Future Proof Career Planning: Future Proof Degrees

Whether you're just starting to figure out your career path or want to pursue a new career, chances are you want to find a future-proof option that isn't going to disappear anytime soon. Fortunately, there are various degree options and skills you can pursue to improve your job security in the future.

Future-proof degrees are those that can help you obtain in-demand jobs that are not expected to become obsolete in the next decade or more. In addition to obtaining one of these degrees, it's also a good idea to learn new skills such as adaptability and tech-savvy capabilities to help you succeed even as the future of work becomes more uncertain.

What Does Future-Proofing Your Career Mean?

Future-proofing your career means pursuing relevant degrees and transferable skills that will enable you to stay competitive in a world of fast-changing technology and career uncertainty.

Forging a future-proof career will allow you to pursue new opportunities or advance within your current industry, ensuring your career thrives regardless of the changes going on around you.

Never has it been more important to future-proof your career than now, as world events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rapidly changing technologies such as AI have greatly impacted all facets of life, including our careers. Choosing a career and having skills that help you adapt to these changes is vital in safeguarding yourself against future changes and challenges.

Future Proof Degrees

There are a variety of future-proof degrees you can pursue. Let's take a look at some of the best options to consider.

Business

Business degrees teach many skills in finance, marketing, and human relations. Knowing the basics of running a business and leading other people are skills that can't be replaced by technology, and business jobs are expected to remain in demand for the foreseeable future.

Nursing

Nursing and other healthcare professions are always in high demand. Nurses combine a unique blend of healthcare and medical knowledge with soft skills such as empathy and compassion that are likely to be needed regardless of changing technologies going forward.

Architecture

Architecture degrees teach students about designing and building physical structures. Though architecture has changed with advancing technologies, there will always be a need for humans to use the technology to create and engineer homes, buildings, bridges, and other human-made structures.

Computer Science

Technology is continuously advancing, and much of that has to do with reliance on computers as we advance well into the digital age. A computer science degree can prepare you for a variety of high-demand and lucrative professions that are not likely to disappear anytime soon, such as computer programming and software engineering.

Communications

Communications degrees have an extremely broad application, and they are useful in almost every industry. As the world becomes powered by computers and AI, knowing how to communicate and connect on a human level is an essential skill. Getting a communications degree will prepare you for many different careers while helping you develop soft skills that will prepare you to navigate any career uncertainties that may present themselves.

How To Future-Proof Your Career

In addition to pursuing a future-proof degree, it's important to hone your skills and abilities to make yourself a future-proof worker regardless of your degree. Consider the following tips.

Be Adaptable

Adaptability is one of the most important soft skills you can have since it can help you adjust to any changes that come along. Being adaptable enables you to expect the unexpected and make adjustments as necessary, ensuring you stay relevant and competitive no matter what the future holds.

Continually Learn

Continuous learning is important for career development in any position. It can help you land a new job or pursue advancements in your existing field. It can also help you strengthen your critical-thinking, problem-solving, and other soft skills. Consider pursuing a new degree or certification, or taking some online courses to gain new knowledge and skills.

Embrace New Technologies

Technology is always changing and advancing, and it's here to stay. Embracing these new technologies and improving your technical skills will help you move forward as the world changes. Examples of changing technologies include the ones listed below.

Automation

Basic tasks are becoming automated by machines and computers, freeing up people to work on more complex tasks. Completing a degree or learning skills that can't be replaced by automation is important for ensuring the future of your career.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is quickly revolutionizing the world. Not only can it be used for data analysis, but to generate written content, create stunning works of art, and much more. The key to future-proofing your career in the wake of AI is to hone human skills that can't be replaced by AI, such as creativity and human connection, as well as to promote your own personal brand.

Blockchain

Blockchain is a secure method of processing transactions that has a much wider application than just cryptocurrency. It allows financial transactions without a third party. Pursuing a career as a blockchain developer is a great future-proof option if you are particularly tech-savvy.

Expand Your Professional Network

Having a solid professional network is crucial in every industry. Forging relationships with others in your field can help you find job opportunities you may not have known about otherwise. Those in your network can also recommend you to potential employers, which may give you a better chance of landing the jobs you apply for.

Enhance Your Skill Set with Soft Skills

The importance of soft skills can't be stressed enough. Communication, interpersonal, and decision-making skills are a few examples of soft skills. These skills can transfer into any industry and help make you a more desirable candidate, increasing your marketability and keeping you competitive.

Further Your Education

Finally, furthering your education makes it possible for you to pursue careers and advancements you might not otherwise be qualified for, in turn making it possible for you to pursue a higher salary and more secure job opportunities. Getting a new degree or certification can be an extremely beneficial move when planning a future-proof career.