Discover Jobs of the Future
REFLECT AND DREAM
Introduction
In this lesson, you will think about how jobs come and go with the times. You will learn why some jobs stand the test of time while others become obsolete as society and technology change. You will research a job that has recently come into existence to see if it might be a good fit for you. Finally, you will be asked to predict a future job that does not yet exist. By anticipating possible future career trends, you might find yourself on the ground floor of exciting new business ventures.
HOW WILL JOBS CHANGE IN THE FUTURE?
START WITH YOURSELF
Understand that some careers become obsolete, and new ones are created.
REFLECT AND DREAM
THINK ABOUT HOW CAREERS RISE AND FALL
As the world changes, the types of jobs we do will also change. Technology creates brand new kinds of work while making other jobs obsolete.
For example, more than 100 years ago, before refrigeration was common, ice cutters would saw up ice on frozen lakes for people to use in their cellars and early refrigerators.
A few decades later, refrigerators kept food cold, making ice cutting unnecessary, but the job of refrigerator repairman became essential.
THINK ABOUT HOW CAREERS RISE AND FALL
Watch the video "Exploring Jobs, Past, Present and Future" and answer the following questions.
1. Which careers in this video were made obsolete by the advancement of technology?
2. Which careers in this video were created by the advancement of technology?
THINK ABOUT HOW CAREERS RISE AND FALL
Look at the table below, notice why each career became obsolete and how new careers were generated. See if you can fill in the last two on your own.
THINK ABOUT HOW CAREERS RISE AND FALL
There are also many careers that have been around for a long time and seem likely to continue thriving, even as they evolve.
For example, while there have been many advancements in the hair care industry, the job of hair stylist or barber has existed for hundreds of years and remains in high demand today.
Automating this job would be very difficult, so this career likely has a secure future.
Can you think of other jobs that have been around for a long time and are still thriving? Share your ideas with the class.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME RECENT WORKPLACE CHANGES?
LOOK BEYOND YOURSELF
Research a career, thinking about its value to society and its possible future.
REFLECT AND DREAM
THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK
Watch the video "Workplace of the Future" and then, in a group, answer the following questions.
THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK
In the last 15 years alone, several new types of careers have popped up and many of them look like they will be around for a long time to come.
Select a career from the table below to research. Be ready to discuss these careers within your group.
THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK
Use the graphic organizer below answer questions about the selected career.
THINK ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WORK
After doing your research, return to your group and discuss what you discovered about each job. Answer the following questions.
1. What do you think were the societal needs that helped create each of these jobs?
2. Do you think each of these jobs will last well into the future? Why or why not?
WHAT IS A POSSIBLE FUTURE JOB?
MAKE CONNECTIONS
Imagine future jobs.
REFLECT AND DREAM
CONNECT DESIGN A JOB OF THE FUTURE
For this task, you will become a futurist and describe a possible job in the future.
For example, imagine someone invents a working hoverboard. This would allow people to skate through the air from one place to another, potentially leading to a group of people who start doing tricks on hoverboards. This could create the career of hoverboard athletes who get paid to appear at tournaments and secure sponsorships. This career would be known as a professional hoverboarder.
Your task is to either:
that describes a possible future job.
A FUTURIST IMAGINES WHAT THE FUTURE COULD BE
Job Of The Future Task:
CONNECT DESIGN A JOB OF THE FUTURE
Job Of The Future Criteria:
CONNECT DESIGN A JOB OF THE FUTURE
Presenting Your Future Career To Others
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT JOBS OF THE FUTURE?
REFLECT AND UPDATE YOUR THINKING
I can use what I have learned in this unit to look at ongoing trends in technology and society to predict what jobs in the future might look like.
REFLECT AND DREAM
REFLECT ON DISCOVERING JOBS OF THE FUTURE