Data ethicists, climate change data analysts — new roles become important for industries of tomorrow

Prompt engineer, influencer marketer, drone operator — there are many such roles that are emerging or existing today but were non-existent even a few years ago. As modern workplaces keep evolving, this transformation is also accelerating.

According to LinkedIn’s Work Change Snapshot, 82% of business leaders in India say the pace of change at work is speeding up as demand for new roles, skills and technologies increases. With AI enabling many of these shifts, 7 in 10 leaders in India are making it a top priority to adopt AI tools in 2025, says the study that covered 5,000 global leaders.

With technological advancements, the new job titles in India are centred around digitalisation, data and sustainability, says Nirupama VG, Founder of Ad Astra Consultants.


New and emerging roles
The study reveals that roles like sustainability manager, AI engineer, data scientist, social media manager and customer success manager are commonplace now.

Sustainability, climate, space tech and autonomous vehicles are among the segments seeing a spurt in new roles. AI plays a key role in these shits.

Ruchee Anand, India Head, LinkedIn Talent Solutions, says, “AI is transforming the workplace like never before. As we look to 2025, businesses are increasingly prioritising AI adoption, alongside meaningful investments in upskilling and reskilling their people. Embracing AI is not just about keeping pace; it’s about empowering teams, fostering innovation, and creating resilient workforces ready to thrive. Now is the moment for organisations to champion AI, commit to skill development, and lead confidently into the future of work.”

One such new role is that of a data ethicist, says Nirupama. With digital footprint increasing, data privacy and ethical AI are vital concerns. So this role becomes critical in banking, healthcare and e-commerce. Similarly, AI trainers are becoming essential as companies adopt AI-driven customer service systems that require human training to improve accuracy and personalisation. In sustainability, roles like climate change data analysts have emerged to help organisations develop environmentally sound policies. This role is increasingly important in industries like energy and manufacturing.

LinkedIn data also shows the connected learning paths people take. Given the rising interest in generative AI, many are upskilling themselves in this area. Employees’ proficient in generative AI are 20x more likely to develop essential soft skills like professional networking, personal branding, design thinking and creativity, and emotional intelligence, it says.

Preparing for these roles requires a blend of tech skills and domain-specific knowledge. Aspiring professionals should focus on gaining expertise in emerging technologies. Certifications, workshops and hands-on experience in these areas can provide a solid foundation. Additionally, developing soft skills like ethical reasoning, adaptability, and a sustainability-oriented mindset is crucial.

As roles evolve, staying agile and proactive in skill-building will empower professionals to succeed in these positions and drive India’s workforce forward.