Careers of tomorrow: The 2026 programmes employers want

As 2026 applications open, new data points to seven program areas linked to fast-growing jobs, mainly in technology, health, green energy, and data-driven business. This is already shaping how Indian students, agents, and universities plan study choices and career paths.

Labour signals favor tech, health, and green skills

Reports show robust growth in AI, data, security, and green roles, with rising demand for jobs like renewable energy technicians, nurse practitioners, data scientists, and security analyst. As such, related programs will be in focus in 2026.

AI and data science

AI and data programs are now the focus of hiring plans around the world. AI and machine learning specialists, big data experts, and business intelligence analysts are some of the fastest-growing roles headed to 2030. Universities and training providers are thus updating their AI and data courses with actual datasets, cloud tools, and projects that can lead graduates into jobs in finance, logistics, healthcare, government, and tech.

Cybersecurity and information security

Cybersecurity is now a basic need for most organizations. A global study shows about 5.5 million people work in cyber roles, yet there is still a gap of roughly 4.8 million, so programs in cybersecurity and related fields are in demand as employers seek people who can handle threats, incidents, and cloud security in an AI- and device-heavy world.

Cloud and devops engineering

Modern digital services run on cloud infrastructure, and that infrastructure needs skilled teams. Labour projections in large markets show strong growth for software developers and other roles that manage cloud platforms and deployment pipelines.

Degrees and certificates in cloud computing and DevOps engineering train learners to design and operate systems on major cloud providers. Many programs now include agile methods and industry certification tracks so that graduates can contribute more quickly to engineering teams.

Health sciences and nursing

The WHO warns there could be a shortage of up to 11 million health workers by 2030. As such, healthcare is expected to continue growing. Nursing and related health programs are in high demand with low unemployment and appeal the most to students in countries with clear, fair rules on training, licensing, and hiring.

Renewable energy and sustainability

What’s truly changing tech and engineering jobs worldwide is the ongoing shift to clean energy. Jobs as wind turbine and solar installers are expected to grow very fast, while graduates in renewable energy, environmental engineering, or sustainability can work on solar and wind projects, modern grids, and energy-efficient buildings.

Business analytics and financial technology

Another set of roles is growing at the crossroads of business and technology. The WEF’s 2025 jobs update highlights big data specialists, fintech engineers, and AI-focused professionals among the fastest-rising roles in percentage terms. Business analytics, applied economics, and fintech programs teach learners to work with data models, digital payments, and risk systems. Graduates move into banks, payment companies, e-commerce, and start-ups that rely on data to guide almost every decision.

Software and digital product development

Software development continues to underpin growth in multiple industries. Occupational projections and salary studies often place computing and engineering majors near the top for both job growth and earnings, especially in roles linked to software engineering and application development. These days, software engineering programs concentrate on creating actual products and maintaining their large-scale operations. Employers see what graduates are capable of through project work, internships, and open-source contributions.

Shorter programs connect degrees with new skills

A lot of students are getting a main degree and taking short online or blended courses in fast-growing tech and green fields. They use platforms like MSM Grad for job-focused, project-based training. AI and data, cybersecurity, cloud and DevOps, health sciences, renewable energy, business analytics and fintech, and software development will probably be the main areas of hiring in the coming year. It will be more important than ever to have easy-to-understand information about career paths and employment opportunities in these fields. The author is Founder of MSM Unify.