Top Emerging Careers of the Future

The careers your students will pursue may not even exist yet. As industries evolve and technology reshapes the workforce, educators have a powerful opportunity—and responsibility—to help students navigate a future defined by change.

Awareness of emerging careers is crucial to helping your students make informed decisions about their future. And by equipping them with the right skills, experiences, and mindset, you can prepare your students to thrive.

Let’s explore the top emerging careers of the future and what it takes to succeed in those fields.

What are Emerging Careers?

Emerging careers are new or rapidly growing job fields, often linked with cutting-edge technologies and evolving industries. The rise of artificial intelligence, automation, and digitization, for example, has created new careers for data scientists, AI specialists, and cybersecurity experts.

Changing societal needs and demands can also cause new careers to emerge. For instance, the growing urgency of climate change has led to the rise of careers in sustainability, such as renewable energy specialists and sustainable product designers.

With rapid advancements in technology, traditional career paths may become obsolete. Emerging careers offer professionals the chance to explore innovative fields, capitalize on new opportunities, and position themselves for success in an evolving job market.

Skills Needed for Top Careers of the Future

Emerging careers require transferable and technical skills, along with a commitment to continuous learning and upskilling.

Applicable across various industries and job roles, transferable skills include:

• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Adaptability
• Creativity

These skills equip professionals to navigate an increasingly complex workforce. And transferable skills are exactly what employers want.

According to the Job Outlook 2025 report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 64% of employers have embraced skills-based hiring. The top 3 skills they’re looking for? Problem solving, teamwork, and written communication.¹

Alongside transferable skills, technical skills are also in high demand. As technology continues to advance, proficiency is essential in areas such as:

• Data analysis
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Programming
• Cybersecurity
• Digital marketing

Developing these technical skills enhances employability and opens doors to exciting opportunities in cutting-edge industries.

Yet, transferable and technical skills are not enough to stay competitive in the future job market. Continuous learning and upskilling are equally important.

With the emergence of new technologies and new industries, workers must adapt and continue to develop their skills. Embracing a growth mindset and actively seeking learning opportunities can position professionals for long-term career success. Workers can upskill in many ways, including:

• Online courses
• Workshops
• Industry certifications
• Conferences

Top Emerging Careers to Watch

Data Science and Analytics

The world generates 149 zettabytes of data every day.² To put that in perspective, just 1 zettabyte is the equivalent of 250 billion DVDs! With this exponential growth in data, skilled data scientists and analysts are in high demand.

Data science experts collect, analyze, and interpret large sets of data to uncover insights that can inform business decisions. Over the next decade, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 36% increase in the employment of data scientists. And you’ll find them across countless industries.³

In finance, data scientists analyze millions of transactions to detect fraud. In healthcare, they analyze data from medical studies to accelerate the development of new drugs and treatments. You’ll even find data scientists in transportation, where their analysis can optimize the flow of traffic and predict delays.

Want to prepare your students for a career in data science and analytics? Give them a head start with online STEM courses from Outlier by Savvas. Dual enrollment courses like Intro to Statistics and Computer Science I will develop their math and technical skills while they earn real college credit from a top 50 university. 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are also revolutionizing entire industries. Workers in these fields develop algorithms and systems that power automation and improve efficiency.

Like data scientists, you’ll find AI and ML professionals in almost every industry. They write algorithms that help businesses optimize their inventory and navigate supply chain issues. They create chatbots that resolve simple issues and provide 24/7 customer support. They even develop tools that can detect and prevent cyber threats.

These professionals are well-compensated, with a median salary of $140,910 per year. Plus, they can expect job security, with 3,400 job openings per year over the next decade.⁴

Empower your students to explore these emerging careers with Savvas CTE. In the STEM career cluster, you’ll find cutting-edge digital courses in artificial intelligence, robotics, and more.

Sustainability and Green Jobs

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainability professionals is on the rise. Green jobs focus on finding innovative solutions to address climate change, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices.

For example, some architects and construction professionals focus on implementing green building practices into workplaces, homes, and community spaces. Agricultural and food scientists conduct research to improve the productivity and sustainability of crops. Environmental engineers design systems that protect the environment, such as reclaiming water or controlling air pollution.

Entry-level jobs in these emerging careers of the future require different levels of education. But all have a positive job outlook, with strong wages and faster-than-average growth in employment.

* Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

CTE courses can expose your students to potential career paths in sustainability. In Agriscience courses, for example, learners examine the environmental factors at play in the world’s largest industry. In Smart Cities: Technology and Applications, students discover how technology can solve longstanding problems with traffic and pollution. And in LEED Green Associate, students explore green construction practices and future trends while preparing for professional certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

How to Prepare for an Emerging Career

As new careers become available in the job market, how can high school students start preparing? They can focus on three key areas:

1. Education and training
2. Internships and practical experience
3. Networking and industry connections

Education and Training

The first step in preparing for an emerging career is ensuring your students have the right education and training. Have students research the skills and qualifications required for careers that interest them. This can inform the courses they choose to take in high school, any professional certifications they pursue, and, if they go on to college, the programs they apply to.

Students should also stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies, which often shape careers of the future. Consider how you can integrate new technologies like generative AI into the classroom. Discuss the ethics of emerging technology while honing students’ technical skills.

Looking for an all-in-one solution to prepare students for emerging career paths? Savvas PathMaker combines online dual-enrollment courses with a diverse catalog of digital CTE courses. So your students graduate high school with everything they need to thrive in the modern workforce: 

• College credits
• Industry certifications
• Transferable skills

Internships and Practical Experience

Practical experience gained through internships, apprenticeships, or hands-on learning in the classroom is crucial in preparing for an emerging career. Many organizations offer summer internships specifically tailored to emerging careers, allowing working-age students to learn from industry professionals and build their skillset.

High school internship programs in emerging careers include:

• Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program
• Clean Water Ambassadors Internship
• Microsoft Discovery Program
• The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging Summer Research Internship
• U.S. Youth Conservation Corps

Networking and Industry Connections

Building a strong professional network is essential for success in any career. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and help professionals stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.

High school students can start by participating in online communities to connect with others who share their career interests. They might also shadow a working professional in the field to see what their day-to-day is like and start building industry connections.

As students graduate or go on to college, they can continue to build their network by:

• Attending conferences
• Becoming active on LinkedIn
• Joining professional associations

Opportunities and Challenges in Emerging Careers

Emerging careers hold enormous potential for students seeking new and exciting opportunities. These careers offer high growth potential that often outpaces traditional industries in job openings and salary—offering greater job security and upward mobility. However, staying current with new technologies and trends requires continuous learning and adaptability.

Many roles in emerging sectors center on innovation, giving students the chance to work on groundbreaking projects with real-world impact. This kind of work can lead to high job satisfaction, especially for those motivated by problem-solving and creativity. Yet, the fast pace and evolving expectations can also lead to burnout without proper support and balance.

The rise of the gig economy and remote work means students can now explore non-traditional career paths or work from virtually anywhere. While this flexibility is appealing, gig and remote workers must be adaptable and have strong self-management skills. Educators can prepare students by practicing time management and professional communication in online environments.

As emerging fields lower the barriers to starting new ventures and bringing fresh ideas to market, entrepreneurship offers another viable pathway. Students interested in creating their own opportunities will need resilience, business knowledge, and mentorship to succeed. 

Prepare Your Students for Careers of the Future

Getting students ready for emerging careers isn’t just about teaching the latest tools or technologies. It’s about helping them become lifelong learners, creative problem-solvers, and adaptable professionals.

With the right support, your students can seize the opportunities of a changing world and shape the future in meaningful ways. The path forward is full of potential—let’s help them take the first step.

Check out our College Readiness and Career Readiness blog to learn more about the best strategies to prepare your students for high school, college, and beyond.