With digital transformation trends like AI and Big Data reshaping Australia’s job landscape, choosing a career path can feel overwhelming for students of today. It’s hard to know which professions or industries will remain relevant in the coming years, and there’s always the risk that certain skillsets may even become obsolete. This uncertainty creates pressure to pick the “right” path, but with so much information and so many options, decision-making paralysis can all too quickly set in.
But don’t worry, because industry analysts are working hard in Australia to make sure students and graduates can chart their career pathway with all the right information. Read on to explore Australia’s top in-demand tertiary courses, fastest-growing industries and the skills that will help you thrive in a rapidly evolving job market, so you can confidently plan a career that’s futureproof.
Technology and AI
Digitisation and AI are being integrated across diverse industry landscapes here in Australia, being used to facilitate business operations, healthcare and even online consumer shopping. Though this technology has made processes easier and more convenient, it has also created a new threat: cyber attacks. This is why tech management and ICT specialists with a focus on AI and cyber security are in growing demand.
Here, aspiring ICT professionals can benefit from studying advanced and specialised degrees like a master of cyber security or a master of artificial intelligence management. In an age where privacy is of the utmost importance, firms and organisations need to equip themselves with security to prevent customer information from being leaked and processes from being infected by malware. Human awareness of and planning for cyber risks is what will help fill the gaps for Aussie industries as they transition from the information age through to the digital age.
Healthcare and Aged Care
It’s no secret that Australia is contending with an aging population – nor that our healthcare sector is equipped to meet the projected demands of our population over the coming decades. There simply aren’t enough age-care facilities, research on senior-related illnesses, end-of-life care or even support programs for senior Australians. There is also an aged care staffing shortage, which is why state and federal government bodies alike are investing so heavily into healthcare training at all levels.
Courses to capitalise on this growing industry are, for one, nursing. You can undertake a bachelor’s or master’s in nursing to enter the industry and enjoy ample career advancement opportunities. Nurses can also opt to cultivate a specialisation in elderly care to gain opportunities to advance to senior positions in dedicated aged care facilities. For medical students, there are also options to specialise in aged care by studying age-related illnesses like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, etc., and/or participating in research initiatives relating to senior care in Australia.
Mental Health Services
Not keen to work in medicine, but still want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others? Then a career in mental health may be the right fit for you.
For those interested in contributing to efforts to address Australia’s aged care crisis, you can also become a psychologist offering mental and emotional support specialising in providing care for Australian seniors. With rates of loneliness and depression rising across Australia’s population of seniors, mental health service providers are also naturally in high demand.
This is not only the case across the aged care sector but also nationwide across Australia’s healthcare landscape, as mental health becomes less taboo across marginalised and minority communities. In regional Australian communities in particular, mental health services have been in consistently high demand for the last few decades – so you may find opportunities to relocate and gain unique professional experience servicing these under-resourced areas.
Note: even if you didn’t complete a psychology degree as an undergraduate student yourself, it’s never too late to enter this field. Existing healthcare professionals can transfer roles or undertake further study, while those outside the sector can pursue independent learning or formal qualifications to join this rewarding and in-demand care sector.
Construction and Trades
Australia is currently facing a housing crisis where demand far outstrips supply. To mitigate this crisis, the Labor government is pushing for more public housing to be built through initiatives and funding injections, making construction a booming industry. And when houses boom, so will trades. So as we build towards a more future-ready nation with housing access for all, more carpenters, electricians and plumbers will definitely be needed all across Australia.
There are several tertiary pathways to enter this sector. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in project or construction management is ideal for aspiring contractors, while civil engineering, land surveying and property studies offer opportunities to design, assess and sell property. TAFE provides practical, cost-effective options for trades careers, allowing you to quickly train as a plumber, electrician, carpenter or plasterer.
With hands-on training and recognised qualifications, you can step directly into high-demand roles that are essential to Australia’s construction boom.
Renewable Energy and Sustainability
With Australia’s growing focus on climate action and renewable energy, careers in sustainability and green technologies are on the rise. From solar and wind energy projects, renewable energy zones to sustainable urban planning and environmental management, there is increasing demand for professionals who can design, implement and manage eco-friendly solutions.
Governments and private companies are investing heavily in initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, create renewable infrastructure and develop sustainable practices across industries. Tertiary courses in environmental science, renewable energy engineering and sustainable business management can equip you with the skills to thrive in this sector.
Roles in this field include sustainability consultants, energy analysts, environmental engineers and project managers, all contributing to a greener future. With global emphasis on sustainability expected to continue growing, these careers not only offer long-term stability and competitive salaries but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the planet while riding a wave of rapid industry growth.
Key Takeaways
There are so many decisions to make on what to do or study, but we hope our list has made that process easier and less stressful for you. Remember to choose a pathway that makes you happy and believe that there is no such thing as being ‘stuck’ in a career forever. It’s never too late to embark on a career change – especially if you’re feeling particularly passionate about the impact you may be able to hold in one specific industry or sector.
