The Future of Jobs and Professions

Global Group
The Future of Jobs and Professions

Expected Changes by 2030 and Beyond

Report to the Management Consultant

Dr. Yousef Manafikhi
Director of the Global Group for Training, Business, and Artificial Intelligence

The world of work is undergoing rapid transformations driven by technological advancements, demographic changes, and global crises. These shifts are reshaping the nature of jobs and required skills, urging us to understand future labor market trends.

It is essential to clarify that “decline” in this context does not necessarily mean the complete disappearance of certain jobs. Instead, it may indicate reduced demand, significant changes in job nature, or complete automation of these roles.

Content Outline:

Overview of Net Job Growth
Current Situation and Development with Professional Needs
Jobs Expected to Thrive by 2030
Jobs Expected to Decline by 2030
Conclusions and Recommendations
Sources of Information

1. Overview of Net Job Growth

Reports from the World Economic Forum and other international organizations provide varying expectations regarding net job growth. Generally, there is consensus that technology will eliminate some traditional jobs while simultaneously creating new ones in previously non-existent fields.

Expectations: Estimates suggest that millions of new jobs could be created by 2030, with a net increase in jobs over the medium to long term. However, this growth will not be evenly distributed across sectors and geographic regions.
Challenges: The loss of traditional jobs poses a significant challenge, requiring workers to acquire new skills to adapt to a changing job market. Additionally, concerns about widening disparities between high- and low-skilled workers persist.

Key figures:

New job creation: 170 million new jobs are expected by 2030.
Job losses: 92 million jobs will likely be lost due to digital transformation and economic shifts.
Net growth: 78 million additional jobs.
Warning: Despite net job growth, opportunities may not automatically improve for everyone. Success depends on individuals’ skills and adaptability to change.

2. Current Situation and Development with Professional Needs

The labor market is currently experiencing significant shifts:

Digitization and Automation: Technology is automating processes, reducing reliance on human labor in some sectors.
Remote Work: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work models, a trend expected to persist.
In-Demand Skills: The demand for technical skills such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity is rising, alongside soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.

Professional needs:
To adapt to these changes, individuals and organizations should focus on:

Acquiring new skills: Investing in education and training to acquire skills relevant to the future job market.
Flexibility and adaptability: Continuously adapting to ongoing labor market changes and acquiring new skills.
Lifelong learning: Cultivating a culture of continuous learning to keep pace with technological and economic developments.

3. Jobs Expected to Thrive by 2030

Some sectors are anticipated to see significant job growth by 2030:

Technology: Roles such as software development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity are expected to grow.
Healthcare: Increased demand for healthcare workers due to aging populations and rising chronic illnesses.
Renewable Energy: Rapid growth in this sector due to global sustainability initiatives and climate change efforts.
Education and Training: Rising demand for educators and trainers to meet the need for skill development.

Detailed Breakdown:

Technology and Artificial Intelligence
1. Growing roles:
  1. Big Data specialists
  1. Machine learning and AI engineers
  1. Software developers
  1. Cybersecurity experts
  1. IoT specialists
1. Reasons for growth:
  1. Expansion of digital transformation technologies
  1. Increasing demand for smarter and more secure systems
  1. Greater reliance on big data for decision-making
Green Transition
1. Growing roles:
  1. Renewable energy engineers
  1. Environmental engineers
  1. Technicians for electric and autonomous vehicle systems
1. Reasons for growth:
  1. Increased investments in renewable energy
  1. Global shift towards reducing carbon emissions
  1. Innovations in sustainable transportation technologies
Healthcare and Education
1. Growing roles:
  1. Professional nurses
  1. Higher education and secondary teachers
  1. Social work counselors
1. Reasons for growth:
  1. Rising demand for healthcare services due to demographic changes
  1. Need for improved skills in new generations to keep up with technological advancements
  1. Psychological and social impacts of global crises
Sales and Logistics Services
1. Growing roles:
  1. Delivery drivers
  1. Construction workers
  1. Food processing workers
1. Reasons for growth:
  1. Expansion of e-commerce
  1. Demand for modern infrastructure
  1. Shifts in food consumption patterns

4. Jobs Expected to Decline by 2030

The global labor market is undergoing profound changes due to accelerated technological progress, especially in artificial intelligence and automation. These transformations are expected to lead to a decline or significant alteration in certain traditional roles by 2030.

Key factors driving job declines:

Automation and AI: Routine and repetitive tasks are increasingly automated, reducing the need for human labor in these areas.
Digitalization: Transitioning to digital processes decreases demand for manual and paper-based tasks.
Changing market demand: Shifts in consumer preferences and consumption patterns impact certain industries.

Certain jobs are expected to face reduced demand or transformation due to technological and economic changes:

1. Administrative and Clerical Roles

Examples of declining jobs:
- Data entry clerks
- Bank tellers
- Secretaries and administrative assistants
- Payroll and bookkeeping clerks
Reasons for decline:
- Widespread adoption of automation in administrative tasks.
- AI tools capable of managing schedules, finances, and data processing with greater efficiency.

2. Manufacturing and Production Jobs

Examples of declining jobs:
- Assembly line workers
- Machine operators
- Textile and garment workers
Reasons for decline:
- Increased reliance on industrial robots and automated production systems.
- Global economic shifts, such as outsourcing and cost-effective automation.

3. Retail and Sales Jobs

Examples of declining jobs:
- Cashiers
- Retail sales associates
Reasons for decline:
- Growth of e-commerce and online shopping platforms.
- Automation in checkout systems through self-service kiosks and AI-driven inventory management.

4. Transport and Logistics

Examples of declining jobs:
- Drivers (especially long-haul truck drivers and taxi drivers)
Reasons for decline:
- Emergence of autonomous vehicle technologies.
- Investments in drone-based and automated delivery systems.

5. Traditional Media and Publishing Jobs

Examples of declining jobs:
- Print journalists
- Printing press operators
- Publishing house workers
Reasons for decline:
- Shift from print media to digital platforms.
- AI-generated content and personalized news delivery systems.

5. Conclusions and Recommendations

The future labor market presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. While some jobs will decline, others will emerge, creating new avenues for growth and development.

Key Recommendations:

Upskilling and Reskilling:
1. Focus on acquiring technical skills, such as data analysis, programming, and cybersecurity.
1. Develop soft skills like leadership, critical thinking, and creativity to remain competitive.
Lifelong Learning:
1. Encourage continuous education through online platforms, certifications, and specialized training programs.
1. Promote adaptability to cope with emerging trends.
Embrace Technology:
1. Leverage technology in all professional fields to enhance productivity and innovation.
1. Stay informed about advancements in AI, automation, and renewable energy.
Government and Organizational Roles:
1. Policymakers should design inclusive economic strategies that support workforce transitions.
1. Organizations should invest in employee training and digital transformation initiatives.
Social and Ethical Considerations:
1. Ensure equitable access to opportunities across regions and demographics.
1. Address ethical concerns surrounding automation and AI’s impact on privacy and employment.