The Way Forward: career opportunities of the future

by Stacy Dunn

What are the best career opportunities of the future?

Career consultant Ann Nakaska of Constructive Career & Life Designs in Alberta says healthcare, agriculture, aerospace, and energy are four sectors which will all experience growth.

There will be new ways of doing work in each of these industries because of the computer and digital technology of the “fourth industrial revolution.”

The fourth industrial revolution refers to the trend towards jobs in digital, physical, and biological industries that will change the way we live.

• Digital technologies include virtual reality, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, cloud computing, blockchain, and big data.
• Physical technologies include 3D printing, robotics, and self-driving vehicles.
• Biological technologies include genetics, bio-printing, and synthetic biology.

These three technologies will require people to work in the following positions:

• Information Security Analysts
• Computer User Support Specialists
• Systems Software Analysts
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Application Software Developers
• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• all other computer specialists

Healthcare

“Research shows that Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Physiotherapists will be among the top 20 careers in the future,” Ann says. “As the population ages, careers that focus on seniors’ health and well-being will grow. Examples include Recreation Therapists, Recreation Workers, Massage Therapists, and Resident Care Workers. There will also be a need for Geriatric Workers who advocate for seniors’ housing, financial, and legal rights.

“There will also be many entrepreneurship opportunities for businesses that help seniors stay in their own homes, such as visiting hairdressers or barbers, dog walkers and other pet care, lawn care, and medical equipment rentals.”

For those who want to be part of the growing number of elder care businesses that help seniors stay in their homes longer, purchasing a franchise is one way to meet this growing need. Some examples are:

• Living Assistance Services
• Comfort Keepers
• Qualicare
• For Seniors Only
• Senior Home Care by Angels
• Right at Home
• Nurse Next Door

As well, Silver Cross is a franchise opportunity that sells, installs, and maintains accessibility and mobility equipment for residential applications.

Digital Technology

Drones are being used to deliver blood samples, and 3D printing is manufacturing orthopedic implants and personal protective equipment. With respect to senior care, Ann says virtual reality may help in feeling of isolation or memory loss.

“Many seniors are able to experience items on their bucket lists, “travelling to the see” the Eiffel Tower or London’s Tower Bridge or “attend” an event, such as a virtual Frank Sinatra concert. These experiences give them something to talk about with each other.”

Aerospace and aviation

She says employment numbers for pilots will return to pre-pandemic levels in the near future, and there is always a need for drone operators, aircraft mechanics, dispatchers, customer service personnel and administrative staff.

Agriculture and horticulture

“Our population is continuing to grow, and we will need to continually increase food production. Also, as we become more and more environmentally aware, we will need to become more responsible for the greening of our planet.

“Although the fourth industrial revolution is having an impact on the number of science and STEM career type jobs, there will still be a need for sales and marketing people, human resources, and business development people in a wide variety of industries.

“Agriculture scientists are working on methods to bio-print foods to improve nutrition and minimize health risks like food allergies and reduce energy costs and fertilizer use,” Ann says. “Meanwhile, fruit and vegetable pickers are needed on the farms.

“Farmers who are retiring from the field, but who still want to work, may consider working in farm equipment sales or repair.”

She encourages job seekers to reflect on their values and interests before they set out on their search. “Once you identify what counts in your life, you will find opportunities within industries that work for you.”

For a complete article on this topic prepared by Ann Nakaska, click here