If you work in cybersecurity, or as an independent nutritionist, then congratulations! You are officially a “professional of the future”. Finishing up your Master’s in Biomedical Engineering? Analyzing data on theme parks in Benidorm? You may be a good candidate too.

Of course, job security isn’t limited to technical or academic qualifications. Becoming a professional of the future takes more than that. No matter what job you’re doing (or are hoping to do), here are a few questions to consider when you’re planning your future career choices.

 What professional profiles are in demand?

Reports from recruitment experts Randstad and Spring Professional both suggest that artificial intelligence engineers and digital managers are the profiles most in demand.

They also emphasize the importance of niche specialization within your field, as it opens up the possibilities of either opening your own business or working as a highly-qualified freelancer – think Sports Science consultant, for instance.

Researchers predicted an urgent upcoming demand for industrial automation engineers, lawyers who specialize in commercial law for new technologies, financial experts in risk management partnerships, and doctors specializing in cancer research and medical technology.

That said, companies will also be looking for professionals with high levels of social and emotional intelligence, and with strong communication and problem-solving skills. They will need change agents, capable of making a major impact both within and outside the organization.

Companies are on the lookout for employees who will make a positive contribution to the organization in multiple areas, who can adapt to the corporate culture, and who possess the necessary technical abilities.

What are the professionals of the future looking for?

The professionals of the future want the opportunity for international travel, coupled with training in professional skills and languages. They have an entrepreneurial mindset, which makes them understandably demanding of their employers – after all, they could set up their own business or use their versatile, transferable skills to find remote work instead.

The professional of the future must be a digital native, and available for constant communication, able to adapt to a multi-disciplinary and multicultural environment, and highly empathetic. Few can be genuinely said to possess all these characteristics, meaning that the talent shortage is the highest it has been in years.

Digital innovation has changed the playbook for companies and professionals alike. How can we support this transformation in highly competitive markets?

In Duguech&Dip, we aim to build relationships with global mobility professionals, high-potential students, and companies that are committed to preparing for the future.