Earlier this month the World Economic Forum published the Future of Jobs Report 2025, Not suprisingly, the job market is expected to look dramatically different in the next 5 years. For entry-level employees, The impact of AI on job opportunities, along with other shifts in technology, the economy, climate change mitigation, and demographics will be profound. As you contemplate your career path, don’t despair. Disruption does not equal destruction and the report predicts that by 2030, though 92 million jobs will be displaced, 170 million new ones will be created, a net increase of 78 million.
For students and early career professionals this shift presents an exciting opportunity. According the to report, the biggest challenge over the next 5 years will be overcoming skill gaps. The playing field will be leveled significantly as everyone those entering the workforce, as well as those with tenure, become students. If you want to come out ahead, consider which industries will thrive and which will struggle.
Industries with Resilient Career Paths: Jobs with Staying Power
It is important to consider both your skills and choice of industry. According the report, key skills that will remain in high demand include Analytical thinking ,AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity and technology literacy. However there is also a recognition that there will be a need to balance these these technology-related skills with creative thinking, resilience, flexibility and agility, curiosity and lifelong learning. Those most successful will understand and respect the ability to integrate the science and poetry.
The report highlights the fact that technology-related roles are the fastest- growing jobs in percentage terms, including Big Data Specialists, Fintech Engineers, AI and Machine Learning Specialists and Software and Application Developers. Green and energy transition roles, including Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Specialists, Environmental Engineers, and Renewable Energy Engineers, also feature within the top fastest-growing roles. The ability to stand out among others with similar technical skills and acuman will rest on your ability to tap into your more creative side. Likewise, those who are looking to succeed in more creative roles, must be comfortable working with data and using their talents to ask the right questions and distill the right stories. What are a few of the hottest industries?
1. Healthcare
Industry Commentary: Healthcare is a AI is absolutely impacting healthcare. New technologies and companies are emerging every day, enhancing diagnostics and helping to complete administrative tasks, but huan continue to play a vital role. The aging population is driving demand for healthcare professionals. The BLS predicts healthcare jobs will grow by 13% from 2021 to 2031.
Popular Roles: Nursing, occupational therapy, and public health are expected to grow as these roles require empathy and adaptability.
2. Education
Industry Commentary: AI tools in education, like personalized learning platforms, are enhancing the teaching process but there continues to be a critical need for the emotional intelligence and personal interaction educators provide. Between 2024 and 2033, the EdTech market is expected to register a growth rate of 14.2%.
Popular Roles: K-12 educators, academic advisors, and instructional designers who integrate AI tools into their work will thrive.
3. Skilled Trades
Industry Commentary: Skilled trades require hands-on problem-solving and adaptability to unique situations—qualities AI struggles to replicate. Investments in infrastructure and renewable energy are driving demand. Infrastructure investments and green energy projects are fueling growth in skilled trades, with government programs allocating billions for projects like the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. According to research from Mckinsey, average wages for the skilled trade sector have increased by more than 20 percent since the first quarter of 2020 and demand continues to grow.
Popular Roles: Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians will remain essential as aging infrastructure requires repair and upgrades. If you are thinking of owning a business, one that focuses on skilled trades is worth considering.
4. Environmental and Energy Sectors
Industry Commentary: AI is driving advancements in energy efficiency, climate modeling, and sustainable development. However, human expertise is crucial for designing and implementing eco-friendly initiatives. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy jobs are expected to grow by 30% by 2030 as global efforts to combat climate change accelerate .
Popular Roles: Renewable energy specialists, environmental engineers, and sustainability consultants are in high demand as industries strive to meet sustainability goals.
Student and Entry Level Employees Consider: Majors Most Affected by AI
1. Business Administration
Industry Commentary: Business operations are increasingly being optimized with AI tools that automate repetitive tasks and enhance data-driven decision-making. From payroll processing to performance analytics, companies are investing in AI to boost efficiency. This shift prioritizes roles that focus on strategic management and innovation over operational execution. A Deloitte study found that 58% of organizations are just starting to explore how integrating AI will impact their workforce.
- Risk: Entry-level roles like data entry clerks, payroll assistants, and junior analysts are vulnerable to automation as AI-powered platforms streamline these processes. For example, Gartner notes a widespread acceptance among leaders that technology is driving financial processes towards a state of autonomous operation.
- Opportunities: Graduates should aim for roles requiring leadership and problem-solving, such as project management, business development, and consulting. These positions complement AI insights with human expertise.
2. Computer Science
Industry Commentary: As AI capabilities expand, they are redefining the tech landscape. Tools now automate coding tasks and software testing, while advanced applications focus on machine learning and cybersecurity. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 22% growth in software development jobs by 2030. The push for secure and ethical AI applications also drives demand in cybersecurity and AI ethics.
- Risk: Basic coding jobs and QA testing roles face a decline due to automated platforms like GitHub Copilot or Selenium.
- Opportunities: Specializing in AI development, cybersecurity, or ethical AI design will keep computer science graduates in demand. These fields demand advanced knowledge and critical thinking.
3. Marketing and Communications
Industry Commentary: Marketing professionals are witnessing a shift as AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva revolutionize content creation and campaign management. However, human creativity and strategic thinking remain indispensable for impactful branding and engagement. Statista reports that spending on AI in marketing is expected to grow to $107 billion by 2028. Marketers adept at blending AI tools with creative strategy will maintain a competitive edge.
- Risk: Social media management and basic content creation are increasingly automated, reducing demand for entry-level roles in these areas.
- Opportunities: Strategic marketing roles focused on customer engagement, campaign ideation, and brand storytelling will thrive. Using AI to amplify these efforts is a key skill.
4. Finance and Accounting
Industry Commentary: AI adoption is transforming finance by automating processes like transaction tracking, auditing, and compliance. This evolution shifts the focus to roles involving strategy and decision-making. McKinsey estimates that up to 50% of manual processes in finance could be automated, making advanced analytical roles critical.
- Risk: Entry-level accounting, bookkeeping, and auditing roles are being phased out as AI platforms handle these tasks. AI-driven tools like Xero and QuickBooks have already automated many financial processes.
- Opportunities: Positions in financial planning, investment strategy, and risk analysis will benefit from human insights combined with AI analytics.
5. Engineering
Industry Commentary: AI-enhanced tools are reshaping engineering disciplines by automating routine design and analysis tasks. However, engineers skilled in innovation and integration remain essential. The World Economic Forum highlights engineering roles in AI integration and green technologies as among the fastest-growing globally.
- Risk: Routine design tasks in mechanical and civil engineering are susceptible to automation.
- Opportunities: Focus on emerging fields like robotics, sustainable engineering, and AI integration to stay competitive. Engineers who use AI to innovate will lead the industry.
Preparing for AI’s Impact: Actionable Tips
- Upskill Continuously: Familiarize yourself with AI tools and trends in your industry. Free courses on platforms like Coursera or edX can help.
- Focus on Human Skills: Develop emotional intelligence, creativity, and strategic thinking. These are areas where humans still outperform machines.
- Stay Adaptable: Embrace change by exploring interdisciplinary fields. For example, combining healthcare with data analysis can open doors to health informatics roles.
- Network Strategically: Join professional groups on LinkedIn or attend industry events to stay connected and informed.
- Consider Further Education: Graduate programs in AI-related fields or certifications in emerging technologies can future-proof your career.
The Bottom Line
The key to thriving in an AI-driven world is adaptability. By focusing on roles that combine human strengths with AI capabilities, you can ensure your career remains relevant and rewarding. Remember, AI isn’t here to replace you—it’s a tool to help you succeed.
To explore more resources on career planning and AI, check out these First Real Job Blog posts or visit The Future of Work by the World Economic Forum.
