NOW that numerous artificial intelligence (AI) applications and automation tools are in our midst, it’s unsurprising if job security and career longevity are becoming a recurring topic among employees.
Think tanks like the World Economic Forum and various government agencies have continuously urged workers to upskill, but it’s the sudden rise of AI that has motivated many to learn new skills or shift careers to stay relevant.
To help incoming college students and potential career shifters choose future-ready jobs, Mapúa University has listed down the best jobs for 2023.
Jaja C. Hernaez, Mapúa’s assistant vice president for marketing and admissions, said that Data Science, Game Development and Energy Engineering are the most promising jobs this year. Local and international employers prize these in-demand careers as they fulfill current and future skills gaps. The jobs’ flexibility, agility and scope also ensure they can address the ever-changing demands.
“With [the way work is expected to transform in the future, it is best to earn] a degree that thrives regardless of the change in demand, mode, and setup. Digitalization and internationalization are two major shifts that industries undergo,” said Hernaez. “The programs Mapúa offers will help produce a pool of professionals with necessary skill sets.”
As industries gear up for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), professionals should expect changes at work, such as the heavy use of technology, particularly collaborative intelligence between AI and human employees, an uptick in part-time or independent contractor requirements, and occupations that require lifelong learning. Professionals specializing in Data Science, Game Development and Energy Engineering have been trained to flourish in these scenarios.
Data Science, in particular, is deemed by industry experts as the “21st Century’s sexiest job” due to its unlimited work potential across industries. Data scientists are essential in the finance sector, as they analyze and transform information into key assets. The data boosts algorithms, upping products or processes, and guides business decisions.
Data scientists are much in-demand, online learning platform Coursera said that US-based professionals command about $90,000 to $275,500 yearly depending on experience; while the Indeed job portal stated they received P34,000 a month in the Philippines.
On the other hand, game developers take charge of the entire game development pipeline. These creative, bold, and technically-savvy gaming programmers are sought after by gaming, software and media companies for their computer programming, creative, animation, design and marketing skills. Online recruitment company JobStreet Phils. reported that the average monthly salary for game developers in the US was $115,155 a year. Those in the Philippines received P40,000 to P50,000 monthly.
As economies continue to explore various energy resources, the demand for competent energy engineers has also increased. Energy production and manufacturing companies, as well as local and national government agencies like the Department of Energy, need such professionals to develop and cascade green solutions and lead efforts for efficient energy consumption. Average salary of an energy engineer in the US is up to $93,788 per year, while it is P33,839 a month in the Philippines, according to Indeed.
Although these three professions are future-ready and financially rewarding, Hernaez cautions that students should still thoroughly evaluate their interests and competencies so that they will truly thrive and enjoy their future careers.
“In choosing a college program, it is important that they assess their capabilities and skills before selecting the best program and school where they think they can nurture and put their skillset to work,” she explained. “The three programs offered at Mapúa allow [such and enable learners to pursue careers] here or overseas, since global industries will continue to require such professionals even in the future.”
Whether students are accepted into Data Science, Game Development, Energy Engineering or any of the class-leading Mapúa undergraduate or postgraduate programs, they can be assured that they are already ahead because of the institutions’ internationally recognized academic curriculum. For more information, visit www.mapua.edu.ph.