Embracing New Career Paths:

So LinkedIn recently released their Jobs on the Rise 2025 report. And below are some of the insights that can be gleaned from reading it:

1. AI and Tech Careers: There are now good reasons for parents to actively encourage their children to consider studying AI, Machine Learning, or related tech fields. It’s no longer enough for your son or daughter to consider studying just an Engineering degree. These sectors are not only growing but are pivotal to future innovations. Courses in Computer Science, Data Science, or Tech-related engineering can be highly beneficial, and if it is possible, they should consider double-majors (e.g. Engineering & Data Science / Computer Science and Electronics).
2. Revenue and Business Growth: If your child has an interest in Business, look into programs that offer specialised training in roles like Chief Revenue Officer, Sales Director or Account Executive. These roles are increasingly gaining importance for companies looking to grow, and if you have that background and experience, it maximises your chances of landing a job.
3. Cybersecurity and Data Management: With the digital landscape expanding, roles in cybersecurity, data governance, or data analysis are fast becoming more important than before. If they are looking to study an IT degree for example, you should advise them to look into these areas, especially if they have a natural knack for solving problems or if they enjoy analytical tasks, or working with lots of information.
4. Sustainability and Climate roles: While green tech roles might not be as dominant as say 5 years ago, positions like Energy Manager or Environmental Officer are also on the rise. If your child is passionate about environmental issues, these could be promising career paths to consider, if not as a first degree, then maybe for a masters degree. Similarly, Environmental Law is a specialisation to consider (How to become an environmental lawyer in England & Wales – your guide).
5. Healthcare and Human-centered roles: There’s a continued demand for roles like Home Healthcare Assistants, Health Visitors and Radiation Therapists. These careers are less about technology and more about human interaction, which can be very fulfilling and stable. These jobs are also highly unlikely to be affected by the rise in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which many companies are now racing towards.
6. Looking beyond traditional degrees, it’s important to focus on skills over credentials. This means understand that the job market is shifting towards valuing skill sets over mere degrees. So, encourage your children to engage in continuous learning, perhaps through online courses, workshops, or gaining practical experience. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or even LinkedIn Learning will be important in complementing formal education.
7. Lifelong Learning: Unlike before where it was common for people to study, get a job and work in that job for the next 30 or 40 years, these days there is this idea of a lifelong learner that’s gaining prominence. And it’s partly because the skills that are being demanded for work are changing quickly. So, the ability to adapt and learn new skills will be more important than ever. Universities in Europe and the US often offer programs that encourage this mindset, such as interdisciplinary courses or flexible degree structures.
8. Fostering Problem-Solving, Critical Thinking and Collaboration: If you are a parent, you need to encourage your children to value teamwork, critical thinking, and collaboration. These are core competencies that will help them thrive in the new career landscapes of the 21st Century, as most companies now expect team work to be a fundamental aspect of doing a job. So your children have to be comfortable working as part of a team.
9. Encouraging Diverse Experiences: This may be a controversial one at a time where immigration is seen as a negative thing, but it’s important to exposure your children to different cultures, languages, and work environments not just by taking holidays abroad, but by integrating into activities within your own country that are largely patronised by people who are unlike you. It will broaden their perspective and adaptability. Further, things like Internships, summer jobs, or exchange programs can be excellent for helping achieve this aim, although it’s important to consider these much earlier on.

Practical Advice for Parents:

African parents should encourage their children to explore universities and colleges that are changing their programs to align with the demands of today’s dynamic and fast-paced job market. Platforms like LinkedIn can be invaluable for networking and gaining insights into what employers are seeking, although there are other resources like Prospects that are equally important. Additionally, take the time to research scholarships and funding opportunities tailored to students pursuing emerging fields—many institutions offer financial support for those entering high-demand areas. But you need to apply to these early, usually a year in advance.

If your child is considering studying or working in Europe or the US, early preparation is key. By guiding them to be aware of and embrace the above advice and changing career paths, and to be flexible, adaptable and prioritise skills-building, we can empower the next generation to step confidently into a vibrant future that ultimately helps our continent. Together, we can help them thrive in global markets, equipped with the necessary tools to succeed and make a meaningful impact.