Recent years have seen a profound shift in the types of jobs our post-industrial, post-dot.com and post-millennium society demands in order to thrive and propel itself into the future.

With an increasing amount of knowledge available in the collective consciousness, workers need to distinguish themselves through specialised skill sets, and future roles will require subject matter expertise or non-routine, specialised levels of service. In a world that can no longer function without technology, IT and new media opportunities will grow concurrent with technology development. Healthcare will continue to grow, not only in terms of advancements in research and treatment but also because of the need to care for an ageing population. Global environmental experts will be called upon to face the resource and climate concerns of the 21st century.

For those about to plan their future career, in addition to the demand in professional/specialised sectors, there are still promising prospects to be had in some of the more traditional vocations. To avoid jobs threatened by the offshoring trend, the key to future job security lies in proximity and creativity. Look for a job that requires a very high level of skill or creativity such as being an artist, writer, designer, musician, inventor, marketing strategist, or actor. Alternatively, learn a skilled trade that requires hands on presence such as carpentry, plumbing, electrics, hair styling, construction/contracting, mechanics or dental hygiene.