Learn about the future of work with online courses and programs
What is the future of work?
The future of work refers to the nature of employment in the coming years. As trends and technologies evolve, and society shifts, it results in changes in the workplace environment, organizational structures, job roles, and the skills needed to perform different tasks.
Maybe you have concerns about what the future of your career or industry may look like. With the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, certain roles may become obsolete, while others will adapt to technological change. Remote work, the gig economy, and demographic shifts also contribute to the changing work landscape.
Whether you want to stay relevant in your future career, or you’re preparing to lead your team through digital transformation, it’s important to build the right skills. This may involve honing your creativity or emotional intelligence, or finding ways to leverage tech advancements and foster innovation. The future is yours to take.
Browse online future of work courses
Future of work course curriculum
If you’re curious about how to prepare for the future of work, the first step is understanding the landscape. Learn about the factors behind the changing nature of work, skills for the future workforce, and how advancements in technology can lead to new opportunities.
Are you a leader interested in preparing yourself and your employees for a successful future? Online courses can help you build the skills to:
Scan an organization’s environment and identify relevant threats to its business
Develop a set of strategies to address upcoming change
Uncover risks and sources of internal resistance towards innovation and develop counter strategies
Understand the differences between entrepreneurial and corporate thinking
Strategically position your organization in times of uncertainty
Lead employees and help your company succeed in the marketplace by effectively dealing with disruptive change
edX offers online courses that allow learners to study a variety of topics including the future of work, sustainability, and much more. Sign up for an accelerated boot camp, or enroll in a full degree program and start working toward a bachelor's degree, or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree in a relevant subject. You can also explore executive education programs specifically designed for busy professionals.
Explore jobs of the future
While predicting the jobs of the future with total accuracy can be challenging, there are some roles that require a level of human skills that cannot be automated:
Mental health professional: Provides critical support to patients, which requires strong soft skills such as empathy.Footnote 1
Human resources (HR) specialist: Manages employee relations, understands complex human emotions, and ensures the well-being of the workforce.Footnote 2
Cybersecurity expert: Protects data, networks, and systems from cyber threats and performs important quality control activities.Footnote 3
Environmental scientist: Studies the environment and works on solutions for climate change and sustainability.Footnote 4
Elderly caregiver: Provides personalized care and companionship to elderly individuals within an aging population.Footnote 5
Each of these roles will have different education and skills requirements. For example, you may be able to build relevant skills in a cybersecurity boot camp. However, some employers may seek candidates with a degree in psychology, depending on the role. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the positions you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your career goals.