The Careers of Tomorrow: Which Skills Should Be Developed Early On?


skills to develop from childhood

The professional worlds is changing as we have never seen before. Artificial intelligence, the ecological transition and the digital age are changing the contours of our society and remaking the professional world. Many parents are asking themselves this important question: which skills should our children acquire in order to succeed in the careers of tomorrow?

In this article, our bilingual school in Paris takes a clear look at the major changes currently occurring, developing professional sectors, emerging careers, the key skills to cultivate early, and the pedagogical resources that should be used to best support this shift.

Understanding the Major Shifts in the Professional World

Before taking a look at the careers of tomorrow or the skills to acquire, we need to understand the underlying trends that are transforming the professional world. These changes, which are often fast and interconnected, require us to revise our approach to advising and educating children from a young age.

A Global Career Transformation by 2030

By 2030, almost all careers will by impacted by technological, ecological and social transitions in one way or another. Some professions will deepen, others will change form and many will be redefined by automation and environmental issues.

Upheaval Everywhere, Not Just in the Digital Sector

According to the French Les Métiers in 2030 report (Careers in 2030), half of current jobs will be profoundly transformed. The use of digital technology, artificial intelligence, massive data harvesting and automation are no longer reserved for the IT sector. They now touch a wide range of fields such as health, construction, agriculture, services and education.

A Double Transition: Digital and Ecological

The ecological transition is reshaping our energy needs, transport, industry and construction. We are witnessing a rise in fields related to energy efficiency, the circular economy and sustainable resource management. This double transition – digital and environmental – requires qualifications and people who are able to think systemically, adapt to new situations and collaborate with a wide variety of experts.

A New Vision of Career Paths

Understanding these changes means you can help your child grow up with a vision of work based not on set careers, but rather moving pathways that they should take with flexibility, curiosity and ease.

Large-Scale Recruiting Sectors for 2030

Anticipating your children’s professional future also requires understanding which fields will be hiring the most. Some sectors will add jobs, spurred by innovation or societal needs, both creating new positions and replacing retiring employees. Here are the main sectors to keep an eye on.

Digital Technology

With the rise of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing and connected objects, the digital sector will continue to grow. It will create about 180,000 jobs by 2030. You don’t have to be a computer engineer to work in this sector. UX designers, data analysts, app developers and prompt engineers are all part of this ecosystem.

Healthcare and Wellness

The aging population and changes in caregiving are creating a massive need for medical and paramedical personnel. According to the French Strategy and Planning High Commission, nearly 400,000 jobs will be created by 2030 in the healthcare, home aid and wellness industries. These careers require excellent social skills, dedication and the ability to support vulnerable people.

The Ecological Transition

The fight against climate change and the search for sustainable solutions are also profoundly affecting the professional world. Careers related to energy efficiency, sustainable construction, the circular economy and agroecology will be in particularly high demand. These changing needs create an increasing demand for people who can bring together, technical, environmentally friendly and innovative solutions.

Education and Teaching

In a constantly changing world, being a lifelong learner is key. Jobs related to teaching, continuing education, cultural mediation and digital education will be in demand. They will play a key role in preparing the next generations for the challenges of tomorrow, teaching them both knowledge and adaptable learning methods.

Spotlight on Some Emerging Careers

The careers of tomorrow are appearing and evolving quickly. They combine technological innovation and social and environmental issues. Some are not yet well known, but already provide tangible and sustainable professional opportunities for the young generations. Here are a few important examples.

BIM Manager: Steering Digital Construction

A BIM (Building Information Modeling) Manager coordinates collaborators on a construction project using a shared digital model. They work in construction, industry and infrastructure and must combine technical skills, collaboration and 3D modelling.

Data Scientist: Revealing the Hidden Meaning of Data

A data scientist specialises in analysing big data. They help companies model, predict and optimise their decisions. This profession requires solid math and computing skills, a good understanding of dialogue and problem solving skills.

AI UX Designer: Making AI Human

With the development of AI, now we need more than just intelligent systems. We need them to be understandable, accessible and ethical. An AI UX Designer creates interfaces and user experiences, at the intersection of technology, design and cognitive science.

CSR Manager: Integrating Ethics into Company Strategy

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become unavoidable. Having a CSR manager will become more common. They ensure that environmental, social and ethical commitments are made and kept at companies. This profession requires interdisciplinary skills, from project management to change management.

Drone Pilot: A Multi-Sector Field

Drones are used in construction, agriculture, security and media. They’ve become a professional tool of their own. A civil drone pilot has to master technical and analytical skills, as well as adhere to strict regulations. They map topography, conduct inspections and take images.

Digital Detox Coach: Rethinking Our Relationship to Screens

To deal with digital overload, this job is emerging in the wellness and mental health sectors. A digital detox coach helps children, teens or adults manage their relationship to screens. They recommend specific strategies to maintain attention and relationships to self and others.

Essential Skills to Develop for the Careers of Tomorrow

Beyond academic knowledge, the professional world is changing so that people must develop interdisciplinary, sustainable and adaptable skills. These skills, be they cognitive, relational or cultural, are cultivated from childhood and form the basis for students’ future agility. Here are the top skills to develop.

Basic Digital Technical Skills

We aren’t training little engineers, but we can introduce children to digital languages, algorithmic logic and reasonable use of technology. These first interactions prepare their minds for understanding digital environments without becoming dependent on them.

Critical Thinking and Creativity

In a world saturated with information that is constantly changing, the ability to analyse, question and produce new ideas is essential. Creativity is no longer just for the arts: you need it for problem solving, inventing solutions and initiative.

Collaboration, Listening and Teamwork

The careers of tomorrow require collaborative and often intercultural environments. Knowing how to listen, cooperate, disagree with care and build shared projects are essential skills that must be developed early in education.

Managing Emotions and Relational Intelligence

Empathy, self-confidence, mastering impulsiveness: these emotional skills are often neglected in traditional education. Yet, they are key for navigating complex professional situations. They play a direct role in personal fulfilment and stability at work.

Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

As Jacques Froissant says (founder of Altaïde, a recruitment firm), “learning to learn” is a skill in itself. Children who know how to discover, reformulate and transfer information to new situations will be better prepared to adapt to fast-changing careers. Cultivating intellectual curiosity, flexibility and work ethic is therefore an educational priority.

How Can We Best Prepare Our Children for the Careers of Tomorrow?

Guiding children in a changing professional world requires much more than just teaching them knowledge. It requires an all-new educational vision to encourage progressive acquisition of sustainable, interdisciplinary and adaptable skills. At our private school in Paris, we prepare children with rigorous, kind and future-facing pedagogy.

Bilingual Education

Simultaneously learning French and English starting in preschool stimulates precious brain plasticity. Bilingualism is more than a linguistic advantage. It means developing the ability to juggle between logical structures, adopt several points of view, and interact in a globalised world.

Individual Pedagogy

With small class sizes, our teachers can adapt content and approaches to each student’s needs. This individual approach allows each student to learn at their own pace, encourages them to take initiative and stimulates self-confidence, a key foundation for all future success.

Adapted for Gifted Children

Our individualised pedagogy is specially designed for gifted children. When we prevent the child from getting bored and focus their intellectual and emotional intensity, we give them access to structure that supports fulfilment and life skills.

Practical Activities

Workshops, interdisciplinary projects, art and philosophical debates are all ways to connect school with the real world. These activities develop critical thinking, creativity and cooperation.

Working Closely with Families and Professionals

Educational support requires constant communication with families. At École Galilée, we work closely with parents and regularly bring in psychologists and neuropsychologists to improve our practices and support each student in their holistic development.

Guiding children towards the careers of tomorrow requires much more than anticipating trends. It’s a long-term educational commitment. At École Galilée, we understand this perfectly, which is why we treat each student with rigor and kindness to build open, curious minds that can move through a world in constant transformation.