2025 Career Guide: In-Demand Fields and Degrees

If you are planning on studying in 2025 and beyond, you may be wondering which careers are in high demand. Afterall, you want to ensure that you end up choosing a field that has plentiful job opportunities. 

With technology advancing every month, it is important to consider which careers will last and which will not. 

This article serves as your ultimate career guide, where we will look at some of the most in-demand jobs in South Africa and give you tips on how to futureproof your career.  

What are the most in-demand careers in South Africa?

As technology, societal needs, environmental concerns, and career trends drive change, some fields stand out more than others. Here is a closer look at the career areas that are in high demand so you can do proper career planning.

Business careers

Business roles are always in demand, and that is not changing anytime soon. 

In 2025, companies will seek professionals skilled in project management, financial analysis, and marketing strategy. 

With businesses focusing on data-driven decisions, roles such as business analysts and operations managers will continue to grow. Business careers are a great fit if you thrive on problem-solving and critical thinking.

Key areas to consider:

• Supply chain management: Companies need these professionals to help maintain their inventories and ensure that production and delivery of goods happen on time and within budget. 
• Digital marketing specialist: Experts who can analyse customer behaviours and ensure that the company remains competitive in an ever-changing market are invaluable to companies of all sizes. 

• Human resources: Finding and retaining top talent is becoming increasingly crucial as remote work becomes more prevalent. Qualified HR professionals are needed to keep the workforce happy.

Technology and IT

The tech industry is one of the fastest-moving sectors, and by 2025, expertise in a range of IT-focused roles will be required.

• Cybersecurity: With cyber threats increasing, organisations need experts to protect sensitive systems and data. Careers in cybersecurity auditing and ethical hacking are booming.

• Data analysis: Businesses rely heavily on data to inform decisions. Analysts who can interpret numbers and find patterns will be crucial for success.

• Software development: Everything from mobile apps to AI-powered tools depends on software developers who can code and create cutting-edge solutions.

If you are drawn to working with computers and solving complex puzzles, this field offers endless potential.

Education and training

Education is evolving rapidly, with online learning and vocational training leading the way. The way people learn is changing, and educators are adapting to new methods and needs.

• Online educators: Remote learning isn’t going anywhere. Schools, businesses, and universities need experts to develop and lead online courses.

• Vocational trainers: Teachers of specific trades who provide practical instruction to help students build skills remain vital. These teachers are responsible for lesson planning, developing comprehensive curricula, and more. 

Skilled trades

Though often overlooked, skilled trades remain essential to society. Trades are not just practical — they are lucrative, too. As infrastructure ages and demand grows, tradespeople will remain in high demand.

• Electricians: With increasing dependence on electrical systems and renewable energy, electricians are more critical than ever.
• Plumbers: Plumbing systems are critical to buildings, and skilled plumbers will always find work opportunities.

• Carpenters: From home renovations to large-scale construction projects, carpenters are indispensable for crafting and building structures.

If you enjoy hands-on problem-solving, skilled trades offer fulfilling work and often shorter training periods than traditional degrees.

Healthcare professions

Due to population growth and increased mental awareness, the need for qualified healthcare professionals continues to grow. Here are some of the careers in high demand: 

• Nursing: Whether in hospitals or private clinics, nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system.

• Telemedicine professionals: Virtual health consultations are becoming mainstream, and healthcare providers fluent in telemedicine practices are increasingly sought after.
• Mental health services: Jobs for psychologists, counsellors, and therapists are rising as society prioritises mental well-being.

How can I future-proof my career?

There are different ways to future-proof your career, including building more skills, pursuing continuous learning, and more. 

• Focus on transferable skill development: These skills can be used in all career fields, including communication, leadership, critical thinking, and time management. Mastering these makes you highly sought after by employers. 

• Commit to lifelong learning: Explore emerging fields like AI, data analysis, or sustainability practices. Take free or low-cost online courses like business and entrepreneurship, 4IR technology, and more. The best professionals never stop learning. Staying curious and exploring new skills will give you a significant advantage.
• Grow your professional network: As the saying goes, “Your network is your net worth.” In other words, knowing the right people opens the door to many different career opportunities, possible collaborations — and, as a result, salary increases that would not have been possible otherwise. 

FAQ

What jobs pay R100,000 a month?

Reaching a monthly salary of R100,000 is ambitious but achievable in specific high-paying careers if you have the skills and qualifications. Here are a few fields where such earnings are within reach:

• Medical specialists, such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other specialised doctors. 
• Executive roles, such as CEO, COO, and CFO.
• Technology experts including data scientists, cloud architects, and AI specialists. 
• Legal professionals such as advocates and attorneys. 
• Engineering specialists, such as roles in petrochemical, mining, or renewable energy. 

What careers are no longer in demand in South Africa?

As the job market evolves, some careers are fading in demand due to automation, technological advances, or economic changes. Knowing which fields are shrinking is essential if you are planning your career. 

According to News 2024, some careers no longer in demand in South Africa include bank tellers, telemarketers, insurance brokers, dispatch managers, and travel consultants. 

What are the best careers in business?

There are several different business careers that will grow alongside technology while also offering great pay and excellent advancement opportunities. These include: 

• Financial analyst
• Project manager
• Marketing strategist
• Human resource manager
• Business consultant

Build your career with REGENT

As you can see, there are many different career paths avaialble that are in demand and will remain in-demand even with technological advancements. The future of work will change, but several business careers will stay in-demand (with some slight changes as markets evolve). 

If you would like to enter the business world where there are various career opportunities in numerous fields, such as supply chain, marketing, accounting, and human resources, have a look at REGENT’s business degree choices here.