It is estimated that well-paid jobs will be provided in the near future by the selection of studies oriented to science and technology (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics – STEM). However, after the mid-2030s, the development of Artificial Intelligence may make human knowledge of STEM objects less valuable, as technological change is likely to be extremely rapid – mechanical systems will learn everything very quickly – and human possibilities relatively finite, while education/training will also find it difficult to anticipate developments.
How market needs have changed
According to IBV research, in 2016, human resources managers ranked knowledge in STEM and knowledge of digital skills as the most essential qualifications in executive recruitment. Today, after a few years, those in charge consider that the most valuable qualifications are behaviour, flexibility, adaptability to change and prioritization of priorities that change very often.
How soft skills equate graduates of humanitarian studies
A survey conducted in 2017 by the US Census Bureau concerns the salaries of graduates of positive and humanitarian studies. According to the research, the comparative advantages of STEM graduates decrease after the first job, while after the age of 40, STEM graduates are equated with those of social and humanities. This is because they cannot compete with young STEM graduates who have up-to-date knowledge and because social science graduates seem to do better in some horizontal skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking and adaptability, which are essential in senior and top management positions.
There are no safe conclusions for the future of the market
People will always try to find out which professions will be in demand in the future, and those who claim to know what they are are usually based on unsubstantiated, unscientific approaches. There are indications for this but no safe conclusions. In no case can one draw definite conclusions about the course of the labour market. It depends on many factors such as economic activity, employer incentives, and the often unexpected fluctuations in consumer demand and people’s preferences for new products and services.
The needs and requirements of employers
These are just some of the goal-setting needs and requirements of modern employers. Respectively, the main soft skills are adaptability and the ability to work in a team. Also, we must not forget the existence of the “threat” of automation at work. A secure transition to a high value-added digital economy is important for maintaining existing positions and creating new ones to replace them with artificial intelligence.
Of course, the modern rules of work have changed, and we, in turn, must follow them. In addition to thousands of work problems, the pandemic also created some opportunities for development and growth. Important occupations are now basically performed from home, such as that of voice actor, where employees can work from their place if they have the knowledge to use the recording programs and mix their content. Suppose these employees have adapted to these new working conditions. In that case, they are more likely to work under exceptional conditions that give them freedom and flexibility, as in Voquent‘s voice acting agency. Opportunities of course, are out there, but one must be willing to adapt to the needs of the time, constantly enriching one’s knowledge and skills.
