What to study now to be ready for the best jobs in the future?

It’s a big dilemma: you want to select which university to go to and what to study there, but you have no idea which jobs will be in demand and high-paying 20 years from now. Well, we are here to help. Even though predicting the top 20 in-demand and highest-paid jobs 20 years from now is a challenging task (as it depends on several factors such as economic trends, technological advancements, and societal changes), we still gave it our best shot; based on currently available information from a combination of various sources including industry reports, career projections, and job market analyses, as well as trend analysis.

So, without further ado, here are some potential high-paying jobs in the next 20 years, and the university majors that could prepare you for them:

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1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialist: As AI technology continues to advance, there will be a growing demand for experts who can develop and deploy AI systems to solve complex problems and improve efficiency in various industries.
   What to study: Computer Science or Data Science

2. Space Exploration Engineer: With increasing interest in space exploration and the possibility of commercial space travel, there will be a growing demand for engineers who can design and build spacecraft and other space-related technologies.
   What to study: Aerospace Engineering or Physics

3. Renewable Energy Manager: As society moves towards more sustainable practices, there will be a growing demand for professionals who can manage and implement renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar power.
   What to study: Environmental Science or Engineering

4. Biotechnology Researcher: With continued advancements in biotechnology, there will be a growing demand for researchers who can develop new treatments and cures for various diseases.
   What to study: Biotechnology or Biochemistry

5. Healthcare Data Analyst: As healthcare becomes increasingly data-driven, there will be a growing demand for professionals who can analyze and interpret healthcare data to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
   What to study: Data Science or Healthcare Administration

6. Blockchain Developer: With the growing interest in blockchain technology and its potential applications in various industries, there will be a growing demand for developers who can create and implement blockchain solutions.
   What to study: Computer Science or Mathematics

7. Climate Change Analyst: As the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, there will be a growing demand for professionals who can analyze and assess the impact of climate change and develop strategies to mitigate its effects.
   What to study: Environmental Science or Public Policy

8. Augmented Reality Designer: With the growing popularity of augmented reality technology, there will be a growing demand for designers who can create engaging and immersive AR experiences.
   What to study: Computer Science or Graphic Design

9. Genetic Counselor: With the growing availability of genetic testing and personalized medicine, there will be a growing demand for professionals who can provide counseling and guidance to patients based on their genetic information.
   What to study: Biology or Genetics

10. Cybersecurity Analyst: With the increasing frequency and severity of cyber attacks, there will be a growing demand for professionals who can identify and mitigate cyber threats to protect sensitive information and systems.
    What to study: Cybersecurity or Computer Science

11. Personalized Medicine Physician: With advancements in genetic testing and precision medicine, there will be a growing demand for physicians who can provide personalized treatment plans based on a patient’s genetic information.
    What to study: Genetics or Medicine

12. Quantum Computing Engineer: As quantum computing technology continues to advance, there will be a growing demand for engineers who can develop and implement quantum computing solutions to solve complex problems in various industries.
    What to study: Physics or Computer Science

13. Robotics Engineer: With the increasing use of robotics in various industries, there will be a growing demand for engineers who can design and build robots to perform tasks more efficiently and effectively.
    What to study: Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science

14. Virtual Reality Architect: With the growing popularity of virtual reality technology, there will be a growing demand for architects who can design immersive and engaging VR environments.
    What to study: Computer Science or Architecture

15. Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: With the growing importance of employee well-being and job satisfaction in the workplace, there will be a growing demand for psychologists who can improve workplace productivity and satisfaction.
    What to study: Psychology or Business

16. Cryptocurrency Expert: With the growing popularity of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, there will be a growing demand for experts who can navigate and leverage this emerging market.
    What to study: Finance or Computer Science

17. Synthetic Biology Engineer: With advancements in synthetic biology, there will be a growing demand for engineers who can design and build biological systems to solve problems in various industries.
    What to study: Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering

18. Sustainable Agriculture Specialist: With the growing importance of sustainable agriculture and food production, there will be a growing demand for professionals who can manage and implement sustainable farming practices.
    What to study: Environmental Science or Agriculture

19. Urban Planner: With increasing urbanization and population growth, there will be a growing demand for planners who can design and manage urban spaces to improve livability and sustainability.
    What to study: Architecture or Urban Planning

20. Social Media Strategist: With the increasing importance of social media in marketing and communication, there will be a growing demand for professionals who can develop effective social media strategies to reach and engage target audiences.
    What to study: Marketing or Communication

Now, if you are looking at this list and finding yourself confused at many of these job titles that are not all very mainstream today, please bear in mind that this list mainly covers new roles that we think will become important in the future. But don’t worry: there are also still a lot of jobs that today are already well-paid and in high demand, that will continue to be very relevant 20 years from now. So, let’s look at that list as well, and surely most of these jobs will look more familiar to you:

1. Software Developer: As technology continues to advance, there will be an increasing demand for software developers who can create and maintain software systems for a variety of industries.
   What to study: Computer Science or Software Engineering.

2. Data Scientist: As data continues to become more important in various industries, there will be a growing demand for data scientists who can analyze and interpret large amounts of data to improve business outcomes.
   What to study: Data Science, Statistics, or Computer Science.

3. Information Security Analyst: As the threat of cyber attacks continues to increase, there will be a growing demand for information security analysts who can identify and mitigate potential security risks.
   What to study: Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or Information Technology.

4. Nurse Practitioner: With an aging population and a growing need for healthcare services, there will be a growing demand for nurse practitioners who can provide primary care services.
   What to study: Nursing and obtain a master’s degree in Nursing.

5. Physician Assistant: Similar to nurse practitioners, physician assistants can provide primary care services and assist physicians with medical procedures.
   What to study:  Pre-med and obtain a master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

6. Financial Manager: As businesses continue to grow and become more complex, there will be a growing demand for financial managers who can manage financial operations and develop financial strategies.
   What to study: Finance or Business Administration.

7. Management Analyst: With the increasing need for businesses to improve efficiency and reduce costs, there will be a growing demand for management analysts who can identify and implement strategies to improve business operations.
   What to study: Business administration or Management.

8. Marketing Manager: With the growing importance of digital marketing, there will be a growing demand for marketing managers who can develop and implement effective marketing strategies.
   What to study: Marketing or Business Administration.

9. Physical Therapist: With an aging population and a growing need for healthcare services, there will be a growing demand for physical therapists who can help patients recover from injuries and illnesses.
   What to study: Physical Therapy and obtain a doctorate degree.

10. Occupational Therapist: Similar to physical therapists, occupational therapists help patients recover from injuries and illnesses, but with a focus on daily activities and routines.
    What to study: Occupational Therapy and obtain a master’s degree.

11. Human Resources Manager: With the increasing need for businesses to attract and retain top talent, there will be a growing demand for human resources managers who can manage human resources operations and develop effective talent strategies.
    What to study: Human Resources or Business Administration.
12. Actuary: With the increasing complexity of risk management in various industries, there will be a growing demand for actuaries who can analyze and predict potential risks.
    What to study: Actuarial Science, Statistics, or Mathematics.

13. Physician: With a growing population and a need for healthcare services, there will be a growing demand for physicians who can provide medical care to patients.
    What to study: Pre-med and obtain a medical degree.
14. Dentist: Similar to physicians, dentists provide medical care but with a focus on oral health.
    What to study: Pre-dentistry and obtain a dental degree.
15. Pharmacist: With a growing need for healthcare services, there will be a growing demand for pharmacists who can fill prescriptions and provide medication counseling to patients.
    What to study: Pharmacy and obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
16. Electrical Engineer: With the growing importance of technology in various industries, there will be a growing demand for electrical engineers who can design and develop electrical systems and devices.
    What to study: Electrical Engineering or a related field.
17. Mechanical Engineer: Similar to electrical engineers, mechanical engineers design and develop mechanical systems and devices for various industries.
    What to study: Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
18. Civil Engineer: With the growing need for infrastructure development and maintenance, there will be a growing demand for civil engineers who can design and manage construction projects.
    What to study: Civil Engineering or a related field.
19. Construction Manager: With the increasing complexity of construction projects, there will be a growing demand for construction managers who can oversee and manage construction projects from start to finish.
    What to study: Construction Management or a related field.
20. Environmental Scientist: With the growing concern for environmental issues and sustainability, there will be a growing demand for environmental scientists who can analyze and mitigate potential environmental risks.
    What to study: Environmental Science, Biology, Geography, or a related field.

These jobs are expected to continue to be in high demand because they are essential to various industries, such as healthcare, technology, finance, and construction. As the population grows and becomes more diverse, the need for these professionals will only increase. In addition, the advancement of technology will continue to create new opportunities and challenges that these professionals will need to address. To prepare for these jobs, it is recommended to obtain a relevant degree and gain relevant work experience through internships or entry-level positions in the field.

Keep in mind that these lists are speculative and are not exhaustive or definitive lists of the most in-demand or highest-paid jobs in the future. Please note that the job market is constantly changing, and while these lists are based on current trends and projections, they may not necessarily reflect the reality 20 years from now. It is always important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field and to continue to build your skills and knowledge. It is important to choose a major that aligns with your interests and skills, as well as considering market demand and employment outlook.

Good luck!