In this blog post, we will take a look at the latest trends within jobs and the most in-demand skills. After the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019, businesses underwent significant changes. Many companies needed to restructure the workforce to meet the needs of the company, which often led to a reduction in headcount. But how has that impacted people, and what are their career opportunities afterward? Well, the simplest answer is becoming a freelancer, or in other words, working for yourself.

Therefore, before diving deep into the benefits of having your own business, let’s take a look at the most anticipated job positions for the year 2025. Note that this blog post aims to provide thorough information and give you ideas about the most available, well-paid career paths. However, if you’d like to gain more comprehensive information about a particular profession, we recommend you contact an advisor who is related to the profession and can give you a more thorough understanding of what you can expect.

We have gathered five of the most desired and anticipated job positions for 2025, alongside the costs if you don’t have the appropriate skills or knowledge.

---

1. Data Scientist

If you are one of the people who loves diving into information and gathering data to help create a prognosis based on that information, and help businesses thrive in their respective areas, you could be the perfect fit for a Data Scientist. The University of North Dakota (2024) also states that one of the key responsibilities a Data Scientist is accountable for is “Collaborating with marketing, finance, and operations teams to integrate data insights into business strategies.” If you want to understand more about the responsibilities and day-to-day activities of a Data Scientist, a full reference list of all the articles mentioned in this post will be placed at the bottom.

To become a Data Scientist, you will have to acquire either a Bachelor’s degree in courses such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field, and then continue with a Master’s degree in Data Science or another related course. On the other hand, you can enhance your knowledge by acquiring certifications like the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate or the Google Professional Data Analytics Certification. However, this type of education can be quite costly and time-consuming, as, in the UK, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree may cost between £9,000 and £38,000 per annum, and the Master’s degree may range from £10,000 to £20,000. However, you can expect to earn between £450 and £500 per day as a freelance Data Scientist.

And if you already have the appropriate skills and knowledge, then what are you waiting for? Create a minimum of an additional income to cover your needs, or if you feel it is time for a change, then our platform can support you throughout your progress.

2. Information Security Analyst (Cybersecurity)
If you are truly tech-savvy and have a strong sense of security, supporting systems security, and developing ways to overcome malicious systems, then cybersecurity is a great profession for you. The cybersecurity role also involves analysing potential threats, conducting risk assessments, and implementing robust security controls across networks, systems, and applications.

As a freelancer, the services provided by the information security analyst can include penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, security audits, incident response planning, and policy development. These can be conducted by simulating real hacker attacks, checking for vulnerabilities, and identifying how they can be prevented or turned into safer alternatives. The cybersecurity worker can also provide assistance on the most effective ways to secure clients’ systems and devices from malicious actors. These pieces of advice can be conveyed to both small businesses and large enterprises, depending on the experience and expertise of the cybersecurity professional, as well as to clients who want to protect their personal devices from data leaks or theft.

The education that is necessary usually includes a Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security, Information Technology, Computer Science, or other related courses within the cybersecurity profession. Alternatively, the individual can pursue a relevant Master’s degree, which can enhance their expertise and boost their credibility. Certificates such as:

• CompTIA Security+ – fundamental security concepts,
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – practical penetration-testing skills,
• CREST Registered Tester / Accredited Penetration Tester (CRT/CPT) – UK-recognised pentesting standard,
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – broad, management-level security expertise,
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) – hands-on red-team techniques,

can significantly enhance the reputation of the professional and attract more clients, as their expertise, knowledge, and skills continue to grow.

The salary expectation may vary, as seen above, depending on the experience and trustworthiness of the professional. Overall, as a start-up freelancer, you can earn from £25,000 to £45,000 per annum. Mid-level freelancers usually earn from £50,000 up to £80,000, and senior-level freelancers with five years or more experience can earn from £100,000 to more than £200,000 per annum, depending on their clients and performance.

3. Web Developer
Another way of making money for the gadget geeks is software development. The good part for people working within the IT sector, and more specifically in this area, is that you not only need to understand coding and systems, but also express the creativity you have. Now let’s unhinge the individuals working as software developers. The most commonly shared information about these tech enthusiasts is that they are coding using different kinds of programming languages such as Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, and more. The actual truth is that software developers are usually combining many skills while creating a particular website, app, or supporting changes through already established websites.

Besides coding, their primary responsibility is to create and accept, firstly, the web design—and you might think it is easy, but creating web design for a particular brand can be tricky and subjective due to the reason that many people struggle to convey what their brand is trying to present. One of the most high-valuable skills a software developer should develop is communication skills. Usually, those are the people who are communicating with the customer and understanding their brand needs, so it is important that the software developer has the ability to communicate well.

Other things besides developing web applications included in the software developer profession are testing and maintaining software applications and supporting their improvements throughout time based on the customer and brand needs.

The education necessary for working as a freelancer may vary from higher education to very reliable courses. Completing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering can supply the individual with vital skills and knowledge for their future success in the career, and supporting that by proceeding into a Master’s degree will consolidate their knowledge and increase their professional image in front of others. For those who are struggling with time, there are many options to build your portfolio as a software developer and develop your skills—some of them are even for free, you just need to start browsing (check out our platform for a suitable course provider).

The salary expectations may vary as well, but are usually in the same framework as the Cybersecurity professional. Depending on experience, skills, performance, and successful projects, your value may rise significantly, even in a short period.

4. Solar PV Installer
A vision for the future shows that things will significantly change in the upcoming years. With the government pushing for changing the energy from the standard to green type of energy, there is a significant demand for solar panel installers. The solar panel installer is the person that not only can install the green energy system in your house but also give advice and discuss which one can be the most appropriate for your property depending on whether it is flat, house, how many sq.m. it is, the location, and everything else in between. The responsibilities of the solar panel installer can also include maintaining and repairing already installed solar systems, as well as replacing a problematic part with another.

The good part for the freelance enthusiasts is that starting a solar panel business does not require you to gain any higher education. However, there are some basic requirements and crucial certificates you are likely needing to obtain before starting. These are:
• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment
(or equivalent electrical qualification)
• Part P Certification (for working on domestic properties)
• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) qualification
• MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) accreditation (recommended for working independently and accessing government-backed schemes like SEG)
• CSCS Card (for working on construction sites)

As a freelancer, or in other words owner of such a business, the amount you can bring yourself every month depends highly on how trustworthy your products are. But usually, for a start-up company, the installing service provided can bring you from £25,000 to £35,000, mid-level from £35,000 to £50,000, and senior level can bring you more than £70,000.

5. Financial Manager / Consultant

Those who have a strong background in Accountancy, Business, Economics, or Management have a great opportunity to become Financial Consultants as freelancers or even create an additional income to support their well-being. If you have strong analytical and planning skills, you can thrive in the business world by helping small or start-up businesses establish their financial resources.

A Financial Manager is responsible for analyzing the business situation and searching for opportunities to reduce production costs and increase revenue. In other words, the Financial Manager deals with expenses, profits, budgeting, planning, and coordinating the financial flows within the company.

A Financial Consultant can also contribute by providing advice on whether or which investments can be profitable for the company, as well as controlling the financial systems and ensuring they comply with the country’s regulations.

There are various ways to become a Financial Manager. One of the most common and well-known paths is by completing a higher education program, usually in courses related to Economics, Accounting, Business Management, Finance, and other areas relevant to the profession. A Master’s degree is always a good idea to solidify your knowledge and skills and boost your professional credibility.

However, there are various prestigious and well-respected certifications that can support you throughout your financial management career. These include:

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) — A globally recognized certification for accountants and financial professionals.
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) — A UK-based qualification that focuses on business and financial management.
• ACA (Association of Chartered Accountants) — Another prestigious qualification that enhances credibility in the financial consulting field.
• AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) — For those who prefer a more hands-on, technical financial background.

The salary in financial management can be highly lucrative. Establishing your name as trustworthy and respected, and solidifying your knowledge and skills over time, can lead to building a prosperous career and a very high standard of living. The freelance salary that can be expected for a beginner role ranges from £25,000 to £40,000, mid-level professionals can earn up to £60,000, and senior professionals are most likely to earn more than £100,000 per annum.

The above professions described are some of the most in-demand and well-paid careers for 2025, but that does not mean other career paths are any less valuable. With the rise of AI becoming more embedded in people’s lives, many companies have found it more cost-effective to implement AI wherever possible. As a result, freelance careers have become increasingly attractive, offering the flexibility to build a stable income while pursuing the career you love.

If you’re considering one of the above career paths, we recommend taking the time to assess your strengths, weaknesses, and any gaps in your education or skills. With the right support, we believe you’ll be able to reach new heights in your career. If you already possess the necessary skills, we would be happy to welcome you to our platform, where we can support you in building your profile, connecting with clients, and growing your business.

References:

1. University of North Dakota. (2024). Key insights on 7 data science roles, responsibilities and skills. Available at: https://und.edu/blog/data-science-roles-and-responsibilities.html
2. Intruder.io, 2022. How much does a penetration test cost? [online] Intruder. Available at: https://www.intruder.io/blog/how-much-does-penetration-testing-cost
3. Cybersecurity Ventures, 2023. Cybersecurity job report: 2023–2030. [online] Available at: https://cybersecurityventures.com/jobs/
4. Prospects.ac.uk, 2024. Cyber security analyst job profile. [online] Available at: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/cyber-security-analyst
5. TechTarget, 2023. CISSP certification overview and career impact. [online] Available at: https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/CISSP-Certified-Information-Systems-Security-Professional
6. AWS, 2024. AWS Certified Developer – Associate. [online] Available at: https://aws.amazon.com/certification/certified-developer-associate/
7. Microsoft, 2024. Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate. [online] Available at: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/azure-developer/
8. Google Developers, 2024. Associate Android Developer. [online] Available at: https://developer.android.com/certification
9. Scrum Alliance, 2024. Certified Scrum Developer (CSD). [online] Available at: https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/scrum-developer
10. Oracle, 2024. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP). [online] Available at: https://education.oracle.com/oracle-certified-professional/overview
11. Upwork, 2024. Freelance Software Developer Rates. [online] Available at: https://www.upwork.com/hire/software-developers/
12. Indeed, 2024. Software Developer Salary in the UK. [online] Available at: https://www.indeed.com/salaries/software-developer-Salaries
13. City & Guilds (n.d.). NVQ Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment. [online] Available at: https://www.cityandguilds.com
14. GOV.UK (n.d.). Building Regulations: Part P – Electrical safety in dwellings. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk
15. MCS (n.d.). Microgeneration Certification Scheme. [online] Available at: https://www.microgenerationcertification.org
16. IET (2018). The 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671). [online] Available at: https://www.theiet.org
17. CSCS (n.d.). CSCS Card for Solar PV Installers. [online] Available at: https://www.cscs.uk.com
18. Renewable Energy Jobs (n.d.). Salary Expectations for Solar PV Installers. [online] Available at: https://www.renewableenergyjobs.co.uk