Back in 2016, the Institute of the Future and Dell Technologies released a report saying that an estimated 85% of jobs in 2030 hadn’t yet been invented and that technological advances would change how we work.

With the explosion of ChatGPT and other AI and machine learning tools, it feels like we are certainly speeding down that road, and everyone, including the for-purpose sector, should be prepared to embrace new roles and opportunities.

So, with a bit of help from Google, we’ve put together a few emerging and future jobs that might be seen in the for-purpose world before too long.

Tech jobs

Unsurprisingly one of the biggest areas for growth is the tech sector. As AI, machine learning and technology, in general, grows cleverer and more capable, more possibilities open up. In the future, there will be more need not only for people with the technical skills to utilise the new developments but also to ensure that developments are made in the right way.

Digital curator/memorialist - As social media usage grows, the question of what to do with all those posts grows too. Digital curators or digital memorialists help surviving loved ones deal with a person’s social media when they die, helping them decide what to keep and what to archive. A digital curator may also work with people during their life to help them tidy their social media - for example, removing posts that are no longer deemed appropriate or could be damaging.

Drone experts - Drones are already used in many situations to remove the need for people to enter potentially dangerous or difficult areas. As technology and build quality improve, the scope for using drones for all kinds of work, like dropping aid packages to remote locations, search and rescue missions or surveying otherwise inaccessible land increases. Experts will be needed to help design, programme and fly these drones.

Ethical hacker - An ethical hacker, also known as a white hat hacker, is an expert who deliberately tries to break into an organisation’s computer systems, data or network to help them look for security issues and weak spots. 

AI/Robot ethicist - With developing technology comes difficult decisions about how and when the tech is used and what for. Ethicists will be the gatekeepers, making informed and unbiased decisions to ensure the ethical and moral implications of robot use are considered. They might also be called upon to ensure that the robots themselves are treated fairly.

Sustainability/environmental jobs

Climate change is on everyone’s minds right now, and finding the right solutions will be key to the future. These emerging jobs are already out there but are likely to become more widespread.

Urban farmers - Urban farming, also known as vertical farming, is a growth industry as countries look to produce more in smaller spaces and more efficient ways, especially close to cities. It uses innovative architecture and technology to grow crops in areas like rooftops and small patches of land. It will play a big part in ensuring enough food for growing populations and reducing food miles by allowing more food to be produced locally.

Renewable energy designers and engineers - As countries transition away from fossil fuels, the need for people working in the renewable energy space is growing. While solar power is still currently the most likely source, others are up and coming, like wind and tidal power, and designers and engineers will be needed to design and build ways to harness them.

Sustainability consultants and urban planners - Whether it’s consultants working with a specific organisation to improve their approach to sustainable business or planners looking at how we can better construct new towns and transport links, climate and sustainability are going to be a key part of almost every discussion.

Healthcare jobs

An ageing population means there will be a need for more healthcare jobs, especially in the aged care sector.

Robot surgeon - Can you imagine a surgeon thousands of miles away performing your operation via robot? It sounds like a science fiction plot, but these developments are already underway along with 3D printing of body parts. In the future, surgery via video and robotic helpers could benefit patients worldwide, especially in remote areas with access to specialists and more sophisticated healthcare.

Virtual reality therapist - Virtual reality has been used in trials to treat mental health issues and in rehab for patients who have suffered strokes. It could also be used in helping patients with dementia. Trained therapists will be needed to ensure the virtual reality programmes are designed and implemented safely.

Aged health carers - Many jobs on this list use technology, but some jobs still need a human touch. While robots might be able to do some of the manual work and technology can help with administration, caring for older people, particularly looking after their mental well-being, is still best done by a human. Improved life expectancy and an ageing population means aged care is set to be a growth industry.

These are just some of the jobs that are on our horizon. With technological advances coming at a rapid pace, it’s amazing to think just what will be possible in the next few years. The 100 Jobs of the Future project by Deakin University, Griffith University and Ford Australia predicts that we could even be controlling the weather soon!