Opinion: How emerging technologies will shape our kids' jobs

In the midst of a rapidly evolving world, Gen Z stands at the precipice of a technological renaissance.

Their careers will not merely be about embracing new technologies but mastering and moulding them to shape the future. While there is much doom and gloom peddled about the impact of AI on the workforce, the truth is that with each new technological evolution, we have had new jobs arise to replace the ones lost.

Some of the great opportunities for our kids are discussed below and include areas such as health, energy and human-machine interaction.

AI and machine learning

AI is no longer confined to the realms of science fiction. As we integrate AI into daily life, the need for experts in this domain broadens exponentially. But it's not solely about creating smarter algorithms.

The real challenge lies in building systems that understand and respect human values, ensuring ethical considerations are woven into the very fabric of AI. Imagine a world where AI specialists collaborate with filmmakers to draft scripts or with environmentalists to predict climate patterns.

By 2030, AI professionals won't just be tech wizards; they'll be the bridge between machines and the myriad sectors they touch upon.

Data and analytics

We live in the age of data. Each digital interaction contributes to a vast reservoir of information. But raw data is like an untapped mine. The real gold is in interpretation. Gen Z data scientists will be akin to modern-day alchemists, deciphering patterns and crafting narratives that influence everything from marketing strategies to public policies.

They won't merely present numbers; they'll paint pictures, tell stories, and perhaps even predict the future, all by connecting the dots in this digital data deluge.

Renewable energy and sustainability

With the looming shadow of the climate crisis, sustainability isn't a choice; it's critical. As fossil fuel reliance declines, renewable energy sources become the beacon of hope. This sector will not only require engineers and technicians but also visionaries who can foresee the global energy landscape of tomorrow. Gen Z will be at the helm, driving innovations in solar, wind, and tidal energies.

Moreover, they'll be the torchbearers advocating for green policies, educating communities, and ensuring that as we advance, we don't leave our planet behind.

Health and biotechnology

Medicine and technology are on a collaborative trajectory, heralding breakthroughs that would have seemed unbelievable a few decades ago. With advances in genomics and biotech, the lines between biology and technology blur. 

Gen Z professionals might be crafting personalised medication regimens based on an individual's genetic makeup, bioengineering organs for transplantation, or leveraging AI to offer therapeutic interventions. In this meld of bio and tech, they won't just be saving lives but enhancing and potentially extending them.

Human-AI collaboration 

While we often view the future in binaries - humans versus machines - the reality is more nuanced. The future is collaborative. There'll be a burgeoning demand for experts who can fine-tune this delicate dance between man and machine.

These professionals will ensure that as machines learn, they don't lose sight of human values, emotions, and ethics. They'll be crafting interfaces that feel intuitive, developing algorithms that are empathetic, and ensuring that as AI permeates society, it does so in a manner that uplifts rather than alienates.

In essence, for Gen Z, the future isn't just about adapting to change; it's about driving it. There will be job titles we have never even thought of like AI-human mediator; neural network trainer and bot behavioural therapist. As our kids step into these roles, they won't just be shaping their careers but also the contours of our collective future.

Nick Abrahams is a futurist and global co-leader of digital transformation practice at Norton Rose Fulbright. He is the co-founder of online legal business Lawpath and a Professor at Bond University where he teaches The Breakthrough Lawyer Online Coaching Program.