Automation is changing the structure of the labour market. The World Economic Forum (WEF) expects more than seven million jobs to become redundant by 2020, mainly in white-collar and administrative roles. But as we increasingly live online, service jobs are also threatened, the WEF’s Future of Jobs 2016 report says.
Despite changes, the future remains bright for talented graduates. “It is less about specific professions and more about transferable skills that can help future-proof a career,” says Elena Agaragimova, Careers & Alumni Consultant at the University of Manchester’s Middle East Centre. “In this unpredictable global economy, the most important factor to develop satisfying and sustainable careers is to remain flexible and become lifelong learners, developing new soft and technical skills as demanded.”
Experts see a rise in multidisciplinary professions and the movement towards science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM subjects.
“STEM has witnessed great attention in research that resulted in new academic jobs through universities and governments,” says Sufian Forawi, Professor of Science Education at the British University in Dubai. “It will soon move to non-academic, non-governmental careers, so they can directly affect long-term global competitiveness and serve a vital role in problem-solving within local communities.”
For a future-proof career, consider one of these areas that the WEF survey has identified as in high demand:
Regulatory and government affairs
New technologies will always drive the need for legal support to help developers understand regulatory frameworks, says Zoë Blakemore, co-founder of Support Legal, an advisory platform for GCC tech start-ups. She says this is an area of steady growth for them. “Regulators and entrepreneurs come from very different places when talking about business concepts, and they use very different languages.”
Where to study: An all-round degree such as the LLB Honours Law with International Relations at Middlesex University Dubai offers exposure to various legal systems. The new three-year programme costs Dh150,000. Mdx.ac.ae
Human resources
To manage the upskilling process in developing economies, specialists in organisational development are crucial.
Alison Sharp, Assistant Director (Innovation) at the Careers Network, University of Birmingham, says HR hires will need to wear many hats to avoid losing their job to a machine, and that the education system must allow for broad experiences to understand our strengths and thrive in various situations.
Where to study: Undergraduates can study Human Resource Management through the University of Birmingham Dubai with a three-year BSc Business Management course. Annual fee: Dh89,970 Birmingham.ac.uk
Leadership and senior management
The hierarchical organisation will continue to flatten out, but demand for versatile senior managers will keep rising, the WEF says. “The human dimension of digital transformation also means strong management and business leadership with soft skills will be needed to transition to new business models,” says Agaragimova. These jobs will be found in media, entertainment and information.
Where to study: A BCom (Management) degree at Murdoch University Dubai takes three years of full-time study and costs Dh26,000 per trimester. Dubai.murdoch.edu.au
Computing
The WEF’s list of in-demand computing occupations include computer programmers, software developers, and security analysts. A computer science degree helps students understand how information and knowledge can be captured and disseminated effectively and efficiently in computer systems.
Where to study: To undertake a PhD in Computing Science, full-time students can gain a qualification at the British University in Dubai in three years, while dedicated part-time students could manage it in four years. This would qualify them for academic positions and consulting and advisory roles in the government or private sector. Buid.ac.ae
Engineering
The WEF report says engineers focused on biochemicals, nanotechnology and robotics will be most employable. Dr Anand Kumar, Associate Dean, Academic and Resource Planning Professor, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, Bits Pilani, Dubai adds, Technical purity must be integrated with business understanding in solving problems. Developing solutions that make life easier is needed but should not preclude issues critical to survival such as providing health, water and education to all.”
Where to study: Bits Pilani, Dubai offers degrees in engineering disciplines. Bits-pilani.ac.in/dubai/
Design
Creativity is expected to be one of the skills in highest demand. “A creative mind that has passion, enthusiasm and of course knowledge, establishes the concept, direction and success of every design project,” says Alison Grace-Gahan, Senior Tutor at the National Design Academy’s Dubai office. “As designers we welcome technology, yet we must always remember where design starts in the first place. Without an inspiring and imaginative concept, design would be stagnant.”
Where to study: Students can select from a range of courses in design in Dubai through the UK’s National Design Academy. Nda.ac.uk
Technical sales
Retail and customer service roles may be declining but specialised sales staff will be in high demand. And nearly every industry will need to commercialise and explain its offerings to business or government clients and consumers, due to the innovative or technical nature of the products.
Where to study: The four-year BBA in Marketing at the Canadian University of Dubai has a global focus and costs Dh65,130 per year. Sales topics include relationship marketing, ethics and customer relationships, psychology of selling, and communication for relationship building. Cud.ac.ae
Architecture
Civilisations are defined by their built environments, so humanity will always rely on architects to design them. The WEF report says 3D printing, sustainable production and robotics are increasingly important characteristics of the profession.
Where to study: The American University of Dubai offers a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree that combines design skills with a professional emphasis on human and physical aspects of buildings. Fees are Dh42,750 per semester. Aud.edu
Organisational development
According to the WEF, the impact of technological, demographic and socio-economic disruptions on business models will be felt in transformations to the employment landscape and skills requirements, resulting in substantial challenges in recruiting, training and managing talent.
Where to study: The Abu Dhabi School of Management offers an MSc in Leadership and Organisational Development through full- or part-time study, preparing students to problem-solve and respond to rapidly changing circumstances in modern business environments. Adsm.ac.ae
Data analysis
Jobs in data analysis will gain importance through to 2020 and beyond because there will be a rise in demand for skilled people to interpret machine output. “Solutions are likely to be technology-led, therefore students and graduates need to have the digital skills to be able to interpret data, communicate and implement ideas from the narrative of the data,” says Sharp.
Where to study: The MSc Data Science is a postgraduate degree available full- or part-time through Heriot-Watt University Dubai. It covers the theory and skills for managing and analysing large and complex data sets. Hw.ac.uk
Mathematics
With its relevance to machine learning and data analysis, maths will be at the centre of the new jobs created by the fourth industrial revolution. “Workers who successfully combine mathematical and interpersonal skills in the knowledge-based economies of the future should find many rewarding and lucrative opportunities,” the WEF says.
Where to study: NYU Abu Dhabi has a BS in Mathematics with seven core subjects and three electives. Graduates are enabled to apply mathematical reasoning to real -world problems.
Nyuad.nyu.edu
