The past decade has seen the evolution and maturation of technology at an unprecedented pace. This digital transformation has revolutionized nearly every sector of life–from how we access information to how we communicate with others to how we shop to how we consume entertainment content. Along with these massive shifts to the economy have come changes in the nature of many careers as well as the birth of entirely new fields and roles that existed only in the imagination of futurists just a few years ago. 

For college and career counselors who are charged with ensuring that students are ready for the career and life they will meet beyond graduation, these rapid changes in the current job market add layers of complexity. It is extremely challenging to keep up with the development in skills and competencies needed for these evolving opportunities. And beyond simply being aware of the options that will greet today’s secondary students, giving students access to professionals with first-hand experiences who can provide guidance on these emerging fields is nearly impossible on a large scale. 

Consider this sampling of 5 careers that did not exist just a decade ago to get a sense of what kinds of professional roles might be possible when our secondary students hit the workforce: 

Podcaster (Average annual salary: $73,300)

What began as a hobby for individuals exploring the early possibilities of the internet has become a huge money-generator and one of the dominant ways people receive news analysis, explore topics of interest, and enjoy entertainment on car rides, commutes, and while exercising. Podcasts span a variety of formats and topics and can range from conversations, to narratives, to investigations and interviews. They can be a great profession for individuals who previously may have thought about broadcast journalism or who have a niche interest such as sports or popular culture and strong communication skills. The job of a podcaster can offer a great deal of flexibility and, in many instances, gives the podcaster or producer more leverage over content and production. 

Virtual Reality Designer (Average annual salary: $76,600)

Though video game design has been around for several decades, we now have the opportunity to create entirely new interactive and dynamic worlds in the virtual space. The work to build these virtual realities is multilayered and includes a wide variety of expertise: sophisticated coding, artistic animation, graphic design, script writing, business acumen, and user experience production and strategy. These virtual reality creations have transcended the entertainment market to include offerings from major corporations, retail stores, and real estate companies, as well as virtual events to allow for conferences and collaborations. Virtual reality designing can be a great career fit at the intersection of technology, creativity, and a variety of marketspaces. 

Telemedicine Physician (Average annual salary range: $137,200 - $253,200)

The burgeoning field of telehealth exploded during the pandemic as individuals sought ways to connect with medical care. During this time, patients grew more comfortable with virtual medical appointments and enjoyed the convenience and increased access. And, insurance companies updated policies to include telehealth–both for physical and mental health needs–in coverage. With this growth has come the demand for telehealth physicians and clinicians. While the credential training for medical doctors and licensed therapists is the same as in-person clinicians, the options to practice medicine virtually provide flexibility in scheduling and options to work at home that were not previously possible for medical providers. 

Social Media Manager (Average annual salary: $54,400)

Social media has become a dominant part of culture, community, and commerce. Though previously seen as superfluous, social media managers have become a primary part of a marketing team and strategy. Social media managers must be skilled communicators, analyze data to understand trends, and successfully and appropriately engage followers to build and enrich communities. Today’s secondary students are digital natives who have grown up with the presence of social media for the entirety of their lives and tend to understand the reach and impact more deeply than older generations–being prime candidates for these vital roles. 

Machine Learning Programmer (Average annual salary: $117,400)

The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is experiencing exponential growth. In the past year, alone, AI engines have transformed from something only high-level computer engineers work with to options providing open-access for anyone to explore and utilize–proving AI will be a fundamental component of the future growth of nearly all industries. Machine programming is an emerging field that harnesses the power of AI to train machines to use big data to identify trends and predict outcomes, without being specifically programmed to do so. Machine learning is on the verge of becoming a critical component of many sectors from healthcare to online consumer shopping to banking, making it a timely career choice for current secondary students. 

Connecting Students with Cutting-Edge Careers ‍

A high-quality college and career readiness (CCR) platform can be a tremendous resource for staying up-to-date on growing fields and career possibilities as well as connecting students with information from professionals currently engaged in these sectors. Robust CCR platforms should have an ongoing process to update the careers included in student exploration. SchooLinks provides a deep and broad catalog of videos from vetted professionals and the ability for students to connect directly with those in fields of interest to them. With access to these cutting-edge professionals along with tools and resources to guide their planning and preparation, students can be ready for any future career they may meet–even ones that do not yet exist. 

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