Home | All Articles | Blog | Future-Proof Jobs: What Students Should Study Now

Westbourne language teacher guiding IB student to prepare for future-proof jobs

Future-Proof Jobs: What Students Should Study Now

In a world shaped by automation, AI, and climate change, we explore the subjects that help students access future-proof jobs.

Posted: 20th May 2025

As the world changes at an unprecedented pace, so too does the nature of work. From artificial intelligence to the green economy, the jobs of tomorrow will look very different from those of today. For families choosing a school in Singapore and for students navigating their options such as the GCE O Levels, IGCSE, A-Level, or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), understanding how to prepare for future-proof jobs is crucial.

This article explores the concept of future-proof jobs; what they are, where the opportunities lie, and what students should study now to remain competitive. We’ll also examine how the IB Diploma Programme equips students with the right skills and mindset to thrive in a changing world, and how Westbourne College (Singapore), a leading IB school in Singapore, prepares students for long-term success.

What Are Future-Proof Jobs?

Future-proof jobs are roles that are unlikely to be replaced by automation, digital transformation, or evolving business models. These jobs typically require a high level of human skill such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, 23% of jobs are expected to change between 2023 and 2027. A total of 69 million new jobs will be created and 83 million roles will be eliminated, resulting in a reduction in employment of 14 million jobs. Fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, sustainability, and education technology are predicted to grow in the coming years. In contrast, jobs that can easily be performed by automation such as clerical and data entry jobs will continue to decline.

McKinsey & Company also forecasts that by 2030, up to 375 million workers may need to switch occupations due to automation and digitisation. The demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills will soar, but so will demand for people who can communicate, collaborate, and lead.

23% of jobs are expected to change between 2023 and 2027. A total of 69 million new jobs will be created and 83 million roles will be eliminated
World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report

Key Sectors for the Future

Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Jobs in AI, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity are expanding rapidly. The International Labour Organization notes that digital skills are becoming essential across all sectors. In Singapore, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) reports that the number of tech jobs grew by over 20% to 208,000 in 2023.

Subjects to focus on:

Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches
Computer Science
Physics

Green Economy and Sustainability

As climate concerns intensify, the green economy will generate new roles in environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable business practices. Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 aims to create 55,000 new green jobs over the next decade.

Subjects to focus on:

Environmental Systems and Societies
Economics
Chemistry
Biology

Business, Finance, and Innovation

Despite digital disruption, business and finance remain central to global economies. This is especially with increased demand for innovation, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership.

Subjects to focus on:

Business Management
Economics
Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches

Healthcare and Life Sciences

An ageing population, rising chronic diseases, and global health challenges mean healthcare roles particularly in biotech, genetics, and mental health will remain vital.

Subjects to focus on:

Biology
Chemistry

Communication and Humanities

Jobs that rely on communication, cultural fluency, and critical thinking including journalism, law, and international relations will continue to require human insight.

Subjects to focus on:

English A – Language and Literature
Chinese A
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Extended Essay (EE)

Read about the Future of Work

Employment in STEM occupations will grow by 10.4% from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the 4% average growth for all other fields.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Skills That Matter Most For Future-proof Jobs

Beyond subject knowledge, future-proof careers demand soft skills and qualities that cannot be automated or easily replicated by machines. These include:

Critical thinking and analysis
Complex problem-solving
Resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility
Emotional intelligence
Creativity and originality

The IB Diploma Programme is one of the few qualifications that explicitly fosters these skills. Through its core components—Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—students engage in reflective, real-world learning that strengthens their independence and adaptability.

According to a study by the University of Oxford, IB Diploma students are more likely to succeed at university, demonstrate global-mindedness, and possess advanced research and academic writing skills.

Explore the IB curriculum & subjects

‘From a University perspective, I can confirm that the IB Diploma is viewed as excellent preparation for further study.’ Oxford University

Why the IB Programme Is Built for the Future

The IB Diploma Programme model which prepares students for future-proof jobs

The IB programme is distinct from other pathways like the GCE A-Levels in that it balances depth with breadth. While A-Levels often focus on three or four subjects, IB students take six subjects across languages, sciences, maths, and the humanities, ensuring a well-rounded education.

The IB also integrates interdisciplinary thinking and service learning, which are vital in preparing students for complex careers that require working across domains and cultures.

As a top British school in Singapore, Westbourne College (Singapore) offers a truly future-focused IGCSE and IB education. Our students benefit from a world-class academic foundation while gaining access to real-world learning experiences that are critical in preparing for the future workforce.

Learn more about Westbourne

What Should Students in Singapore Study Now?

If you are navigating your options such as the IGCSE, GCE O Levels, or looking ahead to the IB Diploma in Singapore, consider aligning subject choices with both personal strengths and areas of future job growth. A strong combination of STEM and business subjects provides versatility.

For example, a student interested in environmental sustainability may combine:

Environmental Systems and Societies
Economics
Mathematics

A future data scientist might choose:

Computer Science
Physics
Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches

A budding entrepreneur could pair:

Business Management
Economics
Mathematics

The key is flexibility, and by choosing an IGCSE or IB programme, it allows students to explore different interests while developing strong core skills.

Explore our IGCSE Programme Explore our IB Diploma

“I’ve been in a lot of international schools here, and the Westbourne experience is drastically different. One of the most valuable parts of being at Westbourne is how they treat you as a young adult — it makes the transition to the workforce much smoother and gives you a real sense of achievement.”
Gabriel, IBDP 2024 Student (2024)

The Westbourne Advantage

At Westbourne College (Singapore), we offer the IB Diploma Programme with a strong focus on STEM and Business. This reflects the global trends shaping the future workforce. Our approach prepares students not just for exams, but for life—encouraging critical thinking, resilience, and leadership.

Here’s what makes us unique among the top IB schools in Singapore:

Small class sizes: With a typical teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6 for IGCSE and 1:10 for IBDP, every student is known by name which allows for highly personalised support.
Professional learning environment: Our students learn in a professional, office-style campus that reflects real-world workplaces.
Global network: As part of Westbourne International, students benefit from global learning opportunities across the UK, Australia, Singapore, and soon, India.
Academic excellence: Westbourne International graduates rank in the top 1-2% worldwide for IB results.
Future-focused approach: Our students’ learning is supported by KnowVa Coach, the world’s first AI-powered tutor backed by science and designed exclusively for IB Diploma programme students.
Accelerated pathway: Westbourne’s accelerated IB Diploma pathway allows students to begin the IBDP earlier than traditional schools, helping them start university up to a year ahead of peers taking the Singapore A-Level and 2 years earlier as compared to Polytechnic graduates.

Whether you are an expat or Singaporean family seeking the best in education in Singapore, Westbourne offers a globally recognised programme that opens doors to top universities and future-proof careers. If you are seeking a top IB school in Singapore that delivers academic excellence, industry exposure, personalised support through exceptionally small class sizes, we warmly welcome you and family to book a visit to discover Westbourne’s award-winning approach.

Book a visit to Westbourne

"If you're looking for a place where your teen can focus on what they love, enjoy and excel in, this is the place for you." Margarita, Parent of IBDP Student Gabriel (2024)