For over twenty years OECD scholars they interview teenagers from all over the world to understand what their professional aspirations are. The answers on the “dream job” offer an interesting insight into how the new generations imagine their future.
In 2000, the most coveted profession was that of a doctor, but other careers such as decorator or military officer were also popular. Often, of course, dream job and real job don't match.
For example, although 11% of girls and 5% of boys aspired to become doctors, today less than 0,5% of the working age population in the countries surveyed practices this profession.
More and more doubts than certainties
In 2018, the poll was repeated on a larger sample and the top choices remained the same. However, the percentage of undecided guys has passed from 14% in 2000 to 25% in 2018.
This indecisiveness is concerning because research shows that early career ambitions significantly influence career outcomes and future planning, including college education. Young people today face the serious risk of "endemic demotivation" which would end up slowing down the entire civil society of the near future.
Dream job versus nightmare of the future: the shadow of AI
The misalignment between adolescents' job expectations and their study plans is already digging a deep groove that will increase unemployment and underemployment even more than artificial intelligence itself. For example, in Australia, the percentage of underemployed teenagers has passed from 3,4% in 1978 to 20% in 2019.
Globally, artificial intelligence can become a real “killer” of dream jobs: it is the OECD that says so, not me. Another example? In Japan and the Slovak Republic almost 50% of the jobs that young people aspire to could be threatened by automation. We need policies that support career exploration in schools, such as mandatory career guidance and work experience programmes.
Dream job in a nightmarish world
With the technological evolution that is rapidly changing the very nature of the work, for today's young people it is increasingly difficult to even dream. And this discourages their participation in post-secondary education and other forms of skill development.
How do you figure out which educational path will end in a dead end, in a world where AI can destroy in a flash a sea of professions and create others? How do you fight the feeling that studying is useless?
Companies they should invest in proactive employer branding campaigns in high schools and universities. A more ethical and efficient edition of school-to-work programs. More than anything, a way to collaborate with educational institutions and ensure that the skills taught are in line with the needs of various sectors, helping to reduce the skills gap.
Conclusion: a future to be built in the age of AI
In a world where dream jobs seem like an increasingly distant mirage and AI can revolutionize the professional landscape, it is essential that young people are guided and supported in their career choice path.
The public sector must absolutely invest in professional training. In apprenticeship programs that provide practical skills and direct pathways to future careers. It must fund research on future work trends and the impact of automation, ensuring that career guidance is based on up-to-date, prospective and accurate information.
The innovators, instead, aim to create businesses that guide young people towards rewarding careers. I'm thinking, for example, of coaching services or online platforms that connect students with mentors in various fields.
Because, as Confucius said, "choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life". And, after all, isn't this the real dream job?
