Technology is changing our world every day, and this can be both exciting and a little scary. Choosing “future-proof” tertiary subjects now will prepare you for these changes. Here’s more.

What is it?

According to the Collins Dictionary, “if something is future-proof, it will continue to be useful or successful in future if the situation changes”. Future-proof skills are skills that you learn now, which won’t become obsolete (no longer used) even if technology advances.

Why it matters

According to experts, we’re now entering the 4th Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), which is all about automating traditional work practices by using “modern smart technology”. As you might remember from History class, Industrial Revolutions mark major changes in the way that people study, work and live. Because “Industry 4.0” will have such a big impact on many industries, it’s important that as a student and future professional, you’re prepared for these changes.

Your tertiary studies give you a foundation, which you can then use to find employment and build your career. Choosing “future-proof” subjects will give you an advantage from the start, preparing you for the changes that are to come.

How to use it

There are many different ways to choose “future-proof” subjects at college or university, but a good place to start is within the field you’re interested in. Have a look at how the industry has changed with technology. Have many of the jobs in this field been replaced by machines or robots, or is this likely to happen in the near future? A great website that can help you find this out is “Will Robots Take My Job”. Simply follow this link, look up the job you’re interested in and you’ll get some helpful information on how this job is likely to evolve as technology progresses.

Beyond just the job itself, it’s also important to think of the skills you’ll be learning, and whether or not these will change as well. For example, a journalist a few decades back probably used a typewriter to write their stories, whereas now this is all done on a computer, and sent via e-mail. Think about the skills you’ll need for your dream job in the future, and how you can start learning them now.

Becoming a “future-proof” professional starts with your education, so choosing the right subjects to take and skills to learn now will prepare you well. Got any other questions about future-proof subject choices? Send us a message on AskCellCgirl and let’s chat!