STEM skills need blending with critical thinking for career success in a tech-driven future
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It may seem impractical, even insensitive, to urge idealistic young men and women in the Middle East and the broader Arab diaspora to prioritize their own futures over those of others. However, if they follow this advice, they may end up advancing not only their own futures but everyone else’s too. In an interconnected world, where goods, services, capital, people, data and ideas flow across borders, a rising tide can lift even distant boats.
But how can one plan for a secure future in such a rapidly evolving job market? Gone are the days when careers in engineering, medicine, the military or law guaranteed financial stability and fulfillment. The future of work demands flexibility, adaptability and continuous learning just to stay abreast of new technologies and practices. The alternatives, for individuals as well as entire communities, are falling behind, becoming dependent on social welfare programs or, worse, both.
The future can seem so daunting at times that some young people justifiably wonder if opting out of the rat race altogether might be the wisest choice. Indeed, the concept of “lying flat,” a trend among some young professionals in China, appeals to many of their peers globally, including students who spend months cramming for competitive exams just to gain admission to an engineering college.
But alas, there is no turning back the clock to a more relaxed era, just as there is no halting the wheel of social and civilizational progress. If new job opportunities are not emerging in familiar fields or are becoming ever more specialized, the next generation has no choice but to adapt.
There is no magic solution to problems like post-interview rejection, career stagnation or redundancy. But one can certainly try to stay informed, be adaptable and recognize the need for some essential skills, namely critical thinking and problem-solving; creativity and innovation; data analysis and interpretation; digital literacy; communication and collaboration; and emotional intelligence and empathy.
Not everyone is cut out for a career in science, technology, engineering and math, but it is undeniable that STEM graduates are more likely to quickly secure jobs and earn a good livelihood. Programming, software development and data structures — core aspects of computer science — are the building blocks of the modern world. Roles like software engineer, developer and systems architect are consistently in demand.
In both advanced and emerging economies, skills in data analysis, machine learning and big data are highly sought after in industries like finance, healthcare and retail. Similarly, opportunities in cloud computing are limitless for those with the right training. Mastery of platforms like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure is becoming essential for tech infrastructure roles.
As with data science and analytics, the growing potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning is evident in the exploding demand for AI-related jobs, spanning sectors from healthcare to entertainment. While AI may eliminate about 83 million jobs globally, it is expected to create about 69 million new, high-paying, in-demand roles.
The future of work demands flexibility, adaptability and continuous learning just to stay abreast of new technologies and practices.
Arnab Neil Sengupta
Cybersecurity professionals are also in high demand, particularly in the affluent Gulf countries, notably Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where oil and gas companies are prime targets for hackers.
Beyond the tech sector, specializing in software for industries like automotive, aerospace or manufacturing can open many career opportunities. The classic engineering disciplines — electrical, mechanical and civil — remain essential, especially with the rise of green energy, smart cities and infrastructure development.
For those with a natural inclination toward healthcare, biotechnology or life sciences, the prospects are equally promising. Innovation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals and genetic research is creating opportunities in bioengineering, research and diagnostics. Expertise in public health and epidemiology has gained increased value, especially post-pandemic. Looking ahead, roles in nursing, medicine and allied health services will be critical, driven by an aging population and the attendant rise in healthcare demand.
Other fields set to grow in importance include sustainability and environmental studies, particularly renewable energy and environmental engineering, as well as urban planning, resource management and environmental policy. Entrepreneurship is also on the rise, with courses in innovation and startup management equipping students to launch businesses, especially in the tech and e-commerce sectors.
Even for those interested in STEM but unsure about mastering it, plenty of career options remain: digital marketing, content creation, logistics and supply chain management, STEM education and training, corporate training and development, technology law, international law and diplomacy, and AI ethics and philosophy. As AI continues to transform industries, economies and governance, it is crucial to develop skills that complement automation and AI technologies. No matter how challenging it seems, embracing lifelong learning and skills aligned with AI may equip young people for long and fulfilling careers.
However, choosing a lucrative career path should not be the sole aim in life. In fact, research from the UAE-based Sawab Center, a think tank focused on countering extremist ideology, suggests that even students enrolled in technical or STEM courses should study social sciences or humanities. These subjects help to cultivate “logic and critical thinking, which discourages closed-mindedness and excessive certainty.”
While pursuing low-risk, high-reward educational paths is undoubtedly key to career success, the humanities and social sciences have a vital role to play in fostering the critical thinking and open-mindedness essential for navigating an ever-evolving, tech-driven world of work.
- Arnab Neil Sengupta is a senior editor at Arab News. X: @arnabnsg
