It’s getting complicated out there in the job market.  

I’m getting lots of questions from students — and their parents — specifically about what they should be studying now, seeing as how the year 2030 is just five short years away.  

These questions run the gamut, ranging from those who wonder about the long-term effect of AI on their chosen profession and industry. Shorter-term, what about all these tariffs?

And what do I tell my son or daughter who has a psychology degree and wants to train seals for a living? 

While I don’t claim to be a futurist, here are some intriguing trends that are worth sharing.

By 2030, the skills that will matter most are those that align with both global trends and local priorities — creating a dynamic landscape for workers, educators and employers alike. 

That means nearly all of us, including me and probably you.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, nearly 40% of core job skills are expected to change by 2030. 

In no particular order, the top skills that are forecast to rise in importance include:

  • Analytical thinking: Employers consistently rank this as the most essential skill, enabling workers to solve complex problems and make data-driven decisions.
  • Resilience, flexibility and agility: The ability to adapt to change and recover from setbacks is increasingly valued, especially in fast-evolving industries.
  • Leadership and social influence: As organizations become more collaborative and decentralized, leadership skills are critical— not just for managers, but for all team members.
  • Creative thinking: Innovation is key to staying competitive, and creative problem-solving will be a prized asset across sectors.
  • Technological literacy: Understanding and leveraging digital tools, AI and cybersecurity systems will be fundamental in nearly every job.

These skills reflect a blend of cognitive, interpersonal and technical competencies, highlighting the need for a well-rounded workforce.

As one example, San Diego’s health care sector is expected to see significant growth, prompting targeted training programs for roles such as medical technicians, data analysts, and care coordinators.

Plus, there will be thousands of nonmedical jobs to support the health care industry.

In the tech sector, skills in AI and big data, cybersecurity and software development will continue to be essential. 

Our region’s thriving life sciences industry will demand even greater expertise in lab automation, bioinformatics and regulatory compliance — fields that blend scientific knowledge with digital fluency.

By the way, I’m more convinced than ever that San Diego is well-positioned to lead in this on-going transformation — thanks to our spirit of collaboration and innovation.

Globally, the rise of augmented working — where we humans collaborate with AI and automation — will greatly redefine job roles. Workers will need to understand how to use AI tools to enhance productivity, freeing up time for strategic and creative tasks. 

Similarly, I believe that sustainable working practices will gain traction, with employers seeking candidates who can contribute to environmental goals through energy-efficient operations and green innovation.

Remote and hybrid models become the norm

Virtual collaboration will be another key trend, as remote and hybrid work models become the norm. Skills in digital communication, project management, and virtual teamwork will be essential for success in distributed work environments.

One of the most important shifts in the future of work will be lifelong learning. With industries and technologies evolving so rapidly, workers must continuously upskill to remain competitive. 

I also firmly believe that equity will continue to be a cornerstone of San Diego’s workforce strategy, ensuring that training programs reflect the region’s diverse demographics, strengthening the talent pipeline and building a more resilient, innovative economy.

Prepare now for 2030 by embracing the concepts of adaptability, skills development and inclusive growth. 

Whether you’re a student entering the workforce, a mid-career professional looking to pivot, or a business leader shaping your talent strategy, the future of work will reward those who are agile, tech-savvy and committed to continuous learning.

That’s a lot to think about over the next five years.

Blair is co-founder of Manpower Staffing and can be reached at pblair@manpowersd.com.