The job scene in 2025

Amid the AI boom, the country faces a shortage of people trained and qualified in AI, writes Vijay Prakash Srivastava

The dawn of a new year brings enormous possibilities. Obviously, those entering the job market for the first time or already exploring work opportunities look at the new year with high hopes.

The kind of dynamism now seen in the job market is unprecedented. This dynamism is to gain momentum, for which the year gone by has already given a trigger. Numberwise, not enough jobs were added during 2024, so the unemployment scenario remains precarious. Lean business practices, cost-cutting, and greater reliance on tech lead to fewer manpower requirements for organisations. Though harmful to employment generation, the trend is likely to continue.

However, we shouldn’t forget that the above practices also result in the emergence of new areas of jobs. When computers were introduced, it created a fear that they would take away our jobs gradually. But computerisation brought a job revolution both in the manufacturing and services sectors.

After gaining independence, India followed the path of a mixed economy, which focused on promoting public and private enterprises. It is not difficult to see that the private sector has expanded faster over the years. More jobs are coming up in this sector, whereas government jobs are shrinking. This is one of the reasons a large segment of our young population is keener to look for work opportunities in the private sector.

2024 witnessed the explosive growth of generative AI, spearheaded by the phenomenal success of ChatGPT, from automating mundane tasks like data entry and report generation to powering innovative solutions in marketing, customer service, etc. AI is gradually becoming an indispensable tool for businesses and related activities. The theme of digital automation using tools like AI and machine learning is likely to gain momentum in the new year. Amid the AI boom, the country faces a shortage of people trained and qualified in AI.

According to a report by Deloitte India, the demand for AI talent in the country is likely to jump to 12,50,000 in 2027, almost double from the present. Within AI, there are multiple domains from which to choose. These include AI safety, AI localization, data integrity and ethics, large language model management, etc. Fresh talent is, of course, needed in AI, but companies are also reskilling their existing talent to work in AI. With the growth of AI and even otherwise, data scientists/analysts/managers will also be in big demand.

Till a decade ago, the concern about climate was not so visible. Now, we see a lot of action around promoting climate security, which has led to increased requirements for climate scientists and environmental scientists. A postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject will pave the way for a career here. 10+2 and undergraduate students of science may consider this.

Related to climate is also the field of energy. Energy has many forms depending on the resource from which it is produced. Now, the focus is shifting from traditional to alternate energy sources, also known as clean or renewable energy. While PSUs like NTPC and SJVN have launched their green energy ventures, considering the potential, this sector is also attracting huge investments from private players. Technical experts and policy enablers in the domains of wind energy, solar energy, and the like will significantly contribute to reducing carbon emissions and achieving the goal of net zero.

Healthcare has been consistent in manpower demand. However, a couple of reasons are going to add to this demand. One is the increasing ratio of the silver population, while the other is the greater consciousness of middle and high-income groups towards health and fitness. The healthcare business needs doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and psychiatrists, among others. 

The travel and tourism industry has bounced back after its nadir in the times of Corona. The hospitality sector is booming, with more and more travellers visiting domestic and foreign destinations.

The BFSI (comprising banking, financial services, and insurance) sector will continue to draw professionals who may be looking for opportunities in public and private sector entities. Usual roles in operations and customer service will continue, along with emerging roles in digital banking, fintech, etc.

The demand for e-commerce managers, digital marketing experts, and logistics and supply chain management professionals is likely to grow as online retailing and digital marketing are gaining acceptance.

It can be seen that automation, digitization, and rapid change will bring a host of new job roles, particularly in data analysis, process automation, and information/cyber security. In contrast, we will see the decline of roles focusing on data entry, assembly, factory work, and stock-keeping, many of which will be replaced by automated processes.

We should also not conclude that the job scenario will be completely overhauled for whatever reasons. So, for those willing to make a career in areas like education, HR, accountancy, etc., there is no cause for disappointment. They must be able to use technological tools and meet the emerging challenges in their work area. For example, a teacher should be able to conduct online classes by developing suitable presentations. Similarly, HR professionals must know HR management and how to use data and analytics in their jobs.