In the height of advanced technology shaping the world, high school leavers are encouraged to pursue careers in the AI industry.
According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs (WEF) report, AI and big data top the list of the fastest-growing skills, including cybersecurity and technology literacy.
The report stated that AI and automation might replace almost 85 million jobs worldwide by 2025. However, the shift to AI is predicted to create 97m new jobs in the job market.
Director at the University of Johannesburg for Centre for Advanced Learning Technologies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (CALTSTEAM), Umesh Ramnarain, and academic manager at iFundi, Joel Perry, noted the class of 2024 should opt for AI-driven qualifications and careers.
“The career opportunities related to AI are expanding and diversifying as this technology is becoming advanced.
“The need for skilled AI personnel cuts across all industries. Skills to apply AI are needed in finance, retail, healthcare, education, and government etc,” said Ramnarain.
These careers include being an expert in cybersecurity, robotics engineer, data analyst or scientist, AI-driven UX/UI designer and a quantum computing specialist, among others.
Ramnarain stated that an AI engineer is of the highest paying jobs.
Perry recommended computer science, environmental and software engineering, digital marketing and social media, and information systems among others for those considering enrolling for a higher education qualification.
“These fields offer diverse and in-demand career opportunities that intersect technology, business, and sustainability,” said Perry.
Young people can branch into non-degree programmes that develop their AI skills.
As South Africa faces a high unemployment rate, young people are securing jobs abroad.
Stats SA reported that 915 000 South Africans moved abroad in 2020, and 64% said they considered emigration in 2022 because unemployment had become prevalent among young people in a saturated job market.
Perry explained that South Africans are international residents as IT, healthcare, engineering and teaching skills are in-demand jobs.
However, Ramnarain stated peak unemployment in the country is due to cases of jobs in scarce-skilled areas not being filled. He emphasised that young people should pursue career opportunities locally.
“It is important that school leavers are smart in their areas of study that would make them employable in future. I am aware that companies in the private sector have this strategy to empower their workforce with high-end skills,” said Ramnarain.
They both concurred that expatriates should return to SA and use their skills to contribute to the country’s economy.
“Brain drain can impact South Africa’s economy. Encouraging youth to gain global experience, and eventually return to contribute locally, can balance this trend. Government and private initiatives to create competitive job markets in South Africa are key to reducing emigration,” they said.
Perry and Ramnarain explained that young people can diversify career opportunities through social media content creation.
“Content creation is emerging as a viable career, parallel to traditional jobs, especially with platforms like TikTok exploring monetisation for South African creators.
“With a high followership, creators can earn income through brand partnerships, ad revenue, and platform incentives, making it a legitimate profession in the digital economy.
“As social media content creators, content producers, it is advantages to pursue digital marketing as a subject of choice. Skills in video editing, storytelling, and personal branding are also essential for success,” said Perry.
The Star