What are Future-Proof Jobs and Why Does it Matter?

The job market is constantly changing, accelerated by the dynamic nature of technological advancements. Have you ever wondered which of today’s jobs will be redundant and disappear in the future? The arrival of ChatGPT, Copilot and other AI-generated technologies has made many students and professionals ask themselves which jobs are future-proof. 

If you are about to start a career in technology and digital or are looking for a career change from another industry, keep reading to learn what future-proof jobs are and why it matters to choose a career path with a future that is (and will remain) in high demand. 

What are Future-Proof Jobs?

Future-proof jobs is an expression some people use to englobe all positions expected to remain in demand despite technological changes, economic shifts, and evolving industry landscapes. 

Future-proof jobs typically require a unique blend of tech and soft skills that machines cannot easily replicate, such as creative thinking, complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills. 

Why should Future-Proof Jobs Matter to Junior Professionals?

The importance of selecting a career path likely to remain in demand cannot be overstated, especially these days when it feels like you are expected to get your professional career on track by the time you are 25 years old. 

As industries integrate more tech-driven solutions and companies drive change and digital transformation, the demand for skilled professionals in these areas is skyrocketing. By aligning your career with these future-proof jobs, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success, ensuring your skills remain relevant and in high demand. 

10 Future-Proof Jobs in Technology and Digital

If you want to secure future job prospects and are concerned about sustained career growth and career stability, look at future-proof jobs such as those below: 

1. AI and Machine Learning Specialist

With AI technologies becoming integral to business operations, the need for AI professionals who can develop, manage, and implement AI systems is growing exponentially. With a growing number of companies seeking AL and ML specialists and a relatively small pool of candidates with AI and ML skills and experience, salaries in this area are increasing throughout the UK. 

• Average UK salary for an AI Developer: £40,000 – £60,000+ DOE / London: £45,000 – £70,000+ DOE 

2. Data Scientist

Businesses increasingly rely on data to make strategic decisions, and they need data scientists to help them interpret and extract value from their data. This makes Data Science a future-proof role across diverse sectors.

• Average UK salary: £34,000 – £80,000+ DOE / London: £55,000 – £85,000+ DOE 

3. Cybersecurity Engineer

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for cybersecurity professionals who can protect systems and data from breaches and attacks increases. While cybersecurity talent pools aren’t particularly diverse, the high demand for cybersecurity has attracted digital and tech professionals to all cybersecurity areas: application security, forensics, data loss prevention, incident response, network security, security architecture, threat intelligence and vulnerability management.

• Average UK salary: £50,000 – £80,000+ DOE / London: £55,000 – £85,000+ DOE 

4. Cloud Architect

The shift to cloud computing means specialists who can design, implement, and manage cloud systems are in high demand. Cloud Architects who can prove their technical expertise and excel at soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, adaptability and flexibility will be able to advance in their careers and remain relevant, adapting to new digital advances.  

• Average UK salary: £70,000 – £100,000+ DOE / London: £75,000 – £105,000+ DOE 

5. Software Developer

Yes, Copilot, ChatGPT, and Gemini can help you write code and debug, but that doesn’t mean Software Developers are suddenly finding themselves out of a job. Quite the opposite, actually. Software developers will remain one of the most critical roles in IT because of their ability to create the applications and systems that keep digital businesses running.

• Average UK salary for a Front End Developer: £35,000 – £60,000+ DOE / London: £40,000 – £65,000+ DOE
• Average UK salary for a Back End Developer: £40,000 – £70,000+ DOE / London: £55,000 – £75,000+ DOE

6. Digital Marketing Specialist

Machines cannot think creatively as we humans can. Companies need digital marketing experts who can understand the complexities of online marketing platforms and use creative ideas and data to create marketing strategies. As we mentioned in a previous article, marketing communications and design are some of the areas in Marketing that can embrace AI tools but need human judgment so they are safe from AI replacement.

• Average UK salary of a Digital Marketing Manager: £45,000 – £65,000+ DOE / London: £50,000 – £70,000+ DOE 

7. Blockchain Developer

The rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies, combined with the growing trend towards decentralisation in various sectors, has made Blockchain Developers increasingly sought after for their niche expertise in areas such as finance, healthcare, supply chain, and even the government sector. 

• Average UK salary: £35,000 – £55,000+ DOE / London: £40,000 – £60,000+ DOE 

8. User Experience (UX) Designer

Ensuring user-friendly and effective software is crucial, making UX design critical as customer experience is central to technology, websites, apps, video games, and digital marketing campaigns. 

• Average UK salary: £25,000 – £70,000+ DOE / London: £35,000 – £75,000+ DOE 

9. RPA Developer

The role of an RPA (Robotic Process Automation) Developer is considered a future-proof job as the demand for automation technologies increases, companies undergo digital transformations and continue to seek efficiency and cost-effectiveness in their operations. Finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail are some sectors where experienced RPA Developers will see their career growth faster. 

• Average UK salary: £35,000 – £60,000+ DOE / London: £40,000 – £65,000+ DOE 

10. Digital Project Manager

As companies continue to implement digital strategies, they need digital project owners and project managers who are technically skilled, can manage cross-functional teams efficiently, and deliver projects that align with strategic business goals. As digital projects typically involve the integration of new technologies and coordination with fin various departments, the role of a digital project manager is in high demand across diverse industries. 

• Average UK salary: £40,000 – £90,000+ DOE / London: £50,000 – £90,000+ DOE 

How can I Make Sure my Role Stays Relevant? 

As a candidate, you improve your technical skills and embrace continuous learning to increase the chances of your role remaining future-proof. Let’s take the case of QA (Quality Assurance) Analysts as an example of a relatively future-proof role. 

QA Analysts are essential in ensuring that software, applications, and systems function before they reach end-users. As more businesses depend on digital solutions, the demand for skilled QA Analysts has increased in recent years. However, the tools and platforms used in automated testing processes are becoming more sophisticated. 

So, if QA Analysts want to remain future-proof and stand out, they should learn new skills. For instance, they should learn about automated testing tools and understand how to integrate them into the testing processes, build expertise in scripting and automation to design and manage automated test suites and work on complex test cases that will require a human touch. 

The Importance of Soft Skills for Future-Proof Jobs

We don’t have a crystal ball to tell you exactly what jobs are future-proof from AI or what career path to follow. Besides, we must not forget the role of soft skills in career success. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are crucial to stay relevant in any role, from human resources to software engineers to healthcare professionals.

At Adria Solutions, we see it all the time in all roles, from Business Analysis and Digital Marketing Management to pretty much every Business Change role out there. Communication skills, customer focus and stakeholder management are what most hiring managers are after these days. 

So, if you are starting your career, focus on improving your soft skills from the first day, and you’ll be able to develop technical abilities later in your career. 

We hope you have found our article helpful. Do you want to hear about new career opportunities? Register as a candidate to receive the latest job vacancies directly in your email and get on our team’s radar.