For many years, the standard path for aspiring technologists has been Computer Science. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a major shift in the tech landscape. The most impactful technologists these days are not just coders; they’re strategic, creative and human-focused professionals who can blend technical expertise with a broader understanding of the world. It’s hard to say what the future holds, such is the speed in which changes are happening in the tech world, but it could be argued that the future belongs to systems thinkers, ethical architects and cross-disciplinary innovators.
So, in these fast-changing, uncertain times, if Comp Sci is no longer the go-to field, what should students be studying? In this article, I’ll attempt to answer this by providing six areas that you should consider exploring if you want to stay ahead of the curve.
1. Ethical AI and Responsible Technology
It goes without saying that artificial intelligence is no longer a niche topic. Over the past few years, it has become entrenched in our products and services to the point where ChatGPT has become a verb (albeit not a very catchy one) like ‘Hoover’ and ‘Google’. However, as with any ground-breaking technology, there are risks and ethical considerations to take into account. So, while understanding how to build AI is a valuable skill, knowing how to build it responsibly is just as essential, and as AI, surveillance and automation continue to scale, ethical technologists are going to be needed and sought after. By studying philosophy, law or public policy, you will be equipped to help shape technology that serves society as a whole, not just shareholders. More specifically, you could look into courses on AI ethics, digital rights and data privacy frameworks to position yourself as a leader in the next wave of innovation.
2. Sustainable Engineering and Climate Tech
This next point is particularly interesting to me as co-founder of OXBO, a recruitment company specialising in both the tech and renewables spaces. The clean energy revolution needs tech talent, which means green tech isn’t merely a trend – it’s a necessity. By understanding energy systems, carbon markets and climate modelling, you could play an integral part in building solutions that matter. From smart grids to carbon accounting software, if you possess skills in energy optimisation and IoT-enabled sustainability, you will be aligning yourself with the biggest global trend of our time – and you’d have the added bonus of knowing that your career is benefiting the planet and future generations.
3. Cybersecurity and Privacy
While we’re talking global trends, another global trend, regrettably, is the ever-growing threat of cybercrime. Every innovation opens the door to new security challenges, and one of the downsides of AI is that it can be used to exploit the trust of individuals or indeed companies. Phishing, ransomware attacks, credit card fraud, online blackmail and extortion all become more deadly as technology advances. As a result, cybersecurity expertise will always be in demand, and product managers, data scientists and engineers all need to think like security professionals to avoid costly pitfalls. By developing skills in areas such as penetration testing, privacy regulation (such as GDPR) and cloud security, you could make yourself a high-value asset in any organisation.
4. Quantum Computing
Another field you might want to consider pursusing is quantum computing, which is transitioning swiftly from academic research to practical industry use. As quantum systems begin to tackle concrete challenges in areas such as cryptography, optimisation and pharmaceutical research, possessing a foundational knowledge in quantum mechanics, linear algebra and sophisticated mathematics becomes more crucial. If you develop early proficiency in quantum algorithms and hardware architecture, you may find yourself at the leading edge of a transformative shift in computational capability in the near future.
5. Biotechnology and Computational Biology
Biology and technology are converging to create unprecedented opportunities – and I see this myself whenever I share good news round-ups from the world of tech on LinkedIn. From gene editing to personalised medicine, biotech innovations are reshaping healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing, and this is being compounded by the use of AI. Understanding molecular biology, genetics and bioinformatics allows technologists to work on life-changing innovations, giving you not only a secure future but a highly rewarding career as well.
6. Spatial Computing and Extended Reality
As we start to evolve beyond traditional screens, spatial computing – encompassing augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality – is looking like the next major technological shift. Thus, having a solid understanding of 3D mathematics, computer vision and human perception will undoubtedly lead to opportunities in gaming, training and remote collaboration. While it may be fair to say that the metaverse is overhyped, it’s also true that spatial interfaces are quietly transforming industries from architecture to surgery.
In Summary
The technology leaders of tomorrow are likely to be those who span multiple domains, foresee social consequences and create with intention. Whether you’re currently studying, changing careers, or continuously learning, now is the time to expand your capabilities.
But here’s the crucial point: a grounding in Computer Science remains essential.
AI can accelerate growth, but it is no substitute for knowing how systems truly work. One of the biggest issues we see among today’s students is an overreliance on AI tools without building the foundations of coding and problem-solving.
In sectors like financial services and trading, this isn’t just a weakness – it’s a dealbreaker. Accuracy, resilience and reliability depend on those fundamentals. If you want to work at an elite business in technology, Computer Science is still very much needed.
So, my advice is this: use AI to power innovation and development, but don’t use it as a shortcut. The future belongs to those who combine strong technical foundations with the vision to apply them responsibly. At OXBO, we match outstanding technical professionals with cutting-edge opportunities in AI, financial technology, sustainable energy and more. Regardless of whether your expertise lies in Computer Science or an entirely different field, we can guide you towards your next career milestone.
Dominic Brown is the Co-Founder of OXBO and Headhunter and Recruitment Partner for Tech.
August 20, 2025
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