Your middle school student is growing up during one of the most dynamic labor markets in history. In the next five years, new career fields will emerge faster than ever — largely driven by advances in artificial intelligence. Today’s tweens and teens will graduate from high school at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping the study of traditional academic disciplines, as well as the pursuit of skilled trades.
But there’s no need to stress out. With a little planning today, you can help your student future-proof their postsecondary plans.
To save you time, we consulted the experts and identified five areas of study that are positioned to stay in demand and relevant by 2030:
- Machine Learning and Data Science. When it comes to AI, machine learning — the science of teaching computers to recognize patterns, learn from data and make ethical and effective decisions — is the primary driver, powering everything from voice assistants and streaming recommendations to health care advancements.
Career Options: AI researcher; AI ethicist; AI product manager; robotics engineer; app developer - Cybersecurity. Technology is growing, and so are the digital threats. A new generation of analysts and other professionals are needed to protect data in hospitals and schools, defend governments from cyber attacks and secure private businesses. This field is accessible through certifications and career-tech programs, as well as traditional four-year degrees.
Career Options: cybercrime investigator; security auditor; cloud security engineer; ethical hacker; network security administrator - Psychology and Human Behavior. Even as AI ramps up, understanding people — and their actions and motives — will remain key to commerce, leadership, public health, communication, public safety and much more.
Career Options: mental health counselor; marketing expert; UX designer; human resources manager; licensed clinical social worker - Skilled Trades. Sectors including construction, carpentry and plumbing are predicted to expand significantly in the next decade. Another area expected to grow — particularly as extreme weather becomes more common — is HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.)
Career Options: HVAC technician; electrical lineman; construction manager; welder; electrician - Health Care and Biotechnology. The world’s populations are aging, and the need for skilled workers in health care and allied health fields — from hands-on patient care and imaging to research — is expected to grow steadily.
Career Options: nurse; medical lab technician; biomedical engineer; pharmaceutical researcher; hospital administrator
The best part? Florida Prepaid can help you fund your child’s future — whether they plan to study history at a university, earn a pilot’s license, open their own bakery or become a master carpenter. Our flexible, risk-free Prepaid 529 Plans can be used nationwide at public, private, trade and technical schools. With a Prepaid Plan, you can lock in today’s prices and purchase one year at a time based on your budget, to cover tuition and fees or dormitory housing. Or open an Investment 529 Plan, choosing a simple, intermediate or advanced investment strategy, and funds can be used for tuition and fees, housing and meal plans, books and supplies, as well as computers and equipment. Plus, both plans work great together to diversify your savings!
Careers and the options available to your children are changing, but one thing remains the same: having a dedicated college savings account gives them more options to choose their best path forward!
Since 1988, Florida Prepaid’s goal has been to help make saving for college affordable and attainable for all Florida families. Build your perfect college savings strategy in minutes!
