Ten jobs we might be working in in the future

Many of today's jobs will continue to evolve, but new ones will also emerge - driven by technological innovations, demographic and environmental developments and global economic challenges. One thing is certain: lifelong learning and further training will be part of our future.

AI skills secure career opportunities

"In order to be prepared for the jobs of the future, employees should be proactive and acquire certain skills, such as dealing with AI in all its facets. The aim should be to develop technological as well as social and personal skills. In this way, employees can prepare themselves well for the challenges of the future world of work and secure their career opportunities in the long term," says Dr. Julian Stahl, labour market expert at XING.

The jobs network XING has taken a look into the crystal ball and compiled 30 possible future professions and their job profiles - across various industries and with a focus on innovative, surprising and inspiring future prospects. The list is intended to inspire people to think outside the box and discover new paths that will help shape our future.

1. technology & people: Human Machine Mediator

With the growing integration of AI in companies, new challenges arise: Incorrect application methods or timing on the part of users or inaccurate programming lead to frustration, as does the printer not working again. While classic IT problems continue to exist, misunderstandings between humans and artificial intelligence are added to the mix. Human Machine Mediators identify interaction problems, mediate between users and developers and adjust system settings. The aim is to minimize misunderstandings, promote acceptance and ensure effective use of the technology.

Knowledge required: Traditional IT support staff can receive specialized training in the area of human-machine interaction and have a great deal of empathy in addition to technical knowledge.

2. biotechnology & medicine: Organ Breeder

Organ breeders use ex-vivo organogenesis technologies to grow functional organs from patients' own stem cells. This involves growing cells on biological scaffolds outside the body to form tissues that are then used for transplants. In addition to the cultivation of cells, tissue and organs, other medical advances, such as the regrowth of teeth, are also becoming increasingly relevant. Here, cell and tissue technologies are used to regenerate damaged or lost teeth. Future treatment methods could also include the repair of tissues or even the restoration of organ functions.

Knowledge required: The work of organ breeders requires interdisciplinary expertise in cell biology and materials science. This role is increasingly being taken on by laboratory technicians who have undergone further training in the relevant areas.

3. health & well-being: Gamification Rehabilitator

Rehabilitation programs face the challenge of motivating patients in the long term and avoiding therapy dropouts. Studies show that playful elements increase the willingness to train and the success of therapy. By using VR, AR and other sensor technology, gamification rehabilitators transform physiotherapy exercises into interactive experiences that promote the healing process. They develop adaptive, data-driven programs that playfully combine movement, cognitive exercises and biofeedback.

Knowledge required: This requires expertise in game design, movement science and medical technology. Training in physiotherapy, sports science or UX design with a specialization in therapeutic applications is an advantage.

4. area of Management & Transformation: World Wide Work Enabler

In view of the growth of remote working, the increasing involvement of freelancers and the growing internationalization of the workforce, it is becoming more and more important to enable collaboration between globally distributed and constantly changing teams. World Wide Working Enablers ensure that international employees working remotely from different countries can work together smoothly. This includes not only the optimization of HR processes such as recruiting, onboarding and team integration, but also the management of employment law aspects, tax issues and compliance requirements in different countries.

Knowledge required: This role requires training or further training in global HR, labor law and intercultural cooperation. Strong communication skills and experience in international team management are also important.

5. environment, construction and nutrition: Biodiversity Vault Curator

In order to safeguard biodiversity for posterity, international organizations finance vaults in which biological material of all kinds is archived. The aim is to enable plant species, animals and other organisms to be bred and released back into the wild should this be possible and necessary again. The curators of these biodiversity vaults procure the necessary materials to preserve biodiversity and monitor their conservation in accordance with the latest standards.

Knowledge required: In addition to expertise in biodiversity development, genetics and conservation, diplomatic skills and negotiating experience are also an advantage in order to procure the required material and satisfy all parties involved.

6. ethics & law: Gene Editing Advisor

With the rapid advances in medical research - from editing individual genes to cloning, brain-computer interfaces and measures to combat cell ageing - the need for ethically sound regulations is growing. Gene editing advisors develop guidelines that reconcile technological innovations with social values. This specialist works with governments and institutions to formulate clear ethical standards for pioneering medical procedures.

Required knowledge: Knowledge of bio-ethics, health policy and legal aspects is necessary for this job.

7. cybersecurity & society: Digital Peacekeeper

The Digital Peacekeepers combat social polarization through targeted measures against disinformation and discrimination. They coordinate international and national campaigns to promote digital civil courage, analyze digital trends and develop strategies to curb the spread of manipulative content and prevent it from spilling over into physical space.

Required knowledge: With an interdisciplinary background in communication science, psychology, community management and data science, they ensure digital peace and strengthen social cohesion in an increasingly fragmented world.

8. area of mourning & sustainability: Sea calm guardian

Society's openness to the topic of death has prompted the funeral industry to take a closer look at regenerative sustainability. More and more people want to be part of a natural system beyond their own death. Mycelium coffins, made from mushroom mesh, and organic urns are the new standard, while memorial tree gardeners plant fruit trees on the graves of the deceased and supply the relatives with the harvested fruit every year. Marine cemetery guardians watch over the structures in the sea where the deceased become part of a coral reef, supervise burials and coordinate visits by relatives.

Required knowledge: Training in funeral services or grief counseling can be combined with further training in diving techniques in order to work in this field. A high level of empathy is an advantage in order to provide optimal support for relatives in these extraordinary situations.

9. environment, construction and nutrition: Heat Resilience Planner

They develop strategies and guidelines for adapting urban infrastructure to increasingly frequent extreme weather conditions, especially heat waves. Cities want to ensure that public spaces and buildings can withstand heat and protect vulnerable people. This specialist works closely with urban planners, architects and public institutions to develop sustainable and resilient solutions - from greening public spaces to building technologies.

Required knowledge: This role requires expertise in urban planning, climate change adaptation and infrastructure development. A deep understanding of the impact of climate change on urban habitats is also crucial.

10. health & well-being: Technical care companion

Measures to remedy the nursing shortage have fallen short, and the care ratio in retirement homes remains precarious. To relieve the burden on healthcare staff, sensory systems are being integrated into retirement homes. AI can be used to detect and address falls, heart attacks or altered emotional states such as loneliness at an early stage. Technical care companions work with these systems to enable preventative interventions.

Required knowledge: Nursing staff can undergo further training in this area in order to learn how to use these innovative systems.

Actively help shape jobs

"In the coming years, exciting new jobs and professional fields will open up, for which we need two things above all: firstly, employees who are keen to acquire new qualifications, and secondly, employers who are willing to invest in intensive training and further education for their employees. I am certain that the jobs of the future will belong above all to those who want to play an active role in shaping them," concludes XING labour market expert Dr. Julian Stahl.

Source: New Work SE