Top emerging computing careers every teacher should know

By 2030, the job market will look drastically different. 170 million new roles are expected to emerge, many in industries that don’t even exist yet (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025). With the tech landscape changing rapidly, it’s more challenging than ever for teachers to know which skills to prioritise and how to prepare students for an uncertain future.

Our expert insights highlight the top emerging careers set to shape the next decade, helping you guide your students toward future-proof opportunities as they choose their GCSE options and plan their next steps into further education.

User Experience (UX) Designer

Ever wondered what career blends creativity, tech, and problem-solving? User Experience (UX) Design is all about making apps, websites, and digital products intuitive and enjoyable. UX designers research user needs, create prototypes, and test designs.

Students who enjoy creativity, problem-solving, and psychology will thrive in UX design. Key skills include design thinking, communication, and proficiency in tools like Figma or Adobe XD. With demand growing across industries - from gaming to e-commerce - UX design offers an exciting, future-proof career for those who want to blend technology with human-centred design.

We asked Sam, our UX and UI Designer, about why he loves the industry he’s in. “My favourite thing about the UX industry is being able to empathise and translate the way people think into a functional product that benefits the community and makes their lives easier. You get to make the world a bit easier to understand.”

Cybersecurity Analyst

According to LSE, since 2020 over 52% of UK businesses have experienced at least one cyber-attack; a number set to rise as hackers get smarter.

Ultimately, cybersecurity analysts are the digital world’s detectives, stopping attacks before they happen. From outsmarting hackers to protecting top-secret data, this career is fast-paced, high-stakes, and always evolving - perfect for students looking to make a real change in an important, in-demand industry.

You can introduce your class to the world of cybersecurity with our latest video featuring Veno Senthil, a Technical Support Manager at Cisco. Watch as she shares insights into the industry, the skills needed, and what it’s like to work in this exciting and fast-growing field.

Software and Applications Developer

According to Forbes, demand for software and app developers is set to surge by 57% in the next five years! While software development isn’t new, the roles within it constantly transform with emerging tech and industries, offering students endless opportunities in an exciting and dynamic field.

It’s also important for students to realise that software development isn’t just about coding in an office; it powers some of the most exciting and unexpected careers out there. For instance, developers can create AI for video games, design software that controls theme park rides, fine-tune music streaming algorithms, and even program robots with personality. With technology constantly advancing, students can shape the future in countless creative ways.

A student engages with a robotic device on a table set with various blocks and components, in a classroom setting.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer

As AI and machine learning develop at lightning speed, AI engineers are leading the charge. They design smart systems that analyse huge datasets, train models, and build applications that learn and adapt. From self-driving cars to virtual assistants, AI engineers are shaping the future one algorithm at a time.

Students with strong analytical minds, problem-solving skills, and a passion for technology will thrive in this field. Key skills include coding (Python, Java), data analysis, and an understanding of algorithms. With AI revolutionising industries from healthcare to entertainment, this career offers endless opportunities for those motivated by innovation.