16.09.2025
Top Promising and Lucrative Professions of the Future = What to Study
One of the key criteria when choosing an educational path has always been career prospects. While the demand for specialists in any given field is hard to predict, there are steadily growing industries that are unlikely to become obsolete in the coming decade. Which fields are considered the most promising and will virtually guarantee employment for graduates? What career should you pursue to be in demand on the global job market?
Let's explore the most in-demand and high-paying professions abroad that will be at the top in the coming years.
Let's explore the most in-demand and high-paying professions abroad that will be at the top in the coming years.
Top
Promising and Lucrative Professions of the Future =
What to Study
IT Specialists
Cloud Solutions Architects & Engineers
Cloud technologies have eliminated the need for many companies to store data on their own servers. Industry giants like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform leverage these capabilities. These employers are constantly seeking new employees for the roles of Cloud Architects and Engineers.
According to PayScale, the average global salary for a Cloud Architect exceeds $100,000 per year, while a Cloud Solutions Engineer earns over $80,000.
A Cloud Architect is a certified cloud computing professional who designs cloud infrastructure for both individual applications and entire enterprises, seeking the most reliable and efficient approaches in developing or integrating cloud systems.
A Cloud Engineer implements the solutions designed by the Cloud Architect, assists in development, and builds all necessary cloud functionalities.
The requirements for this profession align with many IT specialties: an analytical mind, excellent knowledge of mathematics and programming languages. A bachelor's or master's degree is a plus. Such an education can be obtained, for example, at the EU Business School in Germany or Spain.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialists
This is one of the fastest-growing, most in-demand, and highest-paying professions on the market. Specialists in this field remain scarce. The AI market is accelerating and is projected to be worth $360 billion by 2028, as it offers companies ways to elevate business processes to a new level and improve customer service quality.
According to Glassdoor, the average global salary for an AI specialist exceeds $87,000 per year.
To become an AI specialist, a technical degree and experience in IT are desirable, along with expertise in data optimization and machine learning for enhancing marketing activities. Proficiency in programming and the ability to develop and maintain artificial neural networks are essential.
Business Analytics & Statistics
As more aspects of economic activity move into the digital realm, the volume of digital information is growing. With the development of marketing and data analysis tools, the demand for specialists is increasing exponentially and will continue to do so. Research by The Economist Group shows that recruiting talent in data and analytics remains one of the most challenging tasks.
According to PayScale, the average global salary for a Business Analyst exceeds $70,000 per year.
A BI (Business Intelligence) Manager is a relatively new field that has been developing in the West for several years. This expert's role goes beyond creating reports. An analyst's task is to study factual information to identify patterns that will help develop an optimal strategy for increasing sales and other KPIs. They work with data to help companies make more effective business decisions, being responsible for extracting, processing, cleansing, and analyzing large datasets.
The most successful people in business analytics possess strong communication skills, an analytical mindset, problem-solving abilities, and the skill to develop optimal solutions and new data mining tools. Knowledge of SQL and programming, as well as the ability to effectively present a developed strategy, are often required. An understanding of machine learning is a significant advantage.
As this is a new field, it often attracts people from finance, insurance, mathematics, business, or information systems. However, some universities now offer specialized programs in BI Analytics, Data Science, Data Analysis, and similar fields. Examples include the University of California, Riverside in the USA, TBS Education in Barcelona, Spain, or Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy. Students learn to work with reports, visualization, dashboards, and take courses in business technologies to understand how to simplify complex data.
Information Security Specialists
Many companies face a shortage of specialized cybersecurity professionals. Calculations and payments are conducted online, and data is stored in cloud services. Security has, in a way, become the new currency.
According to PayScale, the average global salary in this field exceeds $70,000 per year.
An Information Security Systems Engineer is a specialist with the knowledge and skills required to plan and implement security systems and infrastructure. They are responsible for development, software testing, ensuring the integrity of an organization's computer systems, and implementing new technologies.
Besides security engineers, there are related specialties: Security Architect, Penetration Tester (pentester), Digital Forensics Analyst, and Vulnerability Researcher.
Software Development & QA Engineering
Software developers and QA engineers are predictably among the top in-demand specialties. Software is ubiquitous. It is forecasted that by 2030, employers will offer over 400,000 more job openings for new specialists.
According to PayScale, the average global salary for a Software Developer exceeds $65,000 per year.
Software developers design and write software, create applications for specific tasks, and work with operating systems used by devices and networks. Software development involves identifying consumer needs, designing and testing software, performing updates for legacy programs, as well as maintaining and documenting software to ensure its future functionality.
A career in development suits those who love exact sciences and clear rules, dream of remote work and flexible hours. A potential developer should be diligent, meticulous, and able to work in a team. However, one must be prepared for continuous education throughout their career to keep up with new programming languages and tools.
A bachelor's degree is usually sufficient for such a position. Education can be obtained at a university specializing in computer programming and IT, such as Centennial College in Canada, IED in Spain, or Pace University in the USA.
Medical Professionals
Physicians
Doctors represent over 60% of the world's highest-paid professions! Neurosurgeons and anesthesiologists top the list. At the same time, developed countries consistently face a shortage of qualified specialists in their healthcare systems. Nurses constitute the largest segment of healthcare workers.
According to PayScale, the average global salary for a physician exceeds $65,000 per year.
To become a doctor abroad, education, a degree, and a practice license are required. Some Western universities have cooperation programs with Russian universities. For instance, it's possible to transfer to a medical program at Italy's Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore from a Russian university, starting directly in the second or third year.
Nursing Staff (Nurses)
The global job market for nurses will continue to grow in the coming years. The main factors driving this growth are the aging population and healthcare system reforms in many countries.
According to WHO data, the average global salary for a nurse exceeds $30,000 per year.
To become a certified specialist, a diploma (often obtainable in 2-4 years) and a license are required. Affordable programs can be found at Durham College in Canada or Green River College in the USA.
Alternative Energy
Renewable energy has transitioned from ambitious projects into an energy sector capable of providing a large number of jobs. More countries are adopting a "green" course, flooding the job market with new vacancies: engineers and plant managers, mechanics and marketers, sales specialists and technologists. Currently, several countries lead in the use and development of alternative energy. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of renewable energy (over 40%). The USA ranks second globally in production and is "home" to the largest companies in solar and wind energy. About one-third of Germany's generated energy comes from renewable sources. Denmark is a leader in wind energy.
According to PayScale, the average global salary in this sector exceeds $62,000 per year.
Who is suited for a career in alternative energy? Those with a scientific mindset, a love for research, and a concern for the future of the planet.
Universities such as Stanford University in the USA, the University of British Columbia in Canada, and Webster University Geneva in Switzerland offer bachelor's, master's, MBA, and doctoral degrees in renewable energy.
Financial Managers
This profession has firmly held a top position for decades. One of the main trends in the financial management job market is the shift towards automation and the use of new technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence. This opens significant opportunities for specialists who are well-versed in both new technologies and finance.
According to PayScale, the average global salary exceeds $60,000 per year.
A Financial Manager's responsibilities include controlling profits and expenses, ensuring maximum financial security for the business, making investment decisions, creating financial reports, and developing strategies influencing future financial goals.
To succeed, a bachelor's or master's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or IT is needed. This can be obtained, for example, at ISM International School of Management in Germany or Geneva Business School in Switzerland.
Actuaries
This specialist, based on data analysis and mathematical modeling, calculates premiums for insurance products, determines reserves necessary for future claim payouts, and assesses insurance risks related to health, life, property, and liability insurance. They design, develop, and analyze insurance products that meet client needs and allow the company to manage its risks effectively.
According to PayScale, the average global salary exceeds $60,000 per year.
Required skills include an analytical mind, strong knowledge of mathematics and statistics, understanding of data analysis software (Excel, SQL, R, or Python), and readiness for continuous learning and development in line with changing market demands.
To become an actuary, it's necessary to pass a series of exams (like those from CAS or similar bodies) and obtain a certificate confirming qualification and granting the right to work in this industry. Education for this profession can be obtained at specially accredited universities, for example, Boston University in the USA or Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy.
General Hotel Managers
This is a job that requires quick thinking and the ability to organize people. One must effectively manage the business, including budget planning, setting and achieving goals, defining development and marketing strategy. It requires understanding guest needs and financial processes, the ability to work with accounting reports, knowledge of labor law and best practices in HR, effective communication in different languages, conflict resolution skills, and keeping up with new technologies and innovations that can increase hotel profitability.
According to PayScale, the average global salary exceeds $50,000 per year.
To become a hotel manager, it's best to get an education at a hospitality university and then complete an internship at a hotel. Some universities organize study programs based on a "semester of study + semester of work" model at operating hotels. For example, universities within the SEG group in Switzerland include annual paid internships in several countries as part of their program. Thus, upon graduation, students have full-fledged work experience to present to employers.
Cloud Solutions Architects & Engineers
Cloud technologies have eliminated the need for many companies to store data on their own servers. Industry giants like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform leverage these capabilities. These employers are constantly seeking new employees for the roles of Cloud Architects and Engineers.
According to PayScale, the average global salary for a Cloud Architect exceeds $100,000 per year, while a Cloud Solutions Engineer earns over $80,000.
A Cloud Architect is a certified cloud computing professional who designs cloud infrastructure for both individual applications and entire enterprises, seeking the most reliable and efficient approaches in developing or integrating cloud systems.
A Cloud Engineer implements the solutions designed by the Cloud Architect, assists in development, and builds all necessary cloud functionalities.
The requirements for this profession align with many IT specialties: an analytical mind, excellent knowledge of mathematics and programming languages. A bachelor's or master's degree is a plus. Such an education can be obtained, for example, at the EU Business School in Germany or Spain.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialists
This is one of the fastest-growing, most in-demand, and highest-paying professions on the market. Specialists in this field remain scarce. The AI market is accelerating and is projected to be worth $360 billion by 2028, as it offers companies ways to elevate business processes to a new level and improve customer service quality.
According to Glassdoor, the average global salary for an AI specialist exceeds $87,000 per year.
To become an AI specialist, a technical degree and experience in IT are desirable, along with expertise in data optimization and machine learning for enhancing marketing activities. Proficiency in programming and the ability to develop and maintain artificial neural networks are essential.
Business Analytics & Statistics
As more aspects of economic activity move into the digital realm, the volume of digital information is growing. With the development of marketing and data analysis tools, the demand for specialists is increasing exponentially and will continue to do so. Research by The Economist Group shows that recruiting talent in data and analytics remains one of the most challenging tasks.
According to PayScale, the average global salary for a Business Analyst exceeds $70,000 per year.
A BI (Business Intelligence) Manager is a relatively new field that has been developing in the West for several years. This expert's role goes beyond creating reports. An analyst's task is to study factual information to identify patterns that will help develop an optimal strategy for increasing sales and other KPIs. They work with data to help companies make more effective business decisions, being responsible for extracting, processing, cleansing, and analyzing large datasets.
The most successful people in business analytics possess strong communication skills, an analytical mindset, problem-solving abilities, and the skill to develop optimal solutions and new data mining tools. Knowledge of SQL and programming, as well as the ability to effectively present a developed strategy, are often required. An understanding of machine learning is a significant advantage.
As this is a new field, it often attracts people from finance, insurance, mathematics, business, or information systems. However, some universities now offer specialized programs in BI Analytics, Data Science, Data Analysis, and similar fields. Examples include the University of California, Riverside in the USA, TBS Education in Barcelona, Spain, or Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy. Students learn to work with reports, visualization, dashboards, and take courses in business technologies to understand how to simplify complex data.
Information Security Specialists
Many companies face a shortage of specialized cybersecurity professionals. Calculations and payments are conducted online, and data is stored in cloud services. Security has, in a way, become the new currency.
According to PayScale, the average global salary in this field exceeds $70,000 per year.
An Information Security Systems Engineer is a specialist with the knowledge and skills required to plan and implement security systems and infrastructure. They are responsible for development, software testing, ensuring the integrity of an organization's computer systems, and implementing new technologies.
Besides security engineers, there are related specialties: Security Architect, Penetration Tester (pentester), Digital Forensics Analyst, and Vulnerability Researcher.
Software Development & QA Engineering
Software developers and QA engineers are predictably among the top in-demand specialties. Software is ubiquitous. It is forecasted that by 2030, employers will offer over 400,000 more job openings for new specialists.
According to PayScale, the average global salary for a Software Developer exceeds $65,000 per year.
Software developers design and write software, create applications for specific tasks, and work with operating systems used by devices and networks. Software development involves identifying consumer needs, designing and testing software, performing updates for legacy programs, as well as maintaining and documenting software to ensure its future functionality.
A career in development suits those who love exact sciences and clear rules, dream of remote work and flexible hours. A potential developer should be diligent, meticulous, and able to work in a team. However, one must be prepared for continuous education throughout their career to keep up with new programming languages and tools.
A bachelor's degree is usually sufficient for such a position. Education can be obtained at a university specializing in computer programming and IT, such as Centennial College in Canada, IED in Spain, or Pace University in the USA.
Medical Professionals
Physicians
Doctors represent over 60% of the world's highest-paid professions! Neurosurgeons and anesthesiologists top the list. At the same time, developed countries consistently face a shortage of qualified specialists in their healthcare systems. Nurses constitute the largest segment of healthcare workers.
According to PayScale, the average global salary for a physician exceeds $65,000 per year.
To become a doctor abroad, education, a degree, and a practice license are required. Some Western universities have cooperation programs with Russian universities. For instance, it's possible to transfer to a medical program at Italy's Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore from a Russian university, starting directly in the second or third year.
Nursing Staff (Nurses)
The global job market for nurses will continue to grow in the coming years. The main factors driving this growth are the aging population and healthcare system reforms in many countries.
According to WHO data, the average global salary for a nurse exceeds $30,000 per year.
To become a certified specialist, a diploma (often obtainable in 2-4 years) and a license are required. Affordable programs can be found at Durham College in Canada or Green River College in the USA.
Alternative Energy
Renewable energy has transitioned from ambitious projects into an energy sector capable of providing a large number of jobs. More countries are adopting a "green" course, flooding the job market with new vacancies: engineers and plant managers, mechanics and marketers, sales specialists and technologists. Currently, several countries lead in the use and development of alternative energy. China is the world's largest producer and consumer of renewable energy (over 40%). The USA ranks second globally in production and is "home" to the largest companies in solar and wind energy. About one-third of Germany's generated energy comes from renewable sources. Denmark is a leader in wind energy.
According to PayScale, the average global salary in this sector exceeds $62,000 per year.
Who is suited for a career in alternative energy? Those with a scientific mindset, a love for research, and a concern for the future of the planet.
Universities such as Stanford University in the USA, the University of British Columbia in Canada, and Webster University Geneva in Switzerland offer bachelor's, master's, MBA, and doctoral degrees in renewable energy.
Financial Managers
This profession has firmly held a top position for decades. One of the main trends in the financial management job market is the shift towards automation and the use of new technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence. This opens significant opportunities for specialists who are well-versed in both new technologies and finance.
According to PayScale, the average global salary exceeds $60,000 per year.
A Financial Manager's responsibilities include controlling profits and expenses, ensuring maximum financial security for the business, making investment decisions, creating financial reports, and developing strategies influencing future financial goals.
To succeed, a bachelor's or master's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or IT is needed. This can be obtained, for example, at ISM International School of Management in Germany or Geneva Business School in Switzerland.
Actuaries
This specialist, based on data analysis and mathematical modeling, calculates premiums for insurance products, determines reserves necessary for future claim payouts, and assesses insurance risks related to health, life, property, and liability insurance. They design, develop, and analyze insurance products that meet client needs and allow the company to manage its risks effectively.
According to PayScale, the average global salary exceeds $60,000 per year.
Required skills include an analytical mind, strong knowledge of mathematics and statistics, understanding of data analysis software (Excel, SQL, R, or Python), and readiness for continuous learning and development in line with changing market demands.
To become an actuary, it's necessary to pass a series of exams (like those from CAS or similar bodies) and obtain a certificate confirming qualification and granting the right to work in this industry. Education for this profession can be obtained at specially accredited universities, for example, Boston University in the USA or Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy.
General Hotel Managers
This is a job that requires quick thinking and the ability to organize people. One must effectively manage the business, including budget planning, setting and achieving goals, defining development and marketing strategy. It requires understanding guest needs and financial processes, the ability to work with accounting reports, knowledge of labor law and best practices in HR, effective communication in different languages, conflict resolution skills, and keeping up with new technologies and innovations that can increase hotel profitability.
According to PayScale, the average global salary exceeds $50,000 per year.
To become a hotel manager, it's best to get an education at a hospitality university and then complete an internship at a hotel. Some universities organize study programs based on a "semester of study + semester of work" model at operating hotels. For example, universities within the SEG group in Switzerland include annual paid internships in several countries as part of their program. Thus, upon graduation, students have full-fledged work experience to present to employers.