What Will the Hottest Jobs Be in 2020?

Sponsored by Macquarie University

Disruptive technologies, climate change, robotics, natural resource limitations, renewable energy, the sharing economy, the cloud, big data and aging populations: these are just some of the opportunities shaping the way people work today and the careers of the future.

If you’re just starting out on your career journey, it means that exciting prospects abound across a host of emerging industries, with entrepreneurialism, connectivity and the human touch expected to be a big part of the future career mix.

Here’s what experts predict the workplace will look like in 2020.

Cyber warfare will be the new terrorist threat

With the cost of cyber-attacks estimated to exceed $1 billion a year in Australia alone, cyber security experts are in demand worldwide. In the past five years, demand for intelligence and policy analysts has grown by 21.4%.

This demand far exceeds supply across a broad range of industries including technology, entertainment, telecommunications, banking, finance and accounting, meaning that a cyber security qualification opens the door to a wide range of interesting and rewarding careers. With technology becoming increasingly pervasive – think medical implants, electronic vehicle controls, and smart buildings – the possibilities for carving out an interesting career in this field are vast.

A handful of forward-thinking universities are already gearing up to train the next generation of cyber security experts. The high-ranking Macquarie University, for instance, recently launched their AU$10 million Optus Macquarie University Cyber Security Hub, providing students who are studying for either undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications with all the knowledge they need to create an effective cyber security environment for commercial, private and industrial applications.

Meanwhile, demand for ICT professionals will increase by up to 26.5% by 2020. Create an innovative future by studying a bachelor’s in Information Technology or master’s in Information Technology.

Ads for mathematical jobs will flood listings websites

Demand for accounting and finance professionals has increased by 44% and will grow by another 22% by 2020. Meet the demand by studying a bachelor’s in Leadership and Commerce or master’s in Accounting.

Meanwhile, demand for actuaries, mathematicians and statisticians will increase by almost 10% by 2020. Get the quantitative and qualitative skills you need to speak the language of business with a bachelor’s in Business Analytics or Science, or a master’s in Actuarial Practice.

Aging populations mean health professionals will be in high demand

Up to 40% more health and community services professionals will be needed by 2020. Join this industry by studying a bachelor’s in Psychology (Honours) or becoming a Doctor of Physiotherapy.

21.5% more medical scientists will be needed by 2020. Change lives by studying a bachelor’s in Clinical Science or master’s in Public Health.

Demand for creative, media and marketing professionals will grow

15% more advertising and marketing professionals will be needed by 2020. Make your mark by studying for a bachelor’s degree in Arts or Media, or a master’s in Commerce, specializing in marketing.

16% more performing arts technicians will be needed by 2020. Study for a bachelor’s in Media or a master’s in Creative Industries and create a career with culture.

The world will still need engineers, lawyers and teachers… Who’d have thought?

22% more telecommunications specialists will be needed by 2020. Engineer a better future by studying Engineering at bachelor’s (honours) or  master’s level.

17.6% more solicitors will be needed by 2020. Make your case for an interesting future by studying law at bachelor’s or master’s level.

Demand for all education professionals will continue to outgrow other professions by 2020. Demand for early childhood experts will increase by 27%, and special education teachers 21%. Change a child’s future by studying a bachelor’s in Education or master’s in Early Childhood.

Gear up for the future.

Macquarie University offers its students a huge diversity of great experiences that broaden their thinking and open their minds to new people and ideas, but they don’t just send our students off into the unknown. They’re there to nurture and support you so that you get the best out of everything you try. Whether it’s because of their Study Abroad and International Exchange Programs or their Global Leadership Programs, you won’t be the same person when you leave.

Macquarie’s unique PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) program also gives you practical experience while you study and can help open doors to an exciting career. Their Global Leadership Program (GLP) has been recognised as Australia’s flagship tertiary global leadership program, receiving the 2017 Institute of International Education’s prestigious international award for Innovation in International Education – Internationalising the Campus. Also, their Student Exchange program gives you the opportunity to study overseas for just a couple of weeks, a whole session or even a year at more than 150 partner universities in more than 40 countries.

So what are you waiting for? Find out more about how Macquarie’s programs can make you future-ready and study in Sydney, Australia, one of the most desirable student cities in the world accord to the QS Student City Index 2017.