What sector in the business should I study in Uni to help my job chances?

First of all, good day to everyone on ATS., I have been reading these forums for a couple of years and have to say it’s the best forum that I ever joined. Let me get to the point I am quite apprehensive about the future. I know there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this forum. I just started my first year in university in Australia. I got into accounting, I was just wondering if anyone had information not just in Australia but the world about which sector of business is not threaten by computers. I heard there is some accounting software out there. Australian posters hope you can help Any information would be greatly welcomed

Search Engine Marketing, Pay Per Click Advertising and Banner Advertising are highly lucrative sectors.

Internet marketing is gold right now

Networking technologies and practical networking.
Technical stuff but by the time you finish college - this will be an even bigger industry with smart homes being almost standard....unless the whole thing collapses...which would only happen if we somehow reverted back to the dark ages.

this site would be good to read in order for you to have a larger picture on how the future will look like:

lifeafterpeakoil.com...

You mean to specialize in some area in which computers cannot subtitute you?

Well, if you are studying accounting you can continue on that and specialize in finances or taxes, or anything they offer. Software is there to make those jobs more efficient, not to subtitute the people. The only jobs I see threatened by technology are being an operator (an automated line can replace most of the workers) and anything that depends on obsolete technology (like a clock repair shop). Otherwise you should study/work in what you most like if your only concern is being replaced by computers.

Just consider that the existing accounting software is there to help you, so you should try to learn and master it. Doing all the accounting by hand is not efficient and is not expected.

Of course, nothing can ever replace business management, if that's something you're interested in.

But like Halicarnassus said, accounting won't ever be replaced with software, so that's a safe bet as well.

reply to post by Unstable

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Hi,

First of all, just being in university is the best first step to the rest of your career.

I'm in HR, so I would say it would have to be one of the 'service' providers within a company, (I.e. HR, Marketing, IT, Accounts).

They are transferable across any industry and that macro flexibility is desirable.

However, what the current trend is, and will be for some time, is moving away from specialisms where you have only one skill set (I.e. accounts only).

Try and use a personal development plan over the next 5 years, and gain as much insight to other functions. It always helps if you're skill sets are expansive (I.e. your competencies are numerous: good people and communication skills, team working, IT, good business awareness, financial awareness, customer focus, quality management knowledge etc). - This sounds daunting, but they are skills that are inherently gained with a large employer over time, that is if you are motivated to learn them.

The greater your ability to adopt, the greater your chances are of being retained in a reputable company.

P.s. If you get the opportunity, look into Emotional Intelligence regarding your own development. Accountants, IMHO, are a drag to work with - emotionless and boring. They are the bane of our HR lives, even computers can't perk them up -

Seriously, good luck in the future.

Breifne

If I had it all to do over again, I would concentrate on the SALES end of
the marketing spectrum. A salary is fine but commissions are ultimately where it's at, if you want the big money.