The major challenges transforming the future of work

The labour market is undergoing significant changes, driven by several key trends that are redefining the skills and jobs of tomorrow. Companies and workers must adapt to these developments to remain competitive and relevant in an increasingly complex world. Here are the major challenges shaping the future of work:

• Automation and artificial intelligence (AI): Automation is replacing repetitive tasks and transforming jobs, creating new roles focused on managing and developing AI systems.
• Ecological transition and sustainable energy: The fight against climate change requires companies to adopt more sustainable practices, boosting jobs related to renewable energy and green innovation.
• Digitalisation: Digitisation accelerates the need for skills in data management, cybersecurity, and digital process optimisation, profoundly changing work methods.
• Globalisation and cultural diversity: In an increasingly globalised context, cultural diversity becomes a strategic asset, with high demand for experts in international management and global supply chains.
• Geopolitical context: Global geopolitical uncertainty directly influences companies’ strategic decisions, creating increased demand for risk management and international negotiation experts.
• Ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR): Companies must integrate ethical and responsible practices to meet consumer expectations and regulations, leading to the emergence of roles focused on compliance and sustainability.

The jobs of tomorrow: challenges and opportunities

In response to these challenges, new jobs are emerging. Roles related to new technologies, data analysis and sustainable management are in high demand. The development of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and e-commerce is pushing companies to recruit specific skills to remain competitive. So, what are the jobs of tomorrow that are recruiting? Here are 8 roles expected to thrive in the coming years.

1-AI and machine learning engineer

Why? AI is at the core of technological revolutions in nearly every sector, from healthcare to finance. AI engineers design systems capable of analysing massive data sets, solving complex problems, and automating tasks on a large scale.

Challenge: Designing innovative algorithms while ensuring their security and ethics.

Usefulness: AI makes companies more efficient and develops novel solutions for global issues.

Salary: Very attractive, with diverse and stimulating career prospects.

Key Skills: Mastery of machine learning algorithms, knowledge of programming languages like Python or R, ability to handle large databases (Big Data), skill in solving complex problems.

2-Cybersecurity specialist

Why? The rise of cyberattacks in an increasingly connected world makes cybersecurity essential. Protecting digital infrastructures and company data becomes a strategic priority.

Challenge: Countering sophisticated and constantly evolving threats.

Usefulness: Securing critical data for vital sectors like finance, healthcare, and government.

Salary: Highly competitive, with growing global demand.

Key Skills: Expertise in cryptography and data protection, knowledge of risk management systems, mastery of cybersecurity regulations and standards, ability to respond quickly to security threats.

3-Data scientist

Why? Companies generate massive amounts of data, and data scientists transform this information into strategic insights for decision-making.

Challenge: Manipulating and interpreting vast data sets using advanced machine learning and statistical techniques.

Usefulness: Optimising company performance and improving decision-making through data-driven analysis.

Salary: Very high, with opportunities across all sectors.

Key Skills: Mastery of programming languages like Python, SQL, or R, expertise in statistics and predictive analysis, knowledge of data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), skill in handling large databases.

4-Sustainability strategy consultant

Why? Companies must meet rising expectations for environmental responsibility. Sustainability consultants help develop environmentally friendly strategies while remaining economically viable.

Challenge: Balancing economic needs with ecological and societal imperatives.

Usefulness: Directly contributing to the fight against climate change and helping companies adopt sustainable practices.

Salary: On the rise, especially with growing demand in large companies.

Key Skills: Mastery of environmental regulations and CSR, strategic analysis and project management skills, communication and negotiation skills to persuade stakeholders, expertise in circular economy and resource management.

5-Supply chain manager

Why? Supply chain management has become crucial due to recent global disruptions, especially related to geopolitical tensions and the pandemic. Supply chain managers optimise the efficiency of logistics flows on an international scale.

Challenge: Ensuring the resilience of supply chains against risks while reducing costs and ensuring sustainability.

Usefulness: Ensuring the continuous supply of essential goods in a changing world.

Salary: Very competitive, with growing demand for risk management and logistics optimisation experts.

Key Skills: Management of logistics flows and inventory optimisation, skill in risk management and supply chain resilience, ability to adapt to complex geopolitical environments, expertise in using ERP software and other management tools.

6-Financial data analyst

Why? With the increasing complexity of financial markets and the proliferation of data, financial analysts specializing in data management are essential for guiding investment decisions.

Challenge: Analysing complex financial data sets to predict economic trends and investment opportunities.

Usefulness: Optimising financial strategies and improving decision-making based on accurate analyses.

Salary: Very attractive in banking, insurance, and asset management sectors.

Key Skills: Mastery of financial analysis tools (Excel, Python, R), ability to analyse financial market trends, knowledge of financial instruments and valuation models, skills in risk management and financial forecasting.

7-Digital marketing specialist

Why?: The digitalisation of commerce and services requires specialists capable of designing innovative, effective and data-driven online marketing strategies.

Challenge: Creating marketing campaigns tailored to digital platforms while optimizing customer experience.

Usefulness: Increasing visibility and performance for companies in an increasingly competitive digital environment.

Salary: High, with career opportunities across all sectors.

Key Skills: Expertise in content strategy and social media marketing, skills in SEO/SEA and online visibility optimization, knowledge of marketing analysis tools (Google Analytics, HubSpot), ability to design targeted digital advertising campaigns.

8-International negotiation & geopolitics specialist

Why?: Companies must navigate a complex international context where geopolitical relations can directly impact their operations. Specialists in international negotiation and geopolitics play a crucial role in risk management and strategic decision-making.

Challenge: Managing complex negotiations and anticipating geopolitical impacts on business activities.

Usefulness: Enabling companies to operate in a global environment while minimizing risks associated with conflicts and international regulations.

Salary: Very high, particularly in multinational companies and large financial institutions.

Key Skills: In-depth knowledge of international relations and geopolitics, mastery of international negotiation techniques, analysis of geopolitical and economic risks, ability to manage complex multicultural relationships.

The jobs of tomorrow will be profoundly impacted by technological, ecological and geopolitical forces. To address current challenges, diverse skills in AI, cybersecurity, data science, sustainability, and international management will be essential. These jobs not only offer exciting and well-paid opportunities but also play a key role in transforming businesses and society for a more resilient, connected, and sustainable future. At Rennes School of Business we train students for these emerging jobs; discover our Master of Science programmes: Find our Master programmes