Press Release, July 2015; What to Study When Today’s Jobs May Not Be Around in 10 Year’s Time
With the rise of technology, robotics and intelligence systems, many high school students contemplating university are worried that their studies will be worthless in years to come.
Career planning expert Bob Bredemeyer said the recent report by the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia* (CEDA) found that around 40% of current jobs will disappear in the next ten years.
“So, if the prediction is that nearly half of current careers will soon disappear, how is a teenager expected to know what subjects to choose or what university degree to do?” said Mr Bredemeyer.
“Robotics and automated systems are just one aspect of innovation and change which will impact on everyone, especially young people,” he said.
“Smart, responsive robots are coming like a tsunami into future homes, and workplaces.”
“Intelligent systems are being developed to take over all kinds of jobs, including tasks such as data analysis, advice and information provision.”
“Increasingly robotics will provide services including legal advice, medical diagnosis, psychological screening, and many others.”
“All these predictions can lead to serious anxiety for young people, as there are plenty of unknowns about jobs of the future.”
Mr Bredemeyer recommended young people consider the following when choosing a university degree:
• Learn about your occupational interests, current and potential strengths, and talents. Write down what you know already. Use career tools to explore further.
• Learn about the contemporary world of work particularly trends. Future change is inevitable, however the best platform we have for predicting the future is what’s happening now.
• Rather than focusing on fixed job categories, think flexibility about future work opportunities. You’ll need flexible skills. Communication, information processing, continuous learning, and eagerness to take advantage of new challenges and opportunities.
• Don’t be too focussed on narrow skill sets. There will always be opportunities for people with broad outlook and flexible skills.
“A great example of this is university student Frances Lai who has chosen well and will be prepared to cope with the changes ahead.”
“Frances is well prepared to cope with such change. She’s completing a Law & Commerce degree at Murdoch University. Next stepping stone after graduation will be completion of College of Law and admission to the Supreme Court as a lawyer.“
“After that she’s heading into the world of commerce – an activity as old as humanity itself, and one unlikely to cease in the future.”
“Increasing use of the Internet and innovative small businesses popping up everywhere, and Frances will be perfectly placed to provide advisory services to ensure their smooth running, as well as avoidance of legal traps.“
Further helpful tips and hints can be found at www.jiig-cal.com.au blog.
Bob Bredemeyer is Managing Director of JIIG-CAL Australia. He has over twenty years’ experience in developing career resources and as a registered psychologist.
JIIG-CAL Australia is an independently operated Western Australian company that is a leading provider of a suite of occupational guidance tools supporting practitioners, career seekers and students/clients.
Media Contact: Bob Bredemeyer
M: 0417 093 696
Email: bob@jiig-cal.com.au