will even coordinate the work of employees after a while, but by then, the solution to tackle the unemployment issue is likely to start taking shape, due to the labour market disruptions it will have already caused.
Some people are well suited for managerial jobs, enjoy it and are successful at it, some have a much easier time specialising in different ways. It's easy to underestimate how challenging it is to lead people; therefore, I highly recommend studying leading for all the supervisory and management roles.
In the introduction, I have listed the tasks AI can’t or won’t be entrusted with yet. There are always opportunities for freelance work doing these sorts of tasks, if specializing creatively. People, businesses and other organisations all need services that are more niche or are not widely available in good quality in your area; especially as changes still keep accelerating, and new and new needs arise. Examples of such enterprises: sourcing devices that are available only in other countries, designing home cinemas, 3D printing hard-to-get parts for repairs, creating a service centre for a new and booming brand, tour guiding with your own special twist, immigration assistance, sales agent for a music band, stand-up comedian or writers, etc. The key is to find what services are needed or wanted that people are willing to pay for and are unavailable in good quality or you can be the best at.
Provide expert advice or services to clients on a contract basis. Market and sell your services effectively. This can be outsourced, but it’s often expensive. Negotiate contracts and deals with potential clients and on behalf of clients. Analyse client problems or needs and develop tailored solutions. Prepare well in advance and conduct further research to support recommendations. Present findings and proposals to clients through meetings, reports and presentations. Carry out the work in time. Hire employees and subcontractors if needed. Manage multiple client projects simultaneously. Build and maintain a network of clients and professional contacts. The more aspects (marketing, sales, accounting, customs, IT, legal advice and contracts, etc.) of your business you can handle alone on a professional level(!), the more you can save, but it’s often worth paying experts.
There are project managers in most industries. Some projects need relevant qualifications and experience (e.g. architecture, construction, real estate development, mining, clinical trial, manufacturing upgrade, recording an album, decorating a café, creating a sales catalogue, marketing), but not all do (e.g. software testing, installing seating in an airport terminal, setting a site up for a music festival, wedding or sport event, commercial photography coordination). Plan, execute and oversee projects from start to finish. Define project goals, scope and timelines in collaboration with stakeholders. Create detailed project plans including deadlines, budgets and resource allocation. Assemble and lead a team, assigning tasks and responsibilities. Hire contractors and supervise their work too. Monitor project progress and ensure deadlines are met. Manage spending, project risks and develop contingency plans. Communicate project status to clients, stakeholders and management regularly. Resolve conflicts and remove obstacles that might impede project success. Ensure project quality standards and all regulations are met and conduct post-project evaluations.
The manager of project managers. Instead of focusing on the detailed plans of one project, the aim is to align multiple projects with the goals of the company, manage change and resources across the projects, establish company policies, standards and procedures, and cooperate actively with stakeholders and the upper management of the firm. The separate projects often affect each other, which is also managed by the program managers. They are needed in most industries.
The same as an IT product manager, but in manufacturing. Lead the development, launch and ongoing manufacturing of a product from start to finish. Research market needs and work with customers to understand what they want in a product. Create a plan for what the product should do and look like, and decide which features are most important. Work closely with different teams, like designers and engineers, to make sure the product is being built correctly. Keep track of how well the product is doing once it's released and make decisions about changes or updates. Look for ways to make the product better and more useful for customers. Balance what customers want with what the company can actually make and sell. Makes sure the product fits with the company's overall goals and helps the business grow. Collaborate with other departments (e.g. marketing, sales, finance).
Oversee an organisation's financial operations, including budgeting, accounting and financial reporting. Develop financial strategies and plans to support the company's short-term and long-term goals. Analyse financial data and prepare reports to guide the CEO and stakeholders in decision-making, e.g. regarding how to maximise profits, optimise expenses, investments, project undertakings, tax strategies, bank financing and credit. Manage cash flow and financial risks to ensure the organisation's financial stability. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements. As these vary by industry (e.g. nonprofits, manufacturing, insurance, healthcare) and a financial manager has to know them really well, it’s somewhat difficult to switch to work for another type of business. Collaborate with other departments to provide financial guidance and support for various projects and initiatives. Supervise finance team members and provide leadership in financial matters.
A product manager with a finance background, who oversees the development and implementation of financial technology services (apps and websites). Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, designers and business stakeholders to define product requirements and features. Develop product roadmaps and prioritise features based on market demand and business objectives. Manage the product development lifecycle, from concept to launch and ongoing improvements. Monitor product performance metrics and user feedback to guide future upgrades. Capitalise on knowledge and experience in finance to
- Identify opportunities in this field, including what features to add to an existing service, including what’s feasible
- Design processes of functions of the app or the website and provide the best user experience possible
- Address user concerns
- Understand the competition in Fintech and for example in retail banking, investment management or payments; and position the brand among them well
- Assess credit risks, market risks and operational risks, and mitigate them
- Explain financial concepts to the DevOps team
- Make sure that the product integrates seamlessly with existing financial systems, such as payment gateways, banking APIs and accounting software
- Contribute to creating educational content or tools for the users
- Balance innovation with financial stability
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and industry standards in product development and implementation.
Design, develop and maintain software applications and systems for financial services. Implement complex financial algorithms and models into functional and efficient code. Integrate financial applications with external data sources, APIs and third-party services. Ensure the security and reliability of financial systems, implementing measures to protect sensitive data and transactions. Optimise system performance and scalability to handle high volumes of financial transactions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers and financial experts, to understand and build the software according to the business requirements.
Manage a portfolio of investments on behalf of clients or the fund's shareholders. These investments may include stocks, bonds, properties, direct investment, various financial tools or commodities. Develop and implement investment strategies aligned with the fund's objectives and risk tolerance. Follow market trends, economic news and indicators, geopolitical developments and seek individual investment opportunities to make informed decisions with the help of financial analysts and specialists. Execute trades and rebalance the portfolio as needed to optimise performance and manage risk. Network, build and maintain business relationships, give a very good impression at all times. Monitor and evaluate the fund's performance, providing regular reports to clients or stakeholders. There are several different types of investment fund manager positions, though not all are likely to remain common and secure as technology advances. This job tends to be stressful, carry high responsibilities and require well over 40 hours of work every week.
Employed by investment funds, banks, insurance providers, business consulting firms and other kinds of businesses as well, for the purpose of building and nurturing lasting relationships with important clients (many of whom are wealthy private investors, organisational and corporate decision makers of investment, choosing vendors and business partners) to ensure satisfaction, retention and growth of business opportunities.
Act as the main point of contact, learn about and stay up to date on the client’s risk tolerance, investment and business goals and preferences. Based on this, communicate fine-tuned investment and cooperation strategies and proposals for the next steps on an ongoing basis. Upsell, resolve issues, entertain clients in many sorts of ways if it helps build the relationships, e.g. fine dining, doing sports together, attending art, sport or other events, boating, parties, galas, luxurious travels, hiring escorts. With some clients (especially in some Asian countries), going to bars and getting drunk together is expected, although this could become a lot less dominant in younger generations.
Make potentially fruitful introductions for the benefit of the client. There are many different types of client relationship managers and they are present in lots of industries.
Manage the process of helping companies raise capital by issuing securities (e.g. stock or debt) to the public or private markets. Work closely with sales teams to gauge investor interest and demand for new issues. Manage the process of determining the optimal pricing and allocation strategies for securities offerings. Collect and organise investor orders. Liaise between issuers, investors and internal teams to ensure smooth execution of deals. Provide market insights and recommendations to issuers on timing and structure of offerings. Coordinate the marketing efforts for new issues, including meetings between the potential parties and investor presentations. Monitor and analyse market conditions to identify optimal windows for new issuances.
Complements the role of the syndicate manager in investment banking underwriting. Act as the main point of contact for companies raising capital. Advise clients on capital raising strategies, including initial public offerings, follow-on offerings and debt issuances. Analyse market conditions and client financial positions to recommend optimal capital structures. Present capital markets opportunities to potential clients and pitch for new business. Provide ongoing market intelligence and capital markets insights to clients. Monitor post-deal performance and maintain client relationships for future opportunities.
Similar to the work of equity capital markets relationship managers, but in various investment funds, supporting small, medium and large enterprises in need of initial and growth investments. Identify and evaluate potential investment opportunities, often before they hit the broader market. Attend industry conferences, meetings and other events to connect with potential investment opportunities. Carry out the initial screening to assess whether a company is a good fit for the fund’s investment strategy.
Work mainly in investment banks, private equity firms and direct lending firms, to provide loans or arrange debt financing for companies, typically for Mergers & Acquisitions, buyouts, recapitalizations or growth capital. Structure financing deals that meet the borrower company’s needs while managing risk for the bank. Coordinate with internal credit teams to analyse client financial situations and market conditions, assess risk and determine suitable interest rates to offer. Develop and present loan and other types of leveraged finance proposals to clients, negotiate terms with them and often involve investors as well. Manage the execution of leveraged finance transactions, including due diligence and documentation. Monitor the performance of leveraged finance portfolios and address any issues that arise. Provide ongoing market insights and financing options to leveraged finance clients. The nature of the work varies significantly depending on the type of company one works for.
Work for investment banks, commercial banks, private equity firms, direct lending firms, asset management companies and development finance institutions to manage relationships with corporate clients that require loans, lines of credit or other financing solutions. Focus more on the ongoing, fruitful relationship with the debt holders, on assessing their creditworthiness and approving credit limits; as opposed to leveraged finance relationship managers, who are more focused on structuring and executing loan and financing transactions. Handle more straightforward, less risky and lower-value lending relationships but across a broad range of clients. (In contrast, leveraged finance relationship managers work with more complex, riskier deals that may even involve multiple parties and even billions of dollars.) Negotiate terms and conditions of credit facilities with clients. Monitor client credit performance and flag any potential issues or contract breaches. Coordinate with risk management teams to ensure proper risk assessment and mitigation strategies. Provide ongoing advice to clients on credit market conditions and financing options.
Manage communications between a company and its investors or shareholders. Develop and implement investor relations strategies. Prepare and present financial reports and performance updates to investors. Organise shareholder meetings, earnings calls and investor presentations. Address investor queries and concerns promptly and accurately. Monitor how the company is judged and provide feedback to management. Coordinate with financial media to manage the company's public image. Identify and attract potential new investors to support the company's growth.
Plan, coordinate and oversee the day-to-day operations of an organisation or department, e.g. hospitality, retail, wholesale, service industry, tourism, banking, etc. Develop and implement operational strategies to maximise sales, minimise costs, maintain high efficiency, productivity and quality. Manage resources, including personnel and work schedules, equipment and materials, to ensure optimal utilization. Monitor and analyse operational performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards and company policies. Collaborate with the upper management, other departments and stakeholders to align operations with overall business objectives. Hire, lead, coach, supervise and motivate teams; handle personnel and client issues. Prevent and tackle operational problems. Manage inventory and facilities. Forecasting, handle day-to-day finances. Oversee visual merchandising activities. Lots of people work in this role without formal qualifications, but few manage to do it well in my opinion.
A consultant hired for a project to design and implement or optimise business processes, systems and personnel resources to improve operations comprehensively. Analyse current business practices if they are in place already, and identify areas for improvement or innovation within the company or the department in question. Form and implement new business models, strategies and operational frameworks. Collaborate with many people in the organisation to fully understand every crucial part of the operations and to align technology solutions with business objectives. Create detailed procedure maps and documentation to support business processes. Conduct cost-benefit analyses and feasibility studies for proposed business changes or initiatives. Monitor and evaluate the performance of implemented solutions, making adjustments as needed to maximise business value.
Need to be well versed in every important part of running the business supported, including logistics, pricing analysis, decision making, employee behaviour trends, change management, industry trends, commercial awareness, marketing, technological solutions, cost analysis, financing, HR and legal constraints, etc. Masters-level qualification and at least some experience (especially relevant technical experience) are usually required.
Analyse business processes and the company’s circumstances to identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains. Gather detailed information on what the management wants to achieve through new projects or operational changes. Conduct market research and data analysis to support strategic decision-making. Create detailed reports, presentations and visualizations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders. The recommendations may include supply chain or organisational changes, sales and marketing strategies and product development suggestions as well. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions. Be the proactive day-to-day liaison between these teams (often IT ones) and the business, finance and management professionals of the company. Evaluate the impact of implemented changes and measure their success against defined objectives. Key skills are communication, handling people well, creative problem solving, finding patterns in data and organisation skills. Very similar profession to business engineering.
Start and run a privately owned businesses or invest in existing ones. Can be done on a shoe-string budget as well. It can take many different forms, some of which are less obvious. A few examples are dropshipping, online and offline wholesale and retail, buying and trading commodities, currencies, stocks, bonds, second-hand items, brokering transactions, freelance services with or without employees and subcontractors, facilitating outsourcing, providing consultation, training, mentoring, coaching, etc. Gain a solid understanding of every facet of a business, unless it’s possible to outsource some of them to very trustworthy people or businesses with fallback options. Use this knowledge to make sure the business or the investments won’t falter in any way.
As opposed to popular belief, taking risks is usually not the right approach: They have to be minimised with expertise, otherwise it would only be a matter of time until trouble arises. Develop business plans and strategies for growth. Make key decisions about products, services and company direction. Manage finances including budgeting, funding and profit distribution. Hire the right managers and supervisors, build and lead teams of employees or contractors. Network with other business leaders and potential partners. Need to be highly competitive, dedicated, sharp, willing to learn and identify and pursue new business opportunities (pivot). Analyse market trends and adjust business practices accordingly.
Everybody should learn how to invest well beyond the basics. People don't realise, but they lose a lot of their hard-earned money to inflation and bad use of the capital they have, especially considering the compound interest they are missing out on over decades. Many people simply invest in properties, which is often not wrong, but I daresay often it is not the best choice. As major changes in the world are still accelerating overall, we can't count on staying in the same city being our best option for several decades to come. This makes property investments potentially riskier than they used to be. Please learn how to profit from the capital you have and make sure to invest only in the markets you know extremely well! Learn about investment strategies and diversify. If you already have a significant amount of capital, learn to make full use of it. In this case, you might be better off specializing in investing your money and dedicating your time to it; rather than learning any other profession for the sake of a salary (unless the work you do is your passion).
A specialist for setting up or making major changes to a company's operational, management, financial and/or legal structure. This often happens after mergers, acquisitions, selling a part of the company, splitting it off in some form or simply if it's deemed to perform poorly due to major operational issues. A new structure may also be needed due to rapid growth, the company going public or new owners requesting a change. Restructurers work for different types of investment funds and banks and dedicated law firms. Renegotiate debt agreements, raise capital, reorganise the investment and debt structures. Manage bankruptcy situations. Great business and finance knowledge and experience are needed to set the firm up for success.
Develop IT solutions and databases to automate valuable communication and data sharing within a company and with and among partner companies (independent of the employer) too. Alleviate inefficiencies in communication and make sure there are no information sharing bottlenecks, such as only specific people in charge of certain aspects of the business being up to date on data others need. Make sure the right information is shared on an ongoing basis. Train and coach colleagues and employees of business partners on how to make full use of the systems. Maintain the privacy of sensitive information with great care. Need sufficiently deep understanding of many business processes and of the potentially useful IT tools as well. Monitor the performance of IT services and their impact on business operations. Provide regular updates to business leaders on IT initiatives and their value. It’s a growing field.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with distributors, resellers, vendors or other types of business partners for an employer that can be in virtually any industry. Identify potential partners that align with the organisation's goals and objectives. Negotiate partnership agreements and contracts. Coordinate joint initiatives and projects with partners. Monitor partner performance and ensure they meet agreed targets. Resolve conflicts and address issues that arise in partnerships. Identify opportunities to expand existing partnerships or create new ones. Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders on partnership activities. Organise partner events and training sessions to strengthen relationships.
Manage the use of CRM software, apps and work processes in a retail or a service provider company to maximise customer satisfaction and sales and marketing opportunities. Set up an effective system among these departments and customer service to collect, organise, analyse and share information about the customers. Use predictive analytics to identify customer trends, preferences and potential issues. The data collected is used to make business decisions, customise and automate sales and marketing efforts in many ways and enhance effective collaboration across the teams of the company. Oversee or carry out the training and coaching of employees operating the CRM software. Develop and update customer service policies and procedures. This work shapes the image of the brand and how the customers feel about the company as well. Even investment banks use CRMs to maintain good relationships with wealthy investors.
May be only a part of the responsibilities of an HR professional. Foster positive relationships between the organisation and its employees. Develop and implement employee engagement strategies. Maximise employee retention. Address employee concerns and grievances promptly and fairly. Coordinate with other members of HR to ensure effective communication of company policies and benefits. Organise employee events and recognition programs. Conduct regular surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Mediate conflicts between employees or between employees and management. Provide guidance to managers on maintaining positive relationships with their teams. Promote a healthy work culture and work-life balance.
This role is found mainly in nonprofits, government agencies and companies with strong community outreach programs. Build and maintain positive relationships between an organisation and the local community, shape the image of the employer. Organise and participate in community events and initiatives. Support the locals in meaningful ways. Manage corporate social responsibility programs and charitable activities. Address community concerns related to the organisation's operations. Liaise with local government officials and community leaders. Coordinate volunteer programs for employees to engage with the community. Monitor and report on the impact of community engagement activities. Ensure the organisation maintains a positive reputation within the community. Social media engagement manager and marketing duties are also often parts of the job.
Enhance the overall patient experience in healthcare settings. Develop and implement strategies to improve patient satisfaction and engagement. Act as a liaison between patients, their families and the healthcare provider. Address patient complaints and concerns promptly and effectively. Coordinate patient education programs and support services. Analyse patient feedback and data to identify areas for improvement in care delivery. Collaborate with various departments to ensure a seamless patient journey. Implement and manage patient communication systems.
Manage customer relationships and the image of the brand mainly through social media. Develop and implement digital engagement strategies. Create engaging posts based on how the marketing team pictures the company’s typical customers. Monitor and respond to customer messages, comments and feedback on digital platforms. Ensure consistent tone, language and responsiveness to strengthen brand loyalty. Monitor if there are significant social media posts and comments that could affect the way people feel about the brand and respond proactively to both positive and negative mentions. Measure and report on the effectiveness of digital relationship management initiatives.
Plan and organise various events such as conferences, weddings, sport events, expos, galas, trainings, festivals, etc. Communicate with clients well in advance to fully understand their vision, preferences and requirements for the event. Help the clients choose suitable venues if applicable and negotiate contracts with suppliers. Coordinate all aspects of the event including catering, entertainment and decorations. Manage budgets. Oversee the setup and running of the event on the day. Handle any unexpected issues that arise during the event. Provide excellent customer service, build relationships with regular clients. Forecasting, taking and making payments.
Develop and implement environmental policies and practices within an organisation. Assess the environmental impact of company operations and propose improvements. Ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Conduct environmental audits and risk assessments. Manage waste reduction and recycling programs. Coordinate with various departments to implement sustainable practices. Develop and deliver environmental awareness training to staff. Prepare reports. Liaise with regulatory bodies and environmental groups.
Manage and protect forests for conservation, recreation and economic purposes. Plan and oversee the planting, growth and harvesting of trees. Balance profitability with sustainability and nature conservation. Monitor forest health and implement measures to control pests and diseases. Develop and maintain forest inventories and maps. Manage wildlife habitats and biodiversity within forest areas. Plan and oversee the construction of forest access roads and fire breaks (artificials gaps between parts of a forest to prevent fire from spreading easily). Implement fire prevention and control strategies. Provide advice on sustainable forest management practices. Collaborate with government agencies, landowners and the public on forest-related issues. Ensure all operations meet the regulations. Part office, part fieldwork, being exposed to the elements.
Ensure an organisation's products or services comply with relevant laws and regulations. Depending on the industry, the qualifications needed and the subject of the work vary widely: food, work, environmental, product and public safety, privacy, housing, labour, financial, civil engineering and health regulations, etc. Prepare and submit regulatory filings to government agencies. Interpret complex regulations and advise the company on compliance requirements. Manage relationships with regulatory authorities and represent the company in regulatory matters. Collaborate with various departments to fully understand relevant details of their work and ensure operations, products or services meet regulatory standards. Oversee the continuous updates of documentation and records required by law. Contribute to the creation and amendments of company policy and guideline documents. Take part in changing work processes as needed. Develop and implement training programs on regulatory requirements. Carry out and facilitate audits. Monitor changes in regulations and assess their impact on the organisation.
As above, but with fewer and lower responsibilities.
As above, but more focused on policies, guidelines and regulations being met within the company, rather than on external inspections and regulatory applications.
Oversee the maintenance and operation of buildings and facilities. Manage subordinates, service providers and contracts with them for cleaning, maintenance, safety and repairs. Develop long-term plans for facility improvements and expansions. Oversee renovations and refurbishments of buildings and spaces. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and building codes. Coordinate space planning and allocation within the facility. Manage cleaning and maintenance budgets and control costs. Implement and manage energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives. Respond to and resolve facility-related emergencies and issues.
Develop and implement security policies and procedures to protect all the assets and people at an organisation's property. Conduct risk assessments to identify potential security threats. Design and oversee the installation of security systems such as alarms, surveillance cameras and access controls. Manage a team of security personnel and coordinate their activities. Investigate security breaches and incidents, prepare detailed reports. Liaise with law enforcement agencies when necessary. Develop and deliver security awareness training to staff. Manage the security budget and resources.
Develop and implement plans for responding to natural disasters, infrastructure failures, chemical spills, viral outbreaks, dangerous animals on the loose, hostage situations, riots, unplanned protests and other emergencies. Coordinate with government agencies, emergency services and community organisations to prepare for potential crises. Conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and vulnerabilities in the community. Oversee the establishment and preparedness of emergency operations centres. Lead training exercises and drills to test and improve emergency response procedures. Manage emergency response activities during actual disasters or crises. Coordinate the allocation of resources and personnel during emergencies. Assess the damage. Develop public education programs to increase community preparedness. Evaluate the effectiveness of emergency responses and update plans accordingly.
Oversee the daily operations of hotels, hostels or other accommodation facilities. Keep in touch with the owners and make sure the business is run according to their expectations. Manage staff across all departments, including front desk, sales, marketing, finance, security, housekeeping, Food & Beverage, events and maintenance, mainly through the department heads. Hire the latter personally and make sure they are knowledgeable, motivated and well trained. Ensure high standards of customer service and address guest complaints or issues. Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract guests and increase occupancy rates. Manage budgets and the financial performance of the business. Coordinate maintenance and renovation projects to keep the property in good condition. Develop and maintain relationships with vendors, suppliers and local businesses. Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to maintain a competitive edge in the market. Be ready and make sure assistant managers are ready to take quick action in case of emergencies or other sorts of trouble.
Develop and maintain a positive public image for organisations or individuals. Create and implement communication strategies to build relationships with the media, the public and stakeholders. Write press releases, speeches and social media content. Organise press conferences and media events. Handle crisis communications and reputation management. Monitor public opinion and media coverage. Advise management on public relations issues and strategies. Measure the effectiveness of PR campaigns. If the role is managerial, then coordinate the work of, motivate and support a team of PR professionals. In-depth knowledge of the field they work in, excellent problem solving, communication, language and people skills are all essential for these roles.
Develop advertising campaigns to promote products, services or brands in any industry. May be employed by the company promoted or an advertising agency. Oversee and conduct market research, collect and process relevant data. Responsible for achieving measurable results in attracting potential buyers, and making an impact in sales, brand awareness and loyalty. Identify target audiences and select appropriate advertising media. Work with creative teams to develop advertising concepts and materials. Manage the work of team members. Negotiate advertising contracts and act as a relationship manager if working for an advertising agency. Manage budgets. Coordinate the production of advertisements across various media. Analyse the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and make adjustments. Develop promotional strategies such as contests, discounts or giveaways. Make an effort every month to stay up to date on industry trends.
In practice, the duties of marketing managers and advertising managers often overlap to a large extent. Where this is not the case, marketing managers have broader responsibilities, covering all aspects of a company's marketing strategy, including brand and product positioning, product development, pricing, distribution, market and customer research. Identify customer needs and market trends, analyse data. Create marketing plans and allocate budgets for the best effect. Less involved in the direct implementation of the marketing plans in the following three areas: Overseeing the development of marketing materials such as brochures, websites and social media content. Managing promotional events and product launches. Analysing marketing campaign results and adjusting strategies accordingly. More focused on the following: Coordinating with sales teams to align marketing efforts with sales goals. Ensuring brand consistency across all marketing channels.
Oversee the operations and maintenance of residential, commercial or industrial properties. Advertise rental unit vacancies, show them off to potential tenants, negotiate, sign and terminate rental contracts. Make sure rental and other fees are paid on time. Address complaints, coordinate property maintenance (both in the shared spaces and in the units), repairs and renovations. Hire and supervise staff, such as maintenance workers and security personnel. Manage property expenses. Manage community associations (e.g. homeowner associations), including enforcing rules and organising community events.
Command and navigate ships, boats or other watercraft. Oversee all ship operations and crew activities, be responsible for every aspect of the journey. Coordination, leading. Plan and direct the vessel's course and speed. Communicate with port authorities and other vessels. Pilots navigate large ships at ports and other riskier areas and conditions. Many but not all roles on ships require being at sea for several months at a time.
Support the ship captain by being in charge of various parts of the ship's navigation, safety and operations and take responsibility for his duties in his absence. Train and supervise crew. In this profession, experience is more important than qualifications in some countries.
Oversee the operations of restaurants, bars or catering services in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, event venues, theme parks, institutions and corporate dining facilities. Develop menus and pricing strategies. Manage food and beverage inventory, including ordering and cost control. Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain the standards expected by the stakeholders. Hire, train, motivate and supervise kitchen, waiting and other service staff. Solve many problems, handle customer complaints and ensure customer satisfaction. Manage budgets and financial performance of the food and beverage operation. Coordinate special events and promotions. Unless it’s a very large establishment, this role is much more hands-on and detail-oriented than many other managerial positions.
Oversee a government institution, such as a council, town hall, tax office, local education authorities, public health agencies, city planning commission, fire station, ambulance station, local food safety authorities, etc.; or manage a local public service, such as public housing, utilities, waste management, animal control, land registry, public records office, public libraries, social services, parks and recreation, public employment services, parking management, etc. Develop and implement policies and programs to serve the public. Manage budgets and resources for government operations. Coordinate with elected officials and other government bodies. Ensure compliance with laws and regulations in public service delivery. Hire, lead and motivate teams of public servants. Respond to public inquiries and concerns about government services. Evaluate the effectiveness of government programs and suggest improvements.
Oversee operations (or a part) of fish farms or other aquatic animal (and even plant) production facilities. Plan and coordinate breeding, feeding and harvesting of aquatic species. Monitor water quality and environmental conditions in aquaculture systems. Manage staff and allocate resources for aquaculture operations. Implement disease prevention and control measures for aquatic animals. Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and food safety standards. Develop strategies to improve production efficiency and sustainability. Hands-on work to varying degrees. Need to have solid knowledge of every process, piece of equipment, animal (and their health) and law relevant to the operations. May manage budget, marketing, sales, logistics; negotiate contracts; resolve issues.
Oversee daily operations of agricultural enterprises or their parts. Plan and coordinate planting, cultivation and harvesting of crops; or manage livestock trading, housing, breeding, feeding, health and slaughtering processes. Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment. Hire, train and supervise farm workers. Implement sustainable farming practices and ensure compliance with agricultural regulations. Staying informed about agricultural market trends and new farming technologies is essential for competitiveness. Hands-on work to varying degrees. Need to have solid knowledge of every process, equipment, animal (and their health) and law relevant to the operations. May manage budget, marketing, sales, logistics, negotiate contracts, resolve issues.
Oversee the production of plants, flowers and trees in plant nurseries or greenhouses. Plan and coordinate planting schedules to meet market demands. Manage environmental conditions like temperature, humidity and light for optimal plant growth. Implement pest control and disease management strategies. Supervise staff and delegate tasks for plant care and facility maintenance. Manage inventory of plants, seeds and gardening supplies. Develop marketing strategies, build relationships with customers or wholesalers and negotiate contracts. Other common managerial duties. Largely not office work but activities around the plants. Some jobs don’t require qualifications, but many do.
Researchers and Scientists
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
For now, many scientist professions are very competitive, because there’s an oversupply of good candidates compared to the number of projects employing them. If you don’t want to be flexible about moving where the job opportunities are, you have to be very careful picking a specialisation that gives you good prospects in your region. Technological developments will be able make research in many fields more attractive to investors, which is bound to create more research and science jobs than there have been in the recent past. Please bear in mind that you might still find yourself in tough competition for the positions you want, and that your chances are potentially much better if your expertise helps companies increase their profits.
Scientists don’t only apply their knowledge, but often have the choice of teaching in higher education institutions as well.
Study human behaviour and social interactions. Discover the reasons behind people's actions, the culture and dynamics of a society and trends of changes. Design and conduct research on topics like crime, poverty, employment, healthcare, race, age, gender, family, public opinion or education. Use surveys, interviews and observations to collect data. Analyse information using statistical methods and social theories. Write reports and articles about research findings. Present findings in person and in various media. Advise policymakers, economists, PR professionals, businesses and organisations on social issues and potential solutions. A disproportionately large percentage of social scientists work in higher education.
Modern shepherd: Oversee large areas of land used for grazing animals. Plan and implement strategies to maintain healthy grasslands. Monitor plant growth, soil health and water resources. Decide where and when to move livestock for optimal grazing and to avoid soil degradation. Manage wildlife habitats and control invasive species. Work with land owners, farmers, government agencies and environmental groups. Develop fire management plans to prevent wildfires. Use mapping and data analysis tools to track land conditions.
Study animals and wildlife in their natural habitats or in captivity. Conduct research on animal behaviour, physiology and interactions with their environments. Collect and analyse data on animal populations, habitats and diseases. Lab work may be most of the job or none of it at all. Develop and implement conservation strategies for endangered species. Monitor wildlife populations and assess the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Write scientific papers and reports on research findings. Collaborate with other scientists, government agencies and conservation organisations. Educate the public about wildlife conservation and environmental issues. Manage wildlife rehabilitation programs or work in zoos to care for animals. Several other types of companies and organisations also need such professionals for many different reasons.
Study and manage natural resources to prevent destruction or waste. Assess the impact of human activities on forests, soil and water resources. Develop plans for the sustainable use and protection of natural areas. Monitor the health of ecosystems and wildlife populations with the help of technicians, who gather and analyse samples and data. Work with landowners and government agencies to implement conservation practices. Conduct environmental impact assessments for development projects. Design and oversee the implementation of plans that restore damaged ecosystems and habitats.
Study the interactions between industrial systems and the environment. Develop strategies to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency. Assess the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Design eco-friendly production systems and supply chains. Collaborate with businesses to implement sustainable practices. One of the branches of this field is conducting research on sustainability. Another is contributing to policies that promote sustainable industrial development.
Study the movement, distribution and quality of water. Measure and analyse the flow of rivers, rainfall patterns and groundwater levels. Investigate the impact of human activities on water resources. Develop water management plans for sustainable use and conservation. Predict and model floods, droughts and other water-related events. Assess water quality and develop plans to reduce pollution. Advise on water-related aspects of construction and development projects. Contribute to policies for water resource management and protection.
Study damaged ecosystems like forests or wetlands. Figure out what caused the damage and how to fix it. Design plans to bring back native plants and animals. Oversee projects to clean up pollution and rebuild natural areas. Work with scientists, engineers and local communities. Monitor progress and adjust plans as needed. Write reports on project outcomes. Advise on policies to prevent future environmental damage.
Inspect places where people spend time to check for health risks. Test air, water and soil for pollution or harmful substances. Investigate complaints about health hazards in communities, workplaces and agriculture. Educate people on how to avoid environmental health dangers. Create plans to deal with public health emergencies. Work with government agencies to enforce health and safety rules. Collect and analyse data on environmental health issues. Recommend ways to improve food, public, resident or worker health and safety.
Study how economic activities affect the environment and try and lower the negative impacts. Calculate the costs and benefits of environmental policies. Develop models to predict environmental impacts of business and policy decisions, including environmental regulations. Analyse data on pollution, resource use and climate change. Advise governments and companies on sustainable practices. Design systems for pricing natural resources and the benefits of healthy ecosystems. Research and advise on ways to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Study microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Conduct experiments to understand how microorganisms grow, reproduce and interact. Investigate the role of microbes in diseases and develop ways to control them. Study the use of microorganisms in food production, biotechnology and environmental management. Develop and test new medicines and vaccines. Use advanced laboratory equipment to observe and manipulate microorganisms.
Manage and take part in projects to study the structure and function of cells and their molecular components. Investigate how genes control cell behaviour and inherited features. Design and conduct experiments to understand cellular processes and genetic mechanisms. Use advanced microscopes and other equipment to observe cellular structures. Analyse DNA, RNA and proteins to understand their roles in living organisms. Use relevant computer modelling software. Study the causes of diseases at the molecular level. Contribute to advancements in fields like medicine, agriculture and biotechnology by publishing the findings in detail.
Bioinformatics uses computer science tools to store, process and analyse biological data. Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics (studying proteins), computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Use specialised software to analyse DNA, RNA or protein sequences. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualise, analyse, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analysing genomic or other biological information. Troubleshoot technical issues with bioinformatics software and tools.
Analyse complex biological data using computer technology. Process and interpret genetic information and other large datasets, and design experiments. The most common goals are to find solutions to biological problems, such as discovering medicines and methods to treat illnesses, and to contribute to research in genetics. Create databases to store and organise biological data. Use statistical methods to find patterns in large datasets. Help other scientists understand and use complex biological information. Create visual representations of biological data for easier understanding. Collaborate with biologists and computer scientists on research projects. Strong writing, analytical skills and theoretical knowledge are all essential for this role as well.
Conduct research to improve human or animal health and understand diseases in a university, private or public organisation setting. Design and carry out clinical trials or experiments to test new drugs or medical treatments. Analyse medical samples such as blood, tissue or DNA. Develop new medical devices or diagnostic tests. Write research papers and present findings at scientific conferences. Collaborate with other scientists and medical professionals on research projects. Apply for research grants and manage research budgets. Supervise laboratory technicians and other staff. PhD-level qualifications are required, and many professionals hold multiple degrees.
Prepare and analyse human cell samples (e.g. amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumours and blood) to study chromosomes and genes. Use microscopes and specialised equipment to examine cell structures. Perform tests to detect genetic disorders or diseases. Analyse and interpret test results to support medical diagnoses. Prepare reports on findings for doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Analyse the ways in which genes interact, operate and form traits in all sorts of living creatures but mainly humans. Conduct research and experiments to understand the effects of specific genes. Analyse DNA sequences to identify genetic variations. Use computer programs to process and interpret genetic data. Research genetic diseases, develop tests to diagnose them and seek methods to treat them. Advise doctors, patients and families about genetic conditions. Work on projects to improve crops or livestock through genetic methods.
Develop new food products and improve existing ones. Study the chemical, physical and biological properties of food. Plan and carry out experiments, analyse data. Create recipes and production methods for food products. Test food samples to ensure safety and quality. Improve and troubleshoot food processing, packaging and storage methods. Analyse nutritional content of foods and develop healthier options. Work with food manufacturers to scale up production of new products. Ensure food products meet all safety and regulatory standards.
Many work in labs and do office tasks, but some specializations focus on the manufacturing processes. Conduct tests and analyses to ensure and improve the safety, quality, physical characteristics, smell, taste and nutritional content of food products. Operate laboratory equipment to measure physical, chemical and microbiological properties of food. Assist food scientists and engineers. Document findings, prepare reports. When in food manufacturing: conduct quality assurance tests, inspect the products for their physical, nutritional characteristics and appeal.
Mainly lab work. Assist agricultural scientists and bioengineers in research, development and testing activities. Conduct experiments, collect samples and data, and maintain records related to crop production, animal husbandry or agricultural technologies. Operate and maintain specialised equipment used in agricultural research and production. The purposes of the experiments are to improve yield and quality of crops, or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects. Provide technical support to farmers and other agricultural professionals.
Study soil properties and their effects on plant growth. Analyse soil samples to determine quality and nutrient content. Develop methods to improve soil fertility and crop yields. Research plant diseases, weeds, pests and ways to control them. Create new plant varieties through breeding or genetic modification. Advise farmers and gardeners on best practices for crop management. Study the environmental impact of different farming methods. Develop sustainable agricultural practices to conserve soil and water resources.
Study the chemical and physical properties of living things (including light and electricity). Conduct experiments to understand how cells, proteins and other biological molecules work. Use advanced equipment to analyse biological samples. Develop new drugs, plant varieties and medical treatments based on their research. Study the effects of drugs, hormones and nutrients on biological processes. Data analysis. Create new products for industries like pharmaceuticals, medical technology, food processing and agriculture. Investigate the causes of diseases at the molecular level. Extensive report writing and publishing scientific papers. Project management, manage personnel. Continuous education.
Biology has countless more subfields, many of which are niche, so less visible. Opportunities in research, innovation and their applications are very likely to grow in both number and variety. Sustainability and conservation efforts and several types of manufacturing also require many biologists.
It is often very lucrative and exciting to specialize in something very niche, but it can also be risky if the knowledge and skills are not easily transferrable to other parts of science. Having difficulties starting out in the career and losing such a job can be major problems due to limited career opportunities within a small field, difficulties moving to where such positions are available, and unexpected changes in the field or in the world affecting the field can shrink the number of opportunities as well.
Study the composition, structure and properties of matter. Conduct experiments to develop new chemical products and processes, for example for the benefit of agriculture, environmental protection, the energy, manufacturing or food industry. Run or participate in such projects. Analyse substances to determine their chemical makeup. Develop methods for producing synthetic materials like plastics. Participate in the production processes of chemical plants. Test the quality of manufactured products. Develop safer and more efficient ways to produce chemicals.
Research and analyse the effects of policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as investment, legislation, awareness campaigns or fundraising approaches. Use scientific data to model potential outcomes of different policy approaches. Collaborate with scientists, economists and policymakers on climate strategies. Assess the potential costs and benefits of proposed climate policies. Prepare reports and presentations for government agencies and stakeholders. Participate in public discussions and debates on taking action against climate change, its negative impact and on how to adapt to a changing environment.
Develop and implement techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using creative, analytical problem solving, critical thinking, data-oriented programming languages, statistics and visualization software. Source and shape useful data (data mining). Data modelling (visualizing the flow of data in the organisation), natural language processing and machine learning (the development and analysis of algorithms that computers use to learn from data and recognise patterns, so that unfamiliar information can be processed, making predictions and decisions can be automated and actionable insights can be derived) to extract and analyse information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Interpret, visualise and report findings to aid business and policy decisions, scientific discoveries and innovation. It’s also used to minimise the numbers and severity of accidents and other incidents.
Machine learning knowledge and experience are very valuable for many data science positions.
Not all branches of data science are safe on the long run: only the ones that involve great responsibilities or require skills that AI is not likely to be able to take over yet. These skills are listed in the first section of this book. As eventually, AI will take over more data science tasks, the crunch in the employment of data scientists will mean that only highly and well-specialised and experienced professionals in this field will have good career prospects.
Conduct research, prepare reports and formulate plans to address economic problems. These issues can be related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. Collect and analyse data on economic issues like inflation, employment and trade. Develop models to explain economic behaviour. Forecast economic trends and market conditions. Advise businesses, governments and organisations on economic strategies, including the world economy. Evaluate the effects of policies and events on the economy. Write reports and articles on economic topics. Present findings to clients, policymakers or the public.
Study and map terrain, bodies of water, natural resources and natural and human habitats for a wide array of purposes. Analyse interactions between human activities and the natural environment. Create and interpret maps using geographic information systems (GIS). Research topics like climate change, urbanisation and resource distribution. Conduct field studies, use satellite imagery, databases, national statistics and many more types or resources to collect geographic data. Advise governments and organisations on land use and regional planning. Study population patterns and their impact on the environment. Contribute to solutions for environmental and social issues with a geographic perspective.
Study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, the oceans or its magnetic, electrical and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, palaeontologists, stratigraphers (scientists of the rock and soil layers of Earth’s crust), geodesists (scientists that measure, map and model the exact coordinates on the surface of the globe and how they move over time) and seismologists (scientists of earthquakes), etc. Use geological, physics and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation or other environmental problems. Investigate natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides. Assess environmental impacts of human activities on geological systems. Provide advice on construction projects and land use planning. Contribute to the understanding of climate change and its geological effects. Some positions involve a lot of fieldwork, while others are completely office based.
Collect and analyse data from satellites, aircraft, drones and other devices to monitor and assess environmental factors. Apply this data in various fields, such as agriculture, forestry, climate science, urban planning, national security and disaster management. Create maps and models of land features, ocean patterns or weather systems. Build algorithms and models to process and interpret remote sensing data. Work with other scientists to solve problems in these fields. Train, coordinate and supervise the work of remote sensing technicians.
Operate remote sensing equipment to collect data and gather them from satellites, drones and aircraft as well. Help set up and run ground stations that receive satellite data. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips. Organise, process and analyse remote sensing images and data. Maintain and calibrate remote sensing instruments, many of which are in agricultural and remote areas. Assist scientists with fieldwork. Verify remote sensing data. Create maps and reports. Prepare presentations to explain remote sensing findings.
Study the properties and structure of various materials. Develop new materials with specific properties for different applications. Analyse how materials behave under different conditions. Test materials for strength, durability and other qualities. Work on creating more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Collaborate with engineers to apply new materials in product design. Investigate the causes of material failures and develop solutions.
Apply advanced mathematical concepts to solve complex problems in finance, engineering, manufacturing, IT and scientific research. Develop mathematical models to analyse and predict real-world phenomena. Use computer software to perform complex calculations and simulations. Collaborate with scientists and engineers to apply mathematical solutions. Analyse large datasets to identify patterns and trends. Develop new mathematical techniques. Apply mathematical principles to improve decision-making processes.
Apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to organise, interpret and summarise numerical data to provide usable information in fields like healthcare, sports, business, economics, ecology, societal trends, public opinion and government. Collect, analyse and compile numerical data to identify and show trends and patterns. Design surveys, experiments and opinion polls to gather data. Use statistical software to process and analyse large datasets. Present findings through reports, charts and presentations. Ensure the validity and reliability of data collection methods and their application.
Educate visitors about the natural features and wildlife in parks and nature reserves. Strive to make the trips fun and interesting for both adults and children. Lead guided tours and nature walks for visitors. Develop and present educational programs about local geography, flora, fauna and ecosystems. Monitor and report on the health of plant and animal populations in the park. Assist in conservation efforts and habitat management projects. Enforce park rules and regulations to protect natural resources. Provide information to visitors about park facilities and safety guidelines. Collaborate with scientists on research projects conducted in the park. Part-time positions are more common in this field than in other professions. During the hardest times, if and when people and governments are extremely frugal, their job security could suffer. Otherwise, the outlook of this profession is pretty bright.
Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories (for example in manufacturing). Use advanced equipment to measure and analyse physical properties. Apply physics principles to solve problems in areas like technology and energy. Data analysis. Publish research studies, hold presentations. Collaborate with other scientists and engineers on interdisciplinary projects. Develop new technologies based on physical principles. Contribute to advancements in fields like quantum mechanics, astrophysics or particle physics. May work for nuclear facilities, businesses, governmental, educational or private research institutions.
Study how governments and political organisations work in the employment of public, nonprofit, academic and private institutions, including think tanks and businesses (to navigate the effects of politics). Analyse political trends, policies and events; make forecasts. Conduct research on topics like voting behaviour, public opinion, political decision-making, ideology and international relations. Use surveys and statistical methods to collect and interpret data. Write reports and articles about political issues. Advise politicians, government agencies and organisations on policy matters. Teach students in higher education about politics and government. Appear in media to explain political developments.
Medical Field
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Family doctors, dermatologists and doctors of some other specializations often only advise people, as opposed to providing hands-on treatment, and also don’t generally provide emergency assistance. Some of these consultations can be automated, which has the potential to save so much money for all but the doctors involved, that it’s a safe assumption that well-trained AI chatbots will take over some of their work. This means a lower overall demand for these doctors for a similar number of patients as now[6][7][8][9][10][11][38][39], which makes these specializations less than ideal career choices.
Technologists and technicians are often going to be mentioned later, so let me explain how they differ from each other: Usually vocational qualifications, certifications or associate degrees are enough for technicians, but not for technologists, who often have at least a bachelor’s degree. The latter have deeper theoretical knowledge; they are trained to understand complex systems, make design decisions, conduct analyses and manage projects. Technicians are more involved in hands-on, practical tasks. Technicians work under the direction of technologists or engineers. They tend to have less autonomy at work and focus on executing defined processes.
Highly responsible roles. Respond to emergency calls for medical assistance. Assess patients' conditions and determine course of treatment. Provide first aid and basic or advanced emergency medical care, including advanced life support. Transport patients to hospitals or medical facilities. Communicate with medical staff about patient conditions and treatments given. Maintain emergency vehicles and medical equipment. Complete detailed reports on emergency responses and patient care. Depending on the country, this job can be extremely demanding.
Direct and carry out activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses to determine cause of death or to establish responsibility for accidental, violent or unexplained deaths.
Generate radiation treatment plans, make radiation dose calculations, communicate and supervise the treatment plan implementation, and consult with members of radiation oncology team.
Prepare, administer and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Expose patients to radiation as part of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Use specialised cameras and analyse the images.
Administer radiation treatments to patients, primarily (but not only) for cancer.
Interpret medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans, to diagnose diseases and injuries, recommend treatments and perform image-guided procedures.
Perform laboratory tests on blood, urine, tissue and other medical samples by sophisticated lab instruments and interpret the results. Administration and reporting.
Operate ultrasound equipment to capture images of organs, tissues and blood flow, interpret the findings, administration. Requires frequent interaction with patients.
Operate equipment to monitor and diagnose nervous system activity, including brain function.
Perform eye examinations, prescribe corrective lenses, administer medications and conduct eye surgeries.
Perform diagnostic tests, prepare patients for exams, assist during eye surgeries, maintain, calibrate and troubleshoot ophthalmic equipment, administer medications, educate patients on eye care and provide post-operative instructions.
Take facial measurements, recommend eyeglasses and contact lenses, help patients select and fit them. May also repair frames.
Examine eyes for vision and health problems, prescribe corrective glasses, contact lenses and medications, provide treatments. As opposed to ophthalmologists, they don’t perform surgeries.
Diagnose and treat disorders of eye movement and alignment, perform related tests, develop treatment plans that may include exercises, prisms or surgery recommendations.
Assist gastroenterologists and other specialists in performing endoscopic procedures by preparing and maintaining endoscopic instruments, ensuring proper sterilization and handling equipment during procedures.
Take part in speech, language and hearing examinations, support patients with speech, language, voice, fluency, cognitive communication and swallowing difficulties.
As above, but qualified to make diagnoses and perform detailed assessments and advise on treatment plans.
Administer drugs to prevent pain during surgery and monitor patient vital signs throughout the procedure. Develop anaesthesia plans based on patient health and type of surgery. Manage pain control after surgery and respond to any emergencies during the operation. A highly responsible role.
Very similar to what anaesthesiologists do, but with less responsibility and authority.
Diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel diseases using various tests and procedures. Prescribe medications, recommend lifestyle changes and perform specialised heart procedures. Provide ongoing care for patients with chronic heart conditions and work to prevent heart disease.
Perform complex tests on patients' hearts and blood vessels using advanced imaging equipment. Assist in procedures such as cardiac catheterization, balloon angioplasty and pacemaker insertion. Analyse test results, monitor patients during procedures and help diagnose cardiovascular conditions.
Requires at least a master’s degree. Provide expert nursing care in a specific area of medicine, such as paediatrics, trauma, infectious disease, mental health, etc. Develop treatment plans, perform advanced procedures, serve as an expert consultant for nursing staff and advise patients.
Care for patients with life-threatening conditions. Monitor vital signs, operate complex medical equipment and quickly respond to changes in patient condition. Administer medications, assist with procedures and communicate with doctors and families about patient status.
Prepare patients for dental procedures and assist dentists during treatments. Take dental X-rays, make tooth impressions and apply treatments like fluoride. Help manage the dental office and keep equipment and work area sterile.
Clean teeth by removing plaque, stains and tartar. Examine patients for signs of oral diseases and educate them on proper oral care. Take dental x-rays, apply sealants and fluoride treatments and assist dentists with more complex procedures.
Drive with a bad eyesight and put dents in cars.
Specialise in replacing missing teeth and restoring damaged teeth. Design and fit dentures, bridges, crowns and dental implants. Treat complex dental and facial problems to improve appearance, function and oral health.
Examine teeth and jaw alignment, create detailed treatment plans to straighten teeth and fix bite problems. Put on braces and other devices to move teeth into better positions, adjust them regularly and monitor progress. Work with other dental specialists when surgery is needed. Create and fit retainers after treatment is finished, check that teeth stay in their new positions and make adjustments if needed. Advise patients on how to care for their braces and maintain good oral health.
Diagnose and treat patients with acute illnesses or injuries in emergency room settings, perform life-saving procedures immediately, order tests, make quick decisions about patient care and coordinate with specialists.
Design and implement exercise programs to improve health or athletic performance. Conduct fitness assessments and analyse data to create personalised exercise plans. Help patients recover from heart disease or manage other chronic conditions through supervised exercise. They are also employed as consultants by various types of businesses and individuals.
Diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses related to sports and physical activities. Develop rehabilitation plans (not only for injured athletes) and provide advice on injury prevention. Provide support to improve performance and manage medical conditions that affect sports participation.
Work with coaches to form fitness training plans based on the overall strategy in a specific sport. Design and implement training programs for athletes or sports teams. Assess athletes' fitness levels and identify areas for improvement. Teach sport-specific skills and proper techniques for exercises. Monitor athletes during training to prevent injuries. Provide first aid and initial treatment for sports-related injuries. Develop nutrition plans to support athletic performance and recovery. Support the mental preparation of the athletes, build their resilience. Stay updated on latest sports science research and training methods.
Work with sports teams and in sports facilities to prevent, diagnose and treat injuries. Educate athletes on training techniques, preventing health issues and maximising athletic performance. Provide first aid and emergency care for injuries during sports events, make decisions on if the athletes can return to the game during an event or after recovering from an accident or illness. Develop rehabilitation programs for injured athletes. Apply protective or supportive tapes and bandages. Collaborate with doctors and coaches on athletes' treatment plans. Athletic trainers can also specialise in working with soldiers, industrial employees, children in sports, dancers and other artists with demanding physical activities, people recovering from accidents and illnesses, or work in clinical research.
Similar to a sports medicine physician, but with different qualifications and not in charge of diagnosing the injuries. Also much more likely to have patients that are not athletes. Only sports medicine physicians can order diagnostic tests and would be qualified to prescribe medications and perform certain medical procedures.
Examine patients with bone, joint and muscle problems, order and review medical tests and create treatment plans that might include medicine, braces or exercises. Work with other health professionals like physiotherapists and occupational therapists to help patients recover movement and strength, monitor progress and adjust treatments as needed. Provide joint injections and other non-surgical treatments, fit braces and supports, teach patients how to prevent further injury. Refer patients to surgeons when needed, help manage ongoing conditions like arthritis and coordinate care with other specialists.
Design, create and fit artificial limbs (prosthetics) and supportive devices (orthoses) for patients. Assess patients' needs, take measurements and develop custom devices to improve mobility or function. Adjust and maintain prosthetic and orthotic devices and teach patients how to use and care for them.
Provide general medical care to patients admitted to the hospital. Coordinate treatment plans with specialists and oversee day-to-day patient care. Make decisions about admissions, discharges and transfers within the hospital.
Provide medical care for women's reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth. Perform regular check-ups, diagnose and treat gynaecological conditions and manage high-risk pregnancies. Deliver
babies, perform surgeries like C-sections and hysterectomies, and offer family planning services including contraception and fertility treatments. Obstetrics focuses on pregnancies.
Provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Perform prenatal check-ups, assist with labour and delivery and offer breastfeeding support. Provide general women's health care, including family planning and gynaecological exams.
Similar to midwives, but with more responsibilities, authority and are better qualified to handle difficult and complex cases. Nurse midwives are much more likely to prescribe medications, perform gynaecological exams and provide primary
care services to women throughout their lives, though this varies by country and local laws.
Diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Perform neurological exams, order and interpret brain scans and prescribe medications for conditions like
epilepsy or Parkinson's disease. Develop treatment plans for patients with chronic neurological conditions, like multiple sclerosis or chronic migraines.
Very similar to a general practitioner (family doctor), but with slightly lower qualification and authority, depending on the country and local laws.
Help people with injuries, illnesses or disabilities to perform everyday tasks and activities. Assess patients' abilities, develop treatment plans, and teach techniques and the use of special equipment to adapt and improve independence. Work with patients to regain skills, modify their environment, and provide support for both physical and mental health challenges that affect daily life.
Requires at least master’s level education. Assess, diagnose and treat mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. Provide therapy, prescribe medications and develop treatment plans for patients with conditions like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders, assess patients' mental and physical health, develop treatment plans and prescribe psychiatric medications. Provide various forms of psychotherapy and monitor patients' progress over time.
Assist in the care of people with mental illness or developmental disabilities. Help patients with daily activities like bathing, dressing and eating. Monitor patients' behaviour, provide emotional support and assist with therapeutic activities under the direction of medical staff.
Assess and treat patients with brain injuries, neurological disorders or cognitive impairments. Conduct specialised tests to evaluate brain function, memory, attention and other cognitive abilities. Develop treatment plans to help patients improve cognitive skills and adapt to neurological changes.
Study human behaviour and mental processes to diagnose and treat psychological disorders. Provide therapy and counselling to individuals, couples or groups to improve mental health and well-being. Many psychologists take part in a wide array of research.
(Even though AI chatbots are already showing promising results in therapeutical conversations, in many cases, a human touch and real compassion can surely be much more effective than a specialist chatbot saying all the right things.)
Work in educational settings to support students' academic, social and emotional development. Assess students for learning disabilities, behavioural problems or special education needs. Cooperate with teachers, parents and school staff to handle problems and implement interventions.
Provide specialised care and treatment for specific physical, mental or emotional issues. Develop and implement personalised treatment plans using techniques unique to their area of expertise. Help patients enhance abilities, such as coordination, cognitive functions, regain strength, carry out daily activities, manage feelings, cope with stress, interact with others, communicate better, process and respond to sensory input. Specialty areas of therapists: speech and language, music, art, dance, physical, occupational, counselling, marriage and family, respiratory, cognitive behavioural, nutritional, massage, recreational therapies. Play Therapy uses play to help children process emotions and experiences.
Assess and treat patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders. Perform diagnostic tests, manage ventilators and other breathing equipment, and administer medications to help patients breathe easier. Educate patients about lung health and teach techniques for managing chronic respiratory conditions.
Perform and support emergency and non-emergency surgeries in a very wide array of medical fields. Can be stressful due to the high responsibilities involved and so many ways to make mistakes with severe consequences.
AI systems have already demonstrated surprisingly good performance in trial procedures, but robotic surgeries are likely to still be years away, and even then, they will still have to be supervised and assisted for a long time.
Prepare operating rooms, arrange surgical equipment and assist surgeons during procedures. Sterilise instruments, pass tools to surgeons and help with patient positioning. Maintain a sterile environment throughout surgeries.
New technologies are likely to be adopted even quicker than until now. This will provide great opportunities for people grabbing the opportunity to learn their operation, installation and maintenance quickly. Potentially very lucrative.
There are lots of specialisation options. Hands-on work. Duties may include: Operating medical equipment for diagnostic tests and treatments, including MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound devices. Preparing patients for procedures and explaining processes. Collecting and analysing biological samples. Assisting healthcare providers during medical procedures. Maintaining and calibrating medical equipment. Recording and reporting test results. Usually, bachelor-level qualification is required for this role.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of medical facilities or healthcare organisations, e.g. public and private clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure high-quality patient care. Make strategic decisions about the facilities, the services provided, staffing and resourcing, manage budgets and financial resources for the healthcare facility. Coordinate with department heads and other healthcare professionals to ensure efficient and cost-efficient service delivery. Represent the organisation in public administration meetings or in the case of a private organisation, ensure that operations are aligned with the goals of the stakeholders. Ensure compliance with healthcare laws, regulations and industry standards. Develop strategies to improve patient satisfaction, operational efficiency and healthcare outcomes, e.g. making better and better use of opportunities provided by IT and medical innovations and developments. Find solutions to critical problems that shouldn’t or cannot be delegated.
Provide strategic leadership and oversight for a specific department or an area of care within a healthcare organisation. Develop and implement departmental goals, policies and procedures aligned with the overall organisational vision and objectives. Manage the department's budget and allocation of financial resources to ensure cost-effective operations. Recruit, develop and retain a high-performing team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and allied staff. Oversee the delivery of patient care within the department, ensuring adherence to clinical protocols and quality standards. Take quick action in case of an emergency that subordinates cannot or should not handle. Collaborate with other department heads and the executive management team to coordinate interdepartmental initiatives. Monitor departmental performance metrics and implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency, for example making use of IT innovations. Represent the department in external stakeholder engagements, regulatory bodies and industry associations. Advocate for the needs of the department and its patients within the broader healthcare organisation.
Study patterns and causes of both infectious and non-infectious diseases in human populations. Work in public, private and academic settings to design and conduct research to investigate health issues. Collect and analyse data on disease outbreaks. Document and publish findings. Develop methods to prevent or control the spread of diseases (quick investigation, quarantine, vaccination). Maximise preparedness. Plan and direct public health programs. Use statistical models to predict disease trends. Communicate findings to health officials and the public. Advise policymakers on public health strategies and interventions. The different diseases necessitate different specialisations. Further subfields focus on environmental factors, child bearing and psychiatry among others.
Feed, bathe and exercise animals in veterinary settings or research facilities. Monitor animal health, administer medications and assist with medical procedures under supervision. Clean and maintain animal housing areas, prepare samples for testing and help restrain animals during examinations or treatments.
Just the way there are many doctoral specialisations, there are also many veterinarian ones for diagnosing and treating animals, and carrying out other medical procedures, even including surgeries and dentistry. The types of animals range from domestic ones, animals on farms, bred in agricultural and aquacultural facilities, kept in zoos to wild ones. Educate owners on how to care for their pets at home and prevent and manage medical issues. Respond to emergencies when animals are seriously hurt or sick, work with other veterinarian specialists when a more complex treatment is needed. Work with government officials during disease outbreaks – most commonly among farm animals.
There are so many different types of specialist doctors and veterinarians, that it would be very difficult to introduce all of them. If you are interested in becoming one, please think about your own preferences on the long run and seek deeper insights into how they differ from each other, what their common challenges are, what help them overcome those challenges, what aspects of the work they find rewarding, what work-life balance you can expect from them in the region you would like to live and work in, etc. Please bear in mind that only hands-on work is relatively safe now, due to the advancements of AI, which we can already see coming.
Other Professions
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Provide legal advice and represent clients in court and throughout legal processes. The duties and positions depend heavily on the legal system of the given country, but the jobs are in law firms, businesses, nonprofit organisations, governmental institutions and in politics everywhere. Research laws, regulations and previous court decisions. Advise individuals, business, organisations and public institutions on their rights and obligations. Prepare legal documents like contracts, wills and lawsuits. Oversee and analyse documents written and getting written by other lawyers and employees. Negotiate agreements and settlements between parties. Argue cases in court by presenting evidence, making persuasive presentations and questioning witnesses. Specialise in areas like criminal, corporate or family law. Some lawyers advocate for or draft proposed changes to laws and regulations.
The advance of AI will wipe away the less responsible, less senior legal jobs and make the competition for senior positions difficult as well. Dedication, perseverance and strong communication, organisational and analytical skills are essential for many, but not all legal roles. Many of the legal jobs are stressful, require working more than the office hours, but they can still be attractive due to the high earning opportunities and potentially meaningful work.
Work usually for the government to preside over hearings to resolve disputes between government agencies, organisations, businesses or individuals. Listen to testimonies and review evidence from both sides. Ensure fair and orderly conduct of hearings. Strive to work effectively to avoid the cases going to expensive and long trials. Apply relevant laws and regulations to make decisions or make recommendations on how to settle the case. Write detailed explanations of rulings and orders. Decide on sentences, penalties or compensations in cases. Handle cases related to things like licensing, labour law or regulatory compliance. Work independently to maintain impartiality in decision-making. The work in these positions usually doesn’t go beyond office hours and can be less stressful than other lawyers’ responsibilities.
Preside over court proceedings and trials. Listen to arguments from lawyers and testimony from witnesses. Make rulings on legal issues and objections during trials. Decide on sentences for people and organisations found guilty of crimes. Issue orders in civil cases like divorces, child custody or property disputes.
Maintain order and security in courtrooms. Announce the entrance of judges and call courts to order. Escort juries (if any) to and from courtrooms, support and guard them during trials. Deliver documents and messages within the courthouse. Handle evidence. Remove disruptive people from courtrooms. Assist judges with courtroom procedures. Provide security for judges, lawyers and other court staff. Assist with legal procedures and tasks outside the courtroom. Strong people skills and being able to diffuse potentially dangerous situations are important in a bailiff. Take part in evictions, property seizures, hand-deliver important documents.
Research and analyse complex issues affecting society in the fields of economics, welfare, social services, healthcare, education, ecology, international relationships and cooperation, development and innovation, etc. Gather data from various sources to understand policy problems. Evaluate existing policies and their impacts. Write new policy and amendment proposals to address challenges. Write persuasive reports and briefings for government officials that can be backed up by data and present them. Monitor the implementation and effects of new policies. Apart from being a government employee, such professionals also work for higher-education and research institutions and for consultancies.
Develop and draft company policies to improve business performance, achieve long-term goals and reduce risks. Advise executives on strategic decisions, policy amendments and management and operations structure and processes. Have in-depth knowledge of company operations, stakeholder goals, policies, standards and guidelines in place, industry trends, all relevant legislation and the business environment in general (public perception, employment challenges, natural resource difficulties, etc.). Research these topics further when needed. Write policy documents and implementation guidelines. Coordinate with different departments to ensure policy compliance. Monitor the effectiveness of implemented policies and suggest improvements.
Prepare and install glass in windows, skylights, store fronts and display cases, mirrors, shower doors or on surfaces, such as building fronts, interior walls, ceilings and tabletops. Measure and cut glass to fit specific openings or frames. Remove old or broken glass safely if needed. Apply sealants and weatherproofing to glass installations. Work in a workshop or at heights. Use hoists and tools like cutters, suction cups and caulking guns. Follow safety procedures carefully, as accidents in this role are more common than in most other jobs. Physical fitness is essential for most glaziers.
Apply plaster or stucco to interior and exterior walls and ceilings. Build scaffolds and work on ladders. Prepare surfaces for plastering by installing laths or mesh. Mix plaster or stucco to the right consistency. Create decorative textures or designs in plaster finishes. Repair cracks or damages in existing plaster work. Use tools like trowels, brushes and spray guns. Follow blueprints and work orders for construction projects. Ensure smooth and even application of plaster or stucco. A very hard, physical job that is available for dedicated apprentices even without qualifications.
Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas. Inspect buildings and surroundings to identify the animals, the sources and the extent of pest problems. Offer treatment plans to eliminate pests and prevent their return, quote prices. Carry out the work, trapping, exterminating and removing termites, bed bugs, wasps, rodents, snakes, spiders, scorpions, groundhogs, moles, raccoons, birds and bats. Advise customers on how to prevent future pest problems. Remove nests, seal entry points and clean infested areas. Use safety equipment to protect themselves and others from the animals and chemicals. Keep records of treatments and follow up with customers. Managers are more involved in sales, customer service, watching out for following regulations, resourcing, hiring, profitability, finance and long-term planning; as opposed to carrying out the work itself. Not generally a job confined to office hours, because many clients are available only in the evenings or at weekends; but can be done part time or even well over full time.
Respond to reports of stray, dangerous or injured animals, e.g. snakes, bears, ferrets, rabbits, foxes, wolves, opossums, deer, birds, horses, etc. Rescue animals from dangerous situations and places they shouldn’t be in. Capture and safely transport animals to shelters or veterinary clinics. Investigate reports of animal cruelty or attacks. Care for animals when necessary and possible, euthanise them when all better options are exhausted. May work for a government agency, non-profit organisation or a business. Depending on national and local regulations, starting this job may not require long studies. Enforce local animal control laws and regulations, and issue warnings or fines. Educate the public about responsible pet ownership and animal safety. Write reports on animal-related incidents and actions taken. Work with local shelters and wildlife organisations to manage animal populations.
Repair and replace the cover of furniture and seats and similar items in vehicles with fabric or leather. Advise customers on fabric choices and care of upholstered items. Use tools like sewing machines, staple guns and cutting tools. Remove old coverings and possibly padding from furniture. Repair or replace damaged parts of furniture, including the wooden frame. Apply coating on wooden parts if needed. Measure and cut new materials to fit furniture pieces. Attach padding, springs and covering materials to furniture frames. Create decorative elements like tufting or piping. Hand and machine sewing. Can be done as a flexible freelance job as well. Can also buy worn pieces, restore and sell them.
Handle customer issues that are either complex or difficult, therefore first and second-line support can't solve. Provide guidance to clients on the phone, through online chat or e-mails. All products and services that are not extremely cheap require customer support, e.g. cloud services, large generators, manufacturing assembly lines, cruise ship journeys, medical services, construction, investment banking, etc. In the case of some of these, customer service is provided in person, even by visiting the client. Investigate difficult (often technical) problems. Work with other departments to find solutions for customers. Develop new procedures to improve customer support. Train and mentor other support staff or develop the knowledge base of the AI customer service assistant. Analyse patterns in customer issues to identify larger problems. Write detailed reports on complex cases and their resolutions. Provide feedback to product development teams based on customer experiences.
Gather and analyse information related to national security. Sources may include satellite and drone imagery, surveillance systems, listening devices, analysis of publications, publicly available information, law enforcement agencies, informants, cooperation with allied countries and individuals, hacking, exploiting IT vulnerabilities, observations in person, interrogation, bribery, blackmail, social engineering, verifying rumours, etc. Evaluate the reliability and importance of intelligence information. Make predictions. Prepare reports on potential threats or opportunities for decision-makers. Brief government officials on intelligence findings. Develop strategies to counter security threats. Work with other agencies and branches of the military to share and verify intelligence. Maintain strict confidentiality and follow security protocols. Dedication, perseverance, obedience, competitive spirit, quick and continuous learning, decisiveness, being able to handle ambiguity, particularly high analytical, creative-problem-solving and people skills and intelligence are all essential. For some roles, physical fitness, quick wit and taking serious risks to one’s life, health and mental health as well. The puzzles faced are much harder than movies suggest.
Some positions practically don’t allow the officers to start a family. An upside is the wide array of truly fascinating information this career provides access to. Another one is that this work can make a major difference in the world, which many would find rewarding. Careers and duties within the intelligence services are extremely diverse. May work abroad.
AI will soon be able to and will take care of most of the duties of personal assistants, coordinators and many managerial duties as well. What will be left for employees to do are tasks that are more people-centric, require judgement, authority, which an AI assistant cannot get, etc. These are detailed above, in the first section. AI will be able to propose smart, creative solutions, but won’t be entrusted with making judgements about them for a while yet. There are all sorts of assistant, coordinator and managerial positions that require some specialist knowledge, experience and which are niche enough that others overlook them. These can make great jobs!
There are many specialisations within this field, so a fundraising professional is likely to take part only in some of the following tasks: Develop strategies to raise money for organisations and campaigns. Identify and reach out to potential donors. Present how the fundraising goals make a real difference effectively in a likeable, appealing manner. Reach a wide audience with the information on public donors, so that they can enjoy the recognition that comes with contributing to a good cause. (They may also donate for the sake of tax benefits.) Organise events like charity auctions, galas, dinners or benefit concerts. Write grant proposals to secure funding from foundations. Cooperate with other departments and/or professionals in marketing, advertising, public relations and operations. Contribute to the creation of marketing materials to promote fundraising campaigns. Build and maintain relationships with major donors. Prepare reports on fundraising activities.
Similar to above, but with a more strategic focus and overseeing these workflows. Includes hiring and leading teams.
Estimate the value of land and buildings before their sale, for a mortgage application or for insurance or tax purposes. Inspect properties to assess their condition and features, for which a certain level of knowledge in architecture is needed. Research property sales data and market trends. Use computer programs to analyse property values. Prepare detailed reports on the valuations. Testify in court about property values if needed. Work in and with banks, insurance companies, real estate developers and government agencies or for property owners. There are also many freelancers in this field. If working for an insurance company, investigate an accident, liability and determine the value of the claim. Keep up with changes in the local property market.
Determine the value of items like jewellery, vehicles, art or business equipment. Very similar to being a real estate appraiser, but requires expertise in fields other than real estate.
Review all types of insurance claims to determine their merit and value, including property and health insurance ones as well. Prepare detailed reports for insurance claims. Negotiate with repair shops, builders, decorators, other contractors and policyholders to settle claims favourably. Investigators seek to prove fraud if the circumstances are suspicious.
Plan menus and create new dishes for restaurants or other food service places. Oversee kitchen staff and assign tasks. Order food supplies and kitchen equipment. Ensure food quality and safety standards are met. Cook special or complex dishes. Hire and train new cooks and kitchen workers. Manage kitchen budgets and food costs, price menu items. Work with managers to improve restaurant operations. Extensive management and coordination duties. Long shifts, tiring, fast-paced work. Most chefs have relevant qualifications.
Measure, prepare ingredients and cook various dishes following recipes. Use different cooking methods like frying, baking or grilling. Operate kitchen equipment such as ovens and food processors. Follow food safety and hygiene rules. Work as part of a team in busy kitchens. Plate dishes attractively for serving. Adapt cooking techniques for dietary needs. Keep work areas and equipment clean and organised. Long shifts, tiring, fast-paced work, stand for long hours. Minor accidents happen regularly. Many successful cooks have relevant qualifications.
Make speciality food products like sausages cured meats, finger buffet for parties, tarts, pasties, pastries, cupcakes, cookies, chocolates, sauerkraut, kimchi, foreign meals that are not available from other sources locally, etc. Create custom orders for special events, preferences or dietary needs. Manage own business including pricing, sales and marketing.
Prepare bodies for cremation and operate cremation equipment to process human remains. Maintain and clean equipment. Keep accurate records of cremations performed. Handle and store cremated remains with care and respect. Assist families with viewing or witnessing cremations when requested. Work closely with funeral directors and other funeral home staff.
Arrange and manage funeral services. Prepare bodies for viewing and burial or cremation if applicable in the given country and if there are no embalmers employed in the funeral home. Help families choose caskets, urns, decoration and other funeral items. Handle hearse and car rental for related events and necessary paperwork like death certificates. Coordinate with cemeteries, churches and other service providers. Manage funeral home operations and staff. Ensure all funeral activities comply with religious regulations.
Manage the day-to-day operations of a funeral home. Hire, train and lead staff, coordinate their work, manage finances and facilities, resolve issues, etc. If run as a private business, then the work includes setting prices, marketing and sales as well.
Inspect all types of buildings to check if they follow fire safety rules. Test fire alarm systems. Make evacuation plans. Look for fire hazards. Investigate the causes of fires and explosions. Collect evidence from fire scenes and interview witnesses. Write reports on fire investigations and safety inspections. Testify in court about fire-related cases. Educate the public about fire safety and prevention. Work with firefighters, police and other emergency services.
Mostly fieldwork: Patrol forests to look for fire hazards and signs of fire. Use maps and weather data to assess fire danger and inform the public. Check that people follow fire safety rules in forests. Teach the public about preventing forest fires. Help plan and carry out controlled burns to reduce fire risk. Investigate causes of forest fires. Work with firefighters and other agencies during forest fires. Maintain forest fire prevention equipment.
Respond to fires and other emergencies to save lives and property. Use firefighting equipment like hoses, ladders and axes. Rescue people and animals from burning buildings or accident sites. Provide first aid to injured people. Inspect buildings for fire hazards and teach fire safety. Maintain firefighting equipment and fire stations. Train new firefighters and lead teams during emergencies. Make quick decisions and improvise well, even in stressful situations. Highly challenging and dangerous work. Write reports on emergency incidents and fire prevention activities. Specialisations include industrial, military, airport and nature firefighting.
Operate telephone, radio or other communication systems to receive and relay requests for emergency assistance, e.g., at emergency operations centres. Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies and other public safety matters. Coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. Provide instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire or emergency medical procedures. Stressful profession with high responsibilities.
Watch over people at beaches, pools, other swimming and boating areas, ski slopes or other places of recreation. Respond quickly to emergencies and call for additional help if needed. Rescue people in danger of drowning or injury. Provide first aid and emergency care when needed. Enforce safety rules and prevent dangerous behaviour. Monitor weather and environmental conditions for hazards. Maintain rescue equipment. Educate visitors about safety practices and potential risks.
Protect property, assets and people from harm, damage or theft. Patrol areas to prevent and detect signs of trouble. Monitor security cameras and alarm systems. Control access to buildings or restricted areas. Respond to emergencies and call for police or medical help when needed. Write reports on security incidents or suspicious activities. Enforce rules and detain violators when necessary and within their rights to do so. Train and supervise junior security staff. Depending on the setting, it can be a very dangerous and stressful job or a very relaxed and boring one too.
Oversee the selection and buying of materials, equipment, goods and services for organisations in a wide array of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trading, real estate development, IT, hospitality, agriculture, etc. Supervise a team of purchasing officers. Evaluate items (possibly in person), services, suppliers and negotiate contracts for the best deals. Analyse market trends and consumer preferences and predict future prices of goods and materials. If buying goods for wholesale or retail resale, then analyse and forecast the demand for them. Manage inventory levels to balance costs and availability. Coordinate with other departments to understand their needs. Develop purchasing strategies to support company goals. Important skills are: analytical, communication, negotiation and organisation skills.
Just like a purchasing manager but with fewer and lower responsibilities, less complexity, and no leadership duties. Instead of strategizing, more hands-on work. Might not be authorised to conducts certain negotiations. A large percentage of them are employed by manufacturing, government institutions, wholesalers and retailers. This career can be started without previous qualifications or experience.
Like a sales engineer but without the qualification requirement and lower expertise needed. Sell replacement parts and accessories for vehicles, machinery, equipment, computers or IT systems. Identify the correct parts needed based on customer descriptions or other information. Know available products and their features and benefits well, explain them to customers effectively. Use catalogues and computer systems to locate and order parts. Provide advice on installation and maintenance of parts. Process sales transactions and handle returns or exchanges. Manage inventory and reorder stock as needed.
Fly aeroplanes or helicopters to transport passengers or cargo. Check aircraft before and after flights. Create flight plans and get weather information. Communicate with air traffic control and ground crew. Operate aircraft controls and monitor instruments. Respond to emergencies or changes in flight conditions. A flight instructor provides theoretical and hands-on training to learners before a licensing exam or flying a significantly different aircraft than a pilot is familiar with.
Advocate for the nation's interests in other countries by negotiating treaties and agreements, encouraging trade and cultural interactions, cooperation on security matters and providing counsel on foreign policy matters. Build relationships with local government officials and other diplomats. Facilitate political and business cooperation in both formal and informal ways. Report on political and economic developments in the host country. Organise official visits and meetings with foreign leaders. Manage embassy or consulate operations, assist citizens of one’s own country who are living or traveling abroad. May be stationed in an embassy or consulate overseas, or work in a government office in the home country.
AI won’t be entrusted with these roles or won’t be capable enough for them in the foreseeable future. Very often because it has no way of fully understanding real-life factors yet.
Working with children professionally
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Care for one or two children in their home, often full-time, and may also live with the family. Create daily schedules and educational activities for children, which vary a lot depending on their age. Prepare nutritious meals and snacks. Ensure children's safety and well-being at all times. Assist with homework and support children's learning. Coordinate children's social activities and appointments. Communicate regularly with parents about children's development. May handle light housekeeping related to childcare. Drive on a daily basis. Professionalism, high-level and numerous useful qualifications make a nanny competitive enough to be able to earn well. Childcare professions are well-suited only for people who really enjoy spending a lot of time with them, are patient, and have plenty of energy. May travel with the family.
Educate and care for young children, typically ages 3-5. Many of a nanny’s duties apply for preschool teachers as well, but in a classroom environment. Plan and implement age-appropriate learning activities. Teach basic skills and topics like colours, shapes, numbers and letters. Monitor children's physical and emotional development. Communicate with parents about their child's progress. Prepare children for the transition to primary school. Supervise and guide teaching assistants or volunteers. Career progression options are 1. becoming a professional nanny, 2. work for elite, private preschools, 3. going into management, 4. relevant public administration roles. May have some/many more holiday days than people in other professions.
People look after children in many other settings as well, such as hospitals, residential care homes, daycare centres, before and after-school clubs, primary schools, private schools, Special Educational Needs schools, camps, training camps, sports clubs, sports events for children, refugee and crisis centers, therapeutic and intervention settings, governmental institutions, foster parenting. While they vary in the additional activities, qualifications and skills required, they all share the duties of making children feel comfortable, playing with them, being responsible for their safety, looking after their basic needs, resolving basic issues (first aid, changing dirty clothes, comforting upset children, etc.), keeping their environment clean, plenty of administration to avoid legal trouble, etc.
Details in the Roles focused on people section.
Even if AI is not threatening to make childcare jobs obsolete, you still need to be particularly well qualified and experienced to be competitive, in case the number of children fall and also to be able to earn well.
Roles focused on people
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Even if a profession is not very specialised, supervisory roles in it are safer, because AI is not going to be able to automate a lot of the leading tasks. Paired with some experience and dedication to perform better than other people in the same role, the job can be reasonably secure if the industry is not shrinking. There are such positions in almost all lines of work, such as retail, virtual assistant and warehouse work, office management, agriculture, manufacturing, decoration, etc.
Oversee the daily work of a team or department. Assign and coordinate tasks and set schedules for staff members. Train new employees and support skill development of team. Monitor work quality and productivity to meet targets. Address employee concerns and resolve workplace conflicts. Implement company policies and ensure compliance with regulations. Communicate team progress and issues to higher management. Participate in hiring, performance reviews and disciplinary actions.
Create designs for manufactured products like vehicles, appliances, power tools, sports and other equipment, furniture, electronics, etc. Almost all products need to be designed by professionals. Sketch ideas and make computer models or physical prototypes. Consider factors like function, appearance and production costs. Work with engineers to ensure designs can be manufactured. Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to refine designs. Present design concepts to clients or company managers. Create detailed technical documentations and drawings. Test prototypes and make improvements based on feedback. Stay up to date on design trends and new manufacturing techniques. Engineering or other relevant qualifications, creativity, strong drawing, writing and communication skills are essential for this career.
This is the non-managerial version of a social media engagement manager. Build and maintain online communities for brands or organisations, mainly through social media. Create and share content to engage community members. Moderate discussions and resolve conflicts within the community. Monitor and respond to customer messages, comments and feedback on digital platforms. Organise online and offline events for community members. Gather feedback from the community to improve products or services. Work with other departments to address community needs and concerns. Analyse community metrics to track growth and engagement. Develop strategies to attract new members and retain existing ones. Much more challenging work than one might expect, which requires creativity in the topics, handling people and very good communication skills.
Oversee the human resources functions of an organisation. Develop and implement HR strategies, policies and procedures. Work with other managers to support overall business strategy through HR initiatives. Manage recruitment and onboarding of new employees, possibly hands-on only in the case of hiring managers and directors. Coordinate employee training and personal development programs, performance reviews. Handle employee relations, wellbeing issues and conflict resolutions. Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations. Oversee compensation, benefits programs and any changes related to them (e.g. corporate discounts, private pension, health insurance). Organise social events for the staff. Handle disciplinary hearings and processes, dismissals and layoffs, which not everyone is cut out for.
A profession that tends to be emotionally taxing. Employed by governmental institutions and non-profit organisations, advise individuals and families about the range of community resources and social services available to solve their problems or challenging life situations. These can be addictions, mental illnesses, medical or financial struggles, avoiding violence, making sure children grow up in appropriate environments as dictated by law, supporting military service members and their families, etc. Assess clients' needs and develop plans to improve their situations. Provide counselling and help people cope with and solve such problems in their lives, e.g. tackle bullying and discrimination, by helping them apply for housing, teaching parenting skills, connecting children with foster parents, advising them on their rights and financial aid available to them, etc. Advocate for clients' rights and access to needed help. Respond to crisis situations like child abuse or mental health emergencies. Keep detailed records of client interactions and progress. Work with other professionals like doctors and teachers to support clients. May focus on social work with children, families, migrants, addicts, the sick, people with mental health difficulties, the vulnerable, the abused, the elderly, the disabled, students, the homeless, the ones with financial struggles, people in various types of crises, criminals, prisoners. Not a secure line of work in struggling economies, but these are real opportunities to make a difference. Depending on the country, vastly different levels of education may be required and salaries vary widely as well.
Plan and arrange travel experiences for individuals or much more often groups. These experiences can be historical, natural and cultural tourist attractions, city and museum tours, tourist bus, van, boat, airplane or helicopter journeys, cruises, physically challenging and sport activities, street art and other types of walking tours, etc. Research destinations and create tour itineraries that are safe choices and sure to be popular. Book transportation, accommodation, dining and activities for tour participants with foresight and an eye for details. Excellent organisation and problem-solving skills are essential to provide a good service, as the clients depend on the organiser and the tour guide in every facet of the trip and its possible difficulties (e.g. paperwork, medical assistance, replacing lost items among others). Lead tour groups and provide very interesting information about the places visited in an entertaining manner. Ensure the safety and comfort of tour members during trips. Driving is often required. Manage tour budgets and financial transactions. Build relationships with local tourism providers and contacts at the attractions. Many do only the organisation or the tour guiding part of the job, but all sorts of blends of the two exist as well. The market for tour guides is usually very saturated, so it’s important to be either a natural-born entertainer or very competitive and dedicated. Enthusiasm for the work and for spending a lot of time with people are also indispensable for success. In many countries, foreigners are not allowed to work as tour guides. Depending on the circumstances, it may be very lucrative or not at all.
Teach students with physical, emotional, learning or other mental disabilities, mostly in public schools and specialist public institutions. Create individualised education plans for each student in all the common subjects and fundamental life skills as well, for example social and household skills, learning how to find a job, work with others and behave, especially self-regulation. Many children reach even vocational and higher education, so they are taught subjects on higher levels and in secondary and tertiary education too. Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet students' needs (e.g. for impaired vision, hearing, speech, movement, autism, etc.). Assess students' skills and monitor their progress. Work with regular teachers to support students in regular classes. Communicate with parents about their child's development. Manage classroom behaviour and create a positive learning environment.
Working with students with emotional developmental issues takes a strong person that is ready to face potentially violent and dangerous situations (e.g. arson, accidents) and can handle stress and conflicts particularly well. Because of these, such jobs tend to be paid better than similar ones involving children without emotional difficulties. Working with other types of disabilities is also often challenging and tiring, but not in every case.
Work in people’s homes, public or private institutions either as an employee or a freelancer to provide personal care and support to people who can't fully care for themselves, due to old age, mental, physical disabilities or illnesses. Help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and eating. Assist with mobility and exercises as needed. Monitor health conditions and report any changes to medical staff. Take full responsibility for the well-being of the person during work. Provide companionship and emotional support, try to keep them entertained and support them to become as independent as possible. Keep living spaces clean and tidy. Prepare meals and help with feeding if required. Driving is often needed. Part-time positions are somewhat more common in this field than in other ones. Tends to be a much less competitive field than others. In many countries, no qualifications are needed to get started in this profession or the trainings are quick and easy, yet the wages are not necessarily very low.
Teach one-on-one or a small group to help students improve in any subjects or skills (including less obvious ones, such as AI applications, programming, management, trading stocks, economics, etc.). Assess students' current knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Develop personalised learning plans and set achievable goals. Assign and review homework to reinforce learning. Track students' progress and adjust teaching methods as needed. Provide feedback to students and parents on academic improvement. Boost students' confidence and motivation to learn.
Simply knowing a subject is not enough to be able to do it well, but it’s quick to learn how to be a good and successful tutor with the right sources. Potentially good wages, great flexibility in the number and timing of classes, especially as a freelancer. Both online and in-person arrangements are common. Less stressful than most other jobs. Good looks and style, and an entertaining personality are huge assets for tutors.
The following therapist and counsellor professions are not the safest career choices, but as their usefulness and the need for psychological support are both recognised more and more, these fields have been growing steadily.
All jobs of similar nature require patience and true empathy.
Plan visual art therapy sessions to address specific therapeutic goals. Use art-making to help people improve their mental and emotional wellbeing if they are dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation issues, or seeking self-awareness and growth. Encourage clients to express their feelings through drawing, painting or other (mainly visual) art forms. Help them express emotions and experiences that might be difficult to articulate through words. Observe clients' art-making process and discuss their creations. Help clients gain insights about themselves through their artwork. The creative process can also help relieve stress and process trauma. Group sessions help people socialise and build social skills. Specialisations also include working with children and help the elderly maintain their cognitive skills. Keep records of sessions and client progress. Collaborate with other healthcare professionals in treatment teams.
Use music to improve people's mental health and enhance social connections and cognitive function. The individuals likely to benefit from music therapy the most suffer from developmental disorders (such as autism), trauma, mental health conditions (like depression and anxiety), dementia or neurological disorders. Create a supportive environment, encourage participants to join in playing instruments and singing. Teach clients to use music for relaxation, self-expression, to evoke and process emotions, regulate mood or improve communication. Use rhythm and movement activities to improve physical coordination and alleviate stress or anxiety. Help clients build their creativity and write songs to express their feelings. Assess and document clients' responses to music therapy. Work in settings like hospitals, schools or nursing homes.
Very similar to the work of a music therapist regarding the goals and the types of participants, but dance and movement are the main media to achieve them. It's also useful in physical rehabilitation.
Also very similar to the role of a music therapist, but role play, storytelling and improvisation are the media to facilitate the exploration and expression of emotions and past experiences. Often, the scenarios are fictional, which help getting to the truth without facing it head-on.
Combine multiple art forms, such as visual arts, music, dance, drama and poetry for the above therapeutic purposes and also to help assess the mental and psychological conditions to be addressed.
Help couples and families deal with relationship issues. Listen to clients discuss their problems and feelings. Guide clients to understand their relationship patterns. Teach communication and conflict-resolution skills. Help family members work through major life changes or traumas. Provide strategies for managing family conflicts. Rely on techniques known to work well in this field to analyse and resolve issues. Help clients improve both the way they see matters, which influence their relationship, and their behaviours as well. Refer clients to other services when needed. Keep detailed records of therapy sessions and client progress.
Provide therapy to help people with mental and emotional issues. Assess clients' mental health and develop treatment plans. Use various counselling techniques to help clients manage their problems. Teach coping strategies for dealing with stress and difficult emotions. Help clients set goals and make positive changes in their lives. Provide support during times of crisis or major life changes. Keep detailed records of counselling sessions and client progress. Refer clients to other services or specialists when needed. Being a friend, or at least supporting people that are struggling can make an immense difference in their lives, but it is also sure to be unpleasant for the counsellor at times. Relevant masters-level qualification is required, if for nothing else, then to achieve a good degree of job security.
Help people with physical, mental disabilities or psychological struggles live independently, have their needs met, complete their studies, find employment and attain fulfilling social lives. Assess clients' abilities, challenges, interests and needs. Develop rehabilitation plans to improve clients' daily living or even social skills. Arrange for services like physical therapy or job training. Help clients find and keep suitable jobs. Advocate for clients' rights and access to needed services. Provide counselling to help clients adjust to their disabilities. Work with employers to ensure proper support for clients. Relevant masters-level qualification is required, if for nothing else, then to achieve a good degree of job security.
Help people overcome addictions and harmful behaviours, including gambling and eating disorders. Assess the extent of clients' substance abuse or behavioural problems. Develop treatment plans and provide individual or group counselling. Teach strategies to avoid substance use and manage cravings. Help clients rebuild relationships and other areas of life affected by addiction. Run educational programs about substance abuse prevention. Guide clients' families throughout the recovery process. Connect clients with support groups and other community resources.
Services for affluent people
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Musicians, DJs, magicians, comedians, clowns, caricature artists, face painters, acrobats, jugglers, dancers, fire performers, illusionists, etc. When there’s stagnation or recession, affluent people still don’t tend to spend less. The entertainers who manage to build good reputations and strong clienteles can still earn well.
Provide a highly professional service to middle-class to wealthy and VIP clients. Understand and anticipate clients' unique needs and preferences. Offer expert advice on luxury products or services. Handle complex or unusual customer requests. Maintain discretion and confidentiality for high-profile clients. Coordinate with other departments to meet clients' needs. Build long-term relationships with valuable customers. Stay updated on luxury market trends and products.
A natural aptitude to get on well with such clients, stylish looks, great tolerance, a competitive spirit, dedication to acquire very strong sales skills and experience are essential for success.
Lead, motivate and train high-profile athletes, sports teams or wealthy clients. Develop advanced training programs for elite performance. Coordinate with medical staff to maintain athletes' health. Cooperate with other professionals, such as various managers, coordinators, trainers and assistants. Analyse video recording and performance data to fine-tune training strategies. Negotiate contracts. Stay updated on cutting-edge sports science and technology. Resolve personal issues within the team and staff. Shape teams and their culture.
Oversee the operations of large or luxury homes. Manage household staff like cleaners, cooks and gardeners. Coordinate maintenance, repairs, building, installation and decoration projects for the property/properties. Manage household budgets and expenses. Ensure comfort, convenience, security and privacy for household members. Resolve all sorts of issues independently. Manage tasks proactively to avoid future nuisances and potential issues. May have personal-assistant duties too, such as handling travel arrangements and personal scheduling. May need to look after children and pets. May cook sometimes. Anticipate and meet the needs of family members, who often have extremely high and sometimes even unrealistic expectations. Run errands, order supplies. Organise events and entertain guests. Potentially very lucrative but stressful and tiring work with long hours.
Maintain gardens, lawns, sports grounds and outdoor areas. Plant and care for trees, flowers and shrubs. Mow lawns, trim hedges, prune plants and water them as needed. Apply fertilisers and pest control treatments. Install and maintain irrigation systems. Operate and maintain landscaping equipment. Remove weeds, leaves and other debris. Follow landscaping plans to create and maintain outdoor spaces.
Tiring, physical work, while being exposed to the whims of the weather. No qualifications are needed to get started, but still need to learn about the plants, their pests and diseases, chemicals and the equipment. High salaries are generally unattainable. Must be comfortable spending long hours alone and need to work effectively without supervision. May manage the gardening budget.
Plan and prepare meals according to employers' preferences and dietary needs. Create menu plans and grocery lists. Shop for high-quality ingredients. Cook meals in private homes or for small gatherings. Accommodate special dietary requirements or allergies. Keep cooking areas clean and organised. Manage food budgets and kitchen inventory. Time each preparation and cooking process perfectly, so that everything can be ready exactly at the right time. A solid qualification or years of high-level experience are needed at the minimum. Tends to be solitary work that is fairly tiring.
Growing industries
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Manufacturing for the military needs many of the same professionals civilian manufacturing does. The differences are that due to secrecy and working with dangerous substances and items, the responsibilities are higher, and that the positions are more lucrative. These roles include scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, managers, project and other similar managers, business development, all the IT professions, Human Resources, sales, relationship managers, resourcing, Quality Assurance, security, property and facilities development and maintenance, trade professions, etc. Even logistics, cleaning, event coordination, administration and accountancy are safe careers within the military for now, because of all the sensitive information involved, and because AI will be trusted in and around this field even later to take charge of tasks it can deliver reliably.
Military budgets are on the rise globally these days.
Multiple positions detailed in the IT section
Develop and implement tailored security strategies for commercial, industrial, agricultural and high-security residential properties on behalf of a security solution provider business. Assess potential security risks and vulnerabilities. Propose solutions to business decision makers, prepare price quotes. Design and oversee installation of security systems. Provide excellent customer service in a sales-oriented role. Support security personnel and operations in the use of the systems sold. Stay updated on new security technologies and threats.
Assess residential properties for security vulnerabilities. Propose solutions, prepare price quotes. Design and install or oversee the installation of home security systems. Advise homeowners on security measures and best practices. Set up and maintain alarm systems and surveillance cameras. Provide excellent customer service in a sales-oriented role. Setup emergency response services for security alerts. Stay updated on latest home security technologies. Educate clients on how to use and maintain their security systems.
various engineering and other technical positions detailed in the relevant sections
Design and develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. Create and test drone components and systems. Improve drone performance, range and payload capacity. Develop software for drone navigation and control. Ensure drones meet safety and regulatory standards. Collaborate with other engineers on multidisciplinary projects. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in drone operations. Stay updated on advancements in drone technology and regulations.
Build and repair various types of drones. Perform pre-flight checks and post-flight maintenance. Diagnose and fix mechanical, electrical or software issues according to one's chosen specialisation. Install and calibrate drone sensors, cameras and other equipment. Update drone software and firmware. Assist in drone flight operations when needed. Keep detailed maintenance records for each drone.
Pilot unmanned aerial vehicles for various purposes, e.g. agriculture, recreation, videography, reconnaissance, combat, light shows, etc. Plan flight paths and missions based on project requirements. Either operate drone controls during take-off, flight and landing or program flight path(s) in advance. Monitor drone systems and data feeds during flights. Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards. Maintain drone equipment and perform basic repairs. Process and analyse data collected during drone flights. Coordinate with clients or team members on mission objectives.
As the budgets of national healthcare services are too tight in most countries and public facilities have all sorts of different difficulties, private medical services are bound to expand all around the world. Aging population in most regions will further increase the demand for health services. Private institutions face higher pressure to provide a good service than public ones, therefore, they aim to recruit the most dedicated and well-qualified doctors, nurses and other staff. The competition for these positions is usually particularly high, not least because of the higher salaries and better facilities.
Plan how solar panels will be placed on roofs or in fields, work out how many panels are needed and where to put equipment like inverters and batteries. Prepare price quotes, manage multiple separate budgets. Secure relevant permits. Lead teams of installers to set up solar systems safely and correctly, check the structure of buildings and make sure electrical connections meet safety rules. Solve problems that come up during installation like tricky roof angles or compatibility issues with existing equipment, coordinate with electricians and other trades. Create detailed work schedules, manage several installation jobs at once and make sure all work passes safety inspections. Guide customers through the whole process from planning to connecting to the power grid, explain how their system works and what maintenance it needs. Strong organisation and communication skills are essential in this career, because the sales efforts depend on it.
Different businesses divide tasks differently, depending on the country, the size of the company and other practical considerations. A solar installation manager might handle every single part of the business processes all alone, or might not take part in the installation or the sales tasks.
Install and maintain solar panel systems on buildings or in solar farms. Assess sites for solar potential and plan system layouts. Mount solar modules and connect electrical components. Configure inverters and other control systems. Test solar systems to ensure proper functioning. Troubleshoot and repair issues in solar installations. Educate clients on solar system operation and maintenance.
Install and maintain solar water heating systems. Assess buildings for solar thermal potential and plan system layouts. Mount solar collectors and install storage tanks. Connect plumbing for solar thermal systems. Set up control systems and pumps for water circulation. Test and commission solar thermal installations. Diagnose and repair issues in solar heating systems. Advise clients on system operation and benefits.
Plan where to put large batteries that store energy from solar and wind power, work out how to connect them safely to existing power systems. Create cost analyses, manage budgets. Lead teams installing battery banks and control systems, make sure all electrical connections are done properly and safely. Coordinate with other renewable energy systems to create backup power supplies, test that everything works together properly. Set up computer systems that control when batteries charge and discharge, train clients how to use their battery storage systems and monitor their performance.
Oversee the building of systems that turn plant waste or wood chips into energy, coordinate the installation of boilers, pipes and storage areas. Plan installation timelines, ensure their timely completion and manage budgets. Make sure fuel handling systems work properly and safely, set up equipment that cleans smoke before it goes into the air. Lead teams connecting biomass systems to buildings' heating systems, test that everything works efficiently and train operators how to run the plant. Manage the installation of safety systems and backup equipment, make sure the whole system meets environmental rules.
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Being the quickest to become an expert in a new field can give you exciting and well-paid opportunities! A few examples in the future can be
- Novel automated construction services
- Training chatbots, generative AI tools and teaching robotic technology about the 3D world, unwritten rules of our environments, various types of pattern recognition or your field of expertise
- Operating, creating courses for and holding training sessions for newly released software
- Distributing and servicing new vehicles, industrial and commercial products and home appliances
- Finding profitable ways to make use of brand-new materials, proteins and chemicals
- Making use of newly discovered bacteria and fungi
- Transferring ideas from one country to another
- Producing food with newly approved methods
- Growing new varieties of plants or finding overlooked niches
- Make climate change work for you in agriculture and commercial business ideas
- Watching legislative changes and reacting quickly if they allow for new ways to generate a profit
- etc.
Recent technological developments have not reached their full potential: IT hardware, other scientific innovations and the AI tools we already have access to have already enabled use cases that people haven’t tapped into. Combining them, tweaking them and building new software solutions for them will create countless valuable new services. A well-prepared, smart and flexible entrepreneur can set up startups to capitalize on these novelties.
Please be mindful that running a business is not for everybody though! A business – especially a new one – challenges the person in charge in many different ways! Partnerships also introduce an additional set of pitfalls, which risk their successes and make many businesses fail. Consult professionals to help you decide if being a solo entrepreneur or entering a partnership is a good idea for you. If so, seek help and effective mentorship and good books on management as well.
Roles required to be filled by law
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Oversee the handling, transportation, storage and disposal of dangerous substances, such as gases, liquid chemicals, solid substances that are harmful to the environment, asbestos, nuclear isotopes and waste, pathogens, biological waste, flammable and explosive materials, etc. Oversee their safe treatment, transportation and disposal. Follow and amend safety protocols for hazardous material management. Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Train employees on proper handling of hazardous materials. Coordinate emergency response plans for spills or accidents. Conduct risk assessments for hazardous material use. Maintain detailed records of hazardous substance inventory and disposal.
Examine aircraft and airport facilities and equipment to ensure they meet safety standards. Review maintenance records and repair work on planes. Investigate aviation accidents and incidents. Ensure airlines and pilots comply with aviation regulations, including work processes. Conduct tests on aircraft systems and components. Issue airworthiness certificates. Train and certify aircraft maintenance personnel. Stay informed about advances in aviation technology and safety.
Inspect buses, trucks or trains to ensure safety compliance. Examine transport company records for regulatory adherence. Investigate accidents. Conduct safety audits of transportation equipment and operations. Test vehicle components and safety features. Issue or revoke safety certifications for vehicles or permits for operators. Educate transport companies on safety regulations. Stay informed about changes in transportation safety standards. The educational requirements for entry are lower than in many other professions.
Provide governmental oversight by checking industrial and agricultural facilities for compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Collect samples of air, water and soil for testing. Investigate reports of pollution or environmental violations. Review company records related to emissions or waste disposal. Educate businesses on environmental regulations and compliance. Issue warnings or fines for environmental violations. Prepare detailed reports on inspection findings. Testify in court cases related to environmental compliance.
Investigate suspected fraudulent activities within organisations or financial transactions. Collect and analyse financial data, documents and other evidence to identify patterns or irregularities indicative of fraud. Conduct interviews with relevant parties to gather information and clarify suspicious activities. Prepare detailed reports documenting findings, including evidence of fraud and potential financial impact. Collaborate with legal teams and law enforcement agencies. Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to fraud cases. Every case is different; some may take less than an hour to solve, while others may take years. Staying up to date on the applicable law and the new and new methods of fraud requires more constant learning than in most other lines of work.
Plan and conduct audits of public institutions’, businesses’ or organisations' accounts and operations. Examine financial records and activities to ensure accuracy, legal compliance, and that funds and influence are not misused. Prepare detailed reports on audit findings and recommendations. Advise clients on improving their financial and operational practices and reducing risks.
Inspect government-owned or leased properties. Ensure buildings meet safety and accessibility standards. Investigate reports of misuse or damage to government property. Monitor construction and renovation of government facilities. Conduct inventories of government assets and equipment. May issue permits and licences of operation. Recommend improvements for property management. Prepare detailed reports on property conditions and investigations. Coordinate with other agencies on property-related issues. Must have patience and a good eye for details. In countries where high qualifications are not required for entering this field, this is not a safe profession and the salary would likely be too low as well.
Check fisheries, farms, forestry sites, food processing facilities and imported goods for compliance with agricultural laws and regulations. Inspect crops and livestock for signs of disease or pest infestation. Ensure proper use of pesticides and fertilisers on farms. Collect samples of plants, animal or other food products for laboratory testing. Enforce quarantine regulations to prevent spread of plant or animal diseases. Educate farmers and importers on agricultural regulations. Prepare detailed reports on inspection findings and violations. There are over one hundred different processes that an inspector can specialise in, including doing various lab work.
Work on behalf of the government or businesses involved in construction projects examining buildings and construction sites to ensure compliance with building codes and the permitted purposes of the property. Review construction plans and permit applications. Inspect foundations, load-bearing and covering elements, electrical systems, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, built-in refrigeration, lifts, escalators, plumbing and other utilities in buildings. Make sure fire safety systems are installed and operate properly. Verify that construction materials meet quality and safety standards. Issue stop-work orders for serious violations. Coordinate with contractors and building owners on compliance issues. It is often physically demanding to reach parts of the property that need to be checked. The level of education required varies significantly.
Identify and evaluate workplace hazards and safety risks in almost all types of working environments. Develop safety policies and procedures for organisations. Conduct safety trainings. Investigate workplace accidents. Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. Recommend improvements to work environments to prevent injuries and illnesses. Monitor use of protective equipment and safety practices. Relevant higher education is needed to enter this field.
Further Notes
Construction and Trade Professions
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
It’s not a given that whenever the economy is expanding, construction activities will always stay strong. Refurbishments, alterations, decorative work yes, but there might be much lower need for completely new buildings if there is less migration, fewer young people moving in their first homes and less people in need of larger family homes. Stagnation and periodic slumps in economic activity affect the field of construction heavily as well.
Some trade professionals that will be less sought-after if cookie-cutter constructions paired with automated robots are allowed to gain a substantial market share:
Carpenter
Electrician
Plumber
Mechanical installer
Mechanical insulator
Painter
Roofer
It’s easy to imagine companies using automated robots for prefabricated or non-unique constructions, as these environments can be free of obstacles and other factors that might confuse robots. For example, buildings can be modular and/or robots can be trained in detail on a few dozen popular designs. These can be virtually any types of buildings. This sort of automation is already present in many branches of manufacturing, including electronics, cars, metal work, etc. When AI becomes highly reliable, robots will even be able to follow unique designs effectively. Nonetheless, I don’t think we need to be concerned about robots taking over unique construction projects yet when choosing a career.
Manufacturing Outsourcing
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
Some manufacturing occupations I don’t consider safe, because they might get outsourced to countries with lower wages (even) more. A smallish oversupply of workers in a profession can be enough to push salaries too low and make job security weak. A career is chosen for decades, so it’s important to remember that during that time, industries will likely change in ways we can’t anticipate yet.
Management
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
I expect that there will be somewhat more part-time managerial positions, because large parts of the duties will be automated. Many managers will work full-time by being in charge of multiple units of a business or having higher or lower-level duties as well.
Other Comments
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
With so many career options available, I’m not recommending any that involve a significant risk to your life or health.
Political and societal shifts can affect occupations related to religion, so I don’t consider them safe. Younger generations are also likely to support churches less.
Some occupations I don’t consider safe, because far fewer of their professionals will be needed than now, may be outsourced or they’re already too competitive:
- Recruitment
- HR
- Market research
- Digital User Experience, aka. UX (it’s already overly competitive)
- Teachers (in elementary and secondary education, it depends on the rise and fall of the number of children; in other fields of education, it will be automated even more)
- Sales in many commission-heavy sectors: consumer and office electronics, appliances and furniture, commercial real estate and leasing, wholesale and distribution (due to business-to-business online platforms and direct-to-consumer sales methods), telecom and broadband, printing and publishing, traditional advertising (e.g. magazines, newspaper, radio), travel services, new and second-hand cars and motorbikes, insurance. Additional reasons for this trend are that in many cases, price will matter more than sales skills and that the market for them is likely to move online more than they are now.
It’s more than possible that real estate sales could be much more automated later too, just the way Airbnb and hotel booking services took a large bite out of the market of travel agencies and Uber and other similar services greatly reduced the number of taxi despatchers needed. Due to the complexity of real estate deals, the profession is not likely to go away, but fewer opportunities would squeeze the market for such professionals and lower the salaries and commissions.
Only the policy development, management and some IT roles are safe in public administration.
Extensive lists of occupations are available at O*NET and ESCO.
This is a dynamic list and I will keep updating and refining it according to further research, feedback and developments. Feedback and insights are most welcome! Watch out for updates!
Additional sources
Being Prepared for When Economies are Weak or Governments Take Unexpected Actions
Other Major Technological Developments That Will Also Shape the Next Decades
What to Expect from Governments and What We Can Do
The List of Professions I Consider Reasonably Safe in The Near Future
Complex, responsible positions, including problem solving and hands-on work:
- Manufacturing and Other Technical Fields
- Finance, Business and Management
Working with children professionally
New fields, which don’t exist yet
Roles required to be filled by law
Construction and Trade Professions
This document includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. G. Darnai has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
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