The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has announced that 13 new occupations have been added to the occupational inventory. They include artificial intelligence engineering, electronic sports and operating industrial robots.

The inventory mirrors social development, keeping up with the times. The jobs of telephone and paging operators have been removed from the inventory, while new occupations like express courier have been added. Occupation upgrading is an inevitable result of industrial upgrading.

Jobs involving simple and repetitive work will be replaced, while traditional industries will be equipped with new technologies. Individual interests will also guide young people to new occupations, like bartending and pet grooming.

However, not all people are happy to see the arrival of new occupations as those engaged in outdated occupations are likely to lose their jobs. Nevertheless, on the whole, as long as new occupations are created, people will have more job opportunities.

The birth of new occupations is not only related to employment but also labor division. Therefore there should be vocational guidance and colleges should provide new programs and training. At the same time, individuals must explore their own professional areas to enhance their skills. In this way, new occupations will keep bringing new benefits to individuals and society alike.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in People's Daily on April 16)