Developing ‘Career Vision’: Why It’s Important To Think Like A Futurist

Before founding IQ Catalyst in 2024, I served as the Technology Vertical Chief at Academic Partnerships (now Risepoint), a leading higher education consulting firm. My charge was to build a new business segment by helping colleges and universities launch fully online master’s degree programs in fast-growing fields like cybersecurity, data science, and healthcare informatics. 

It was some of the most future-focused, intellectually exciting work of my career— and it taught me the importance of helping clients envision what’s coming next: to notice early signals, anticipate emerging skills, and design strategies that align with where opportunity is moving.

Helping clients cultivate that kind of “career vision”—and then building a roadmap to help them get there—is at the core of the work we do at IQ Catalyst.

The Skills Landscape Was Already Changing Fast—Even Before AI

As we partnered with universities, it became clear that:

• The shelf-life of technical skills was shrinking rapidly

• Entire fields were being reshaped every 18–24 months

• New job categories were emerging almost overnight

• And digital transformation was accelerating across every industry

This was before the Generative AI wave hit.

AI didn’t create this acceleration. AI just poured jet fuel on a fire that was already burning.

New Fields, New Capabilities, and Evolving Talent Needs 

To prepare students for these emerging fields, universities have had to sprint to design new programs from scratch. Not by guessing—but by asking hard questions about the future: 

• What macro forces are shaping the economy?

• What capabilities - new and emerging - will firms need to have to win?

• What job roles will be required?

• What skills will matter most?

• Where will interdisciplinary knowledge give candidates an edge?

Occasionally, we would collaborate with a partner to launch an entirely new, first-of-its kind program. One of these was a program that combined the more ‘traditional’ study of psychology with the understanding of digital tools and technologies. The result: Norfolk State University's online Master’s in Cyberpsychology, This innovative program   explores how the digital world shapes human behavior -  cyberactivism, cyberbullying, cybercrime, digital health, gaming, and more. 

This program - and many more that are bubbling up -  are future-oriented - positioned to support jobs that are just beginning to appear on the horizon - digital forensics specialists, intelligence analysts, security consultants, and many more. 

Why This Matters for Today’s Students and Young Professionals

Here’s the reality: there’s a very good chance you (or a friend or family member) will hold at least one job that doesn’t exist yet.

Consider roles like:

• AI Data Scientist

• AR/VR Experience Designer

• Brand Storyteller

• Deep Learning Engineer

• Director of Influencer Marketing

• Forensic Accountant

• Sustainable Design Leader

• Vulnerability/Threat Management Analyst

None of these were mainstream a few years ago. Now they’re real, growing, and increasingly in demand.

Why IQ Catalyst Takes a Future-Focused Approach

At IQ Catalyst, we don’t just help clients prepare for the job market as it exists today. We help them prepare for the job market they are entering - one that will continue to evolve in unpredictable ways. 

That’s why we constantly monitor:

• Emerging technologies

• Early-stage job categories

• Talent shortages

• Interdisciplinary opportunities

• Trends in ‘Digital Transformation’

• The impact of AI on traditional roles

• Entirely new fields forming in real time 

Because career strategy shouldn’t just reflect the present. It should help clients envision the future, and target pathways positioned for growth. 

There might be a future Brand Storyteller, Business Intelligence Analyst, Director of Influencer Marketing, Forensic Accountant, or Sustainable Design Leader reading this right now.

Want Help Envisioning Your Future Career? 

Whether you’re exploring your path or supporting someone you care about, the ability to see around the corner - and prepare for what’s coming next - can make all the difference.

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