Professions of the past: A look back at forgotten jobs
Throughout history, numerous professions have disappeared due to technological advances and social changes. Some examples include:
- Town crier: Before the printing press and modern media, town criers announced news stories and important events in public squares.
- Typist: With the advent of personal computers and word processors, typists were no longer needed in offices and businesses.
- Factory reader: In the 19th century, some factories hired people to read aloud to workers while they performed repetitive tasks, providing entertainment and information.
Endangered careers
You don’t have to go back in time to find endangered professions. According to a study by the World Economic Forum, 80% of current professions are expected to disappear by 2030. Some examples of jobs that could disappear or be transformed are:
- Bank and supermarket tellers: With the digitisation of banking and the automation of supermarkets, these figures are becoming less and less necessary.
- Bus and taxi drivers: Autonomous vehicles could drastically reduce the need for these professions.
- HR staff: Artificial intelligence is already being used to select candidates and analyse their performance at work.
- Translators and interpreters: Improvements in machine translation systems could transform this profession towards the supervision and instant editing of AI-generated translations.
- Hotel receptionists and toll collectors: Automation and self-service systems are replacing these jobs.
The fourth industrial revolution and the professions of the future
We are living through what many experts call the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterised by the use of artificial intelligence, 5G and mass digitalisation. If we compare it with previous industrial revolutions, we can see that each one has brought great advances:
- First Industrial Revolution: Use of coal, mechanisation and the power loom.
- Second Industrial Revolution: Use of electricity, the combustion engine and the telephone.
- Third Industrial Revolution: The emergence of the internet, computing and telecommunications.
- Fourth Industrial Revolution: AI, automation, 5G and global digitalisation.
This change is giving rise to new job opportunities. According to the World Economic Forum, the most in-demand jobs in 2027 will be:
1. Artificial intelligence specialist
2. Environmental sustainability specialist
3. Business intelligence analyst
4. Information security analyst
5. Fintech engineer
6. Data scientist
7. Robotics engineer
8. Electrical engineering technician
9. Advanced agricultural equipment operator
10. Digital transformation specialist
The fundamental role of STEM in the future of work All these new professions are linked to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In an increasingly digitalised world, understanding the principles of programming and analysis
The fundamental role of STEM in the future of work
All these new professions are linked to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In an increasingly digitalised world, understanding the principles of programming, data analysis and emerging technologies will be crucial to adapt and succeed.
You don’t have to be an engineer to be in touch with technology. Even professions traditionally far removed from STEM, such as law or marketing, require technological knowledge to be competitive. The key is to learn to adapt and to use technology as an ally.
How to prepare for the future?
- Develop critical thinking: The ability to solve problems will be more valuable than memorising information.
- Learn about programming and technology: Even if you are not a programmer, understanding algorithms can be key in any career.
- Be flexible and willing to learn: The world changes quickly, and adaptability is an advantage.
- Adopt an innovative mindset: Don’t be afraid of technology, but look for ways to take advantage of it.
Conclusions
The future of work is exciting and full of opportunities for those who are prepared. STEM careers are a great option, but any profession can benefit from technology if you learn how to use it intelligently.
