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This podcast is designed to give English students extra practice by discussing events, history, culture and language.
Name that Job – Level B1+
Kari: Robert, I haven’t seen you in a while. Nice to have you back. I’ve heard you’ve been busy.
Robert: Oh yes, indeed, very busy. The end of the school year is coming, and I’ve been busy helping learners take assessments, prepare for exams, not to mention helping my own kids, of course.
Kari: May is associated with school ending and summer beginning, graduation and even career planning in many countries. Maybe now’s the time to talk about jobs and future goals, even technology.
Robert: Yeah, nice. What if we imagine what it will be like to work ten years from now, with all the changes going on? What’s 2035 going to look like? I mean, at the speed the word is changing, who knows what kinds of jobs will be available.
Kari: And if we will be able to actually do those jobs.
Robert: Right (laughing).
Kari: But that’s a great idea. What about this? Let’s each think of an interesting future job or career and describe it. Then the other one can take a guess at what this job is.
Robert: Could be interesting. Let’s give it a go. We’ll call it, “Name That Job.”
Kari: Okay. I like it. Let me think a bit. Okay, got it. In big cities, space is small, but people still need fresh food. That’s why an important job will be to grow crops in special indoor places utilizing natural and special lighting. And unlike in the past, most crops will be grown vertically. Okay, Robert. Name that job.
Robert: Okay. Well, it’s definitely some kind of agricultural job, a bit like a farmer, but a farmer in the city. Let’s say this job is Vertical Farming Specialist.
Kari: It CAN be called that, otherwise known as the urban farmer. Well done. Now you give it a go.
Robert: Okay. I’m thinking more about technology. Let’s see. Okay, this job requires you to fly, but not inside a vehicle.
Kari: What? Really?
Robert: Some tasks in this job include creating maps by surveying, taking aerial photos or videos and even delivering goods. Name that job.
Kari: That’s a variety of things. Hmm. I’m going to say unmanned aerial flight operator. Sounds quite technical.
Robert: Not bad. Not a bad try. These machines are called unmanned aerial systems, or UASs. It’s a Drone Pilot.
Kari: Of course! Why didn’t I think of drones? Yes, that could be a cool job. Okay, my turn. All right, my turn. Let me think. What about healthcare? Okay, this is a job in healthcare, as healthcare trends are always quickly changing. This person practices preventative healthcare and uses tools such as genetic testing and metabolic assessments and creates a personalized healthcare plan to slow the aging process and promote healthy aging.
Robert: So, it’s a doctor, but that helps us live longer.
Kari: Exactly. You know, “Live long and prosper.” Okay, Robert. Name that job.
Robert: So, maybe this job is Age Whisperer. You know, convince time to slow down, gently.
Kari: That’s a perfect name. Perfect name! But the job title is Longevity Specialist. Fitting, don’t you think?
Robert: Nice. Not bad. Good title, and I learned a new medical profession. Okay, I think I’ve got one for you. This person creates interfaces compatible with the human nervous system. So, in theory mostly at this point, users would be able to control computers, household objects or robots with their mind, maybe even communicate nonverbally. Name that job.
Kari: Wow! Communicate nonverbally, like a designer. Mind communication? That’s super cool but super scary. This is hard one. I’m going to say the job is Neuro Engineer.
Robert: Very close. Yes the ‘neuro’s’ very good. The official title is Neural Interface Designer.
Kari: Neural – because the brain has neurons.
Robert: Exactly. Now the big question is, “What will be your future job … What will be your future job? What will you do in 2035?”
Kari: (laughing) Yeah, right. 2035.
Robert: What? Why are you laughing at that? Have we named the job that you want already? You want to control minds, don’t you?
Kari: No! I want to retire!
Robert: Ah,okay. So, basically just wake up and every day is Saturday?
Kari: Right?
Robert: Except until you can’t remember what day it is.
Kari: Yes.