The future of work. Looking beyond 2025

There’s no denying we’re living in a time of rapid change. However, while times of change are disruptive, they’re often times of opportunity. So, this is your time to be fearless, to go back to study, get that degree you’ve always wanted and make your passion your career.

What sort of job opportunities will there be in the future?

The challenges we’ve seen during the pandemic have fast-tracked entire new industries and innovations. Business opportunities, medical innovations, the growth of in-home services, new software solutions for people working from home, new tech inventions, food-service innovations… the list seems endless, as do the opportunities for people with the right skills.

Why should you start a uni degree?

The Australian Government is predicting over 1,176,000 more jobs by November 2026, with over half (52%) of that growth coming from people with a bachelor degree or higher. But the good news doesn’t stop there…

What are the most in-demand jobs for the future?

A range of careers areas are projected to see strong employment growth, including:

Health Care and Social Assistance, Australia’s largest industry by 249,500 (or 14.2%).
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services by 131,100 (or 11.0%).
STEM occupations (using science, technology, engineering and maths skills) by 12.9%, well above the average of all occupations (of 7.8%) and more than twice as fast as non-STEM occupations (6.2%)*.

Plus, we’re projected to see growth in Education and Training, Arts and Recreation Services, Financial and Insurance Services… well, you get the idea.

*National Skills Commission - sourced March 2022

How do you prepare for your future job?

We can’t predict exactly what the jobs of 2026 and beyond will be, but we can help you become graduate ready for them. At Flinders, we work closely with industry to ensure you develop the skills you’ll need to succeed in the future.

But there a few things that you can do to boost your employability and prepare yourself for the jobs of the future. Here are three little tips and one big one that will help you stay ahead of the rest.

1. How do you keep up with workplace changes?

The future of work is going to be highly fluid. Technological revolutions such as the growth in AI means that unless you’re dying to work as a 19^th century blacksmith in a historic village, chances are that your chosen field will undergo changes over the next few years.

Don’t let it stress you. If you stay informed and up to date with industry trends, you’ll find yourself in a great position. As industries change, they will always look for people to help facilitate that change. People who understand where the industry is heading and how to get there. People like you.

Stay tech savvy, research new trends and look for gaps that may appear as changes move through your industry.

2. Why is networking important?

Building a strong network can not only put you ahead of other job applicants, it can put you ahead of all the bots and algorithms in today’s automated application processes that may block your path to a job.

These days there aren’t as many physical networking events, so LinkedIn, Twitter and other industry channels are your friends. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to an industry figure, comment on a blog or reply to a tweet.

Don’t be shy. Industry professionals are (mostly) not monsters. At Flinders, we speak directly to employers, and they’re telling us they want you to make contact. So feel confident that you can put your hand up and say hi.

3. Can social media hurt your career?

Believe it or not, employers will deep dive into your digital past. They may deny it, but that smile during your interview could be inspired by those Lizzo moves in your About Damn Time TikTok.

Seriously, a bit of bad dancing isn’t going to get you in trouble at an interview, but inappropriate images, online extremism or contentious views will be seen, and may have an impact. You have a right to be express yourself online, but be aware that what you say or do may come back to haunt you.

So what's the big tip?

In tomorrow’s job market, a uni degree will give you an edge. A uni degree will not only give you the skills you need to compete against other applicants, it will give you the skills to stay ahead of other applicants.

You’ll learn how to future-proof yourself. You’ll gain industry insights and skills that will allow you to embrace change and take advantage of it. You’ll undergo industry work placements that will not only give you a better understanding of how that industry works on a day-to-day basis but will give you great networking opportunities.

Do you need a degree for the jobs of the future?

A degree is pretty much a must-have for many industries, and in tomorrow’s job market a uni degree will be even more important. Flinders is developing study programs specifically built around the current and future needs of industries. We’re preparing graduates like you for the jobs of tomorrow.

So, be fearless and gain the skills and qualifications you need to move into a career you’re passionate about sooner.