What are considered good jobs for the future?

I'm planning ahead and trying to figure out potential career paths. Everyone always talks about 'future-proof' jobs, and I'm wondering what those actually are. Are there specific industries or roles that are anticipated to be in high demand in the next decade? How should I go about preparing for these roles while I'm still in high school, and are there certain subjects or extracurriculars I should focus on to give myself a natural advantage?

While it can be quite difficult to predict the exact nature of jobs a decade from now, especially given the pace of technological advancements, there are certain sectors that are anticipated to be in high demand. Some fields that are likely to grow include healthcare, technology (computer science and information technology), environmental science, and data analysis.

Healthcare will undoubtedly continue to grow as an industry, considering the aging population and advancements in medical technology. Careers such as nurse practitioners, physical therapists, physicians' assistants, and even health and wellness advisors are widely expected to be in-demand.

With rapid technological advancements, roles like software developers, data scientists, information security analysts, and AI specialists are also expected to be highly sought after. The tech sector is evolving so quickly that many of the jobs that will exist 10 years from now probably haven't been invented yet.

As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, jobs in environmental science are likely to become more important. This means that roles such as environmental consultants, conservation scientists, and renewable energy managers could see growth.

Lastly, in our data-driven world, careers in data analysis and statistics are also expected to be future-proof. Roles like data analysts, market researchers, and management analysts are likely to be essential.

Preparing for any of these career paths can start in high school. If medical or health-related fields interest you, consider courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and even psychology. Those interested in tech should start developing their coding skills—classes in computer science and math will be key. If environmental science is your passion, take courses in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and maybe even politics or social studies to understand the policy aspect. For data analysis, consider taking classes in statistics, math, and computer science.

Extracurriculars that show initiative, leadership, and commitment can also provide valuable skills applicable in many job sectors. Volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs in your area of interest can give you valuable experience.

In the end, it's all about finding a balance between picking a career that's likely to be in demand and one that you are passionate about. Passion will keep you motivated and interested, and that's arguably just as important as job prospects. Remember, the best career is the one that makes you look forward to Monday!