Career Trends: April 8, 2024
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
- Article by Nikita Duggal, published on simplilearn.com.
Technology today is evolving at a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress, causing an acceleration of the rate of change. However, it is not only technology trends and emerging technologies that are evolving, a lot more has changed, making IT professionals realise that their role will not stay the same in the contactless world tomorrow. And an IT professional in 2024 will constantly be learning, unlearning, and relearning (out of necessity if not desire).
Here are 12 emerging technology trends you should watch for in 2024.
1. Generative-AI
Generative AI, a cutting-edge technology, has revolutionised various industries by enabling machines to create content that resembles human-generated work. It encompasses a wide range of applications, from text generation to image synthesis and even music composition. After mastering generative AI, individuals can pursue exciting job roles in fields such as artificial intelligence research, data science, and creative industries. The ever-expanding applications of generative AI promise a bright future for those who master this technology, offering opportunities to shape how we interact and create content in the digital age. Some of the top job roles include:
- AI Researcher, where you can delve deep into the development of advanced generative models
- Data Scientists, using generative AI to extract valuable insights from data
- Content Creator, harnessing generative AI for innovative storytelling
- AI Ethics Consultant, addressing the ethical implications of AI-generated content
2. Computing Power
Computing power has already established its place in the digital era, with almost every device and appliance being computerised. And it’s here for even more as data science experts have predicted that the computing infrastructure we are building right now will only evolve for the better in the coming years. At the same time, we have 5G already; gear up for an era of 6G with more power in our hands and devices surrounding us. Even better, computing power is generating more tech jobs in the industry but would require specialised qualifications for candidates to acquire.
From data science to robotics and IT management, this field will power the largest percentage of employment in every country. The more computing our devices will need, the more technicians, IT teams, relationship managers, and the customer care economy will flourish. One essential branch under this field that you can learn today is RPA, i.e. Robotic Process Automation. Here are the top jobs you can target after RPA:
- Data Scientist
- AI Engineer
- Robotics Researcher
- AI Architect
- Robotics Designer
3. Smart(er) Devices
Artificial intelligence has played an essential role in making our world smarter and smoother. It is not just simulating humans but going the extra mile to make our lives hassle-free and simpler. These smarter devices are here to stay in 2024 and even further, as data scientists are working on AI home robots, appliances, work devices, wearables, and so much more! Almost every job needs smart software applications to make our work life more manageable. Smarter devices are another addition to the IT industry that is of high requirement and demand as more companies transform into digital spaces. Almost every higher-level job requires good IT and automation proficiency to thrive. Here are the best jobs you can venture into:
- IT Manager
- Data Scientists
- Product Testers
- Product Managers
- Automation Engineers
- IT Researchers
4. Datafication
Datafication is simply transforming everything in our lives into devices or software powered by data. So, in short, Datafication is the modification of human chores and tasks into data-driven technology. From our smartphones, industrial machines, and office applications to AI-powered appliances and everything else, data is here to stay for longer than we can ever remember!
Datafication leads to a higher need for IT professionals, data scientists, engineers, technicians, managers, and so much more. Even more useful is that anyone with a sound knowledge of technology can do a certification in data-related specialisations to find a job in this space. Data jobs are more about skills than big-level qualifications. Let’s look at some popular data careers:
- Big Data Engineers
- Robotics Engineers
- IT Architect
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Scientists
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has already received a lot of buzz in the past decade. Still, it continues to be one of the new technology trends because its notable effects on how we live, work and play are only in the early stages. AI is already known for its superiority in image and speech recognition, navigation apps, smartphone personal assistants, ride-sharing apps and so much more.
Other than that, AI will be used further to analyse interactions to determine underlying connections and insights, to help predict demand for services like hospitals enabling authorities to make better decisions about resource utilisation, and to detect the changing patterns of customer behaviour by analysing data in near real-time, driving revenues and enhancing personalised experiences. With AI spreading its wings across sectors, new jobs will be created in development, programming, testing, support and maintenance, to name a few.
Mastering AI and machine learning will help you secure jobs like:
- AI Research Scientist
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- AI Architect
6. Extended Reality
Extended reality comprises all the technologies that simulate reality, from Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to Mixed Reality and everything else in between. It is a significant technology trend right now as all of us are craving to break away from the so-called real boundaries of the world. By creating a reality without any tangible presence, this technology is massively popular amongst gamers, medical specialists, and retail and modelling.
Regarding extended reality, gaming is a crucial area for popular careers that don’t require high-level qualifications but rather a passion for online gaming. You can pursue game design, animation or even editing programs to pursue a successful career in this specialisation. Meanwhile, check out the best jobs in AR, VR as well as ER:
- Extended Reality Architect
- Front Lead Engineer
- Software Developer
- AR/VR Support Engineers
- Game Designers
- Pro Gamers
- Creative Directors
7. Genomics
Imagine a technology that can study and use your DNA to improve your health, helping you fight diseases and whatnot! Genomics is precisely that technology that peruses upon the make-up of genes, DNAs, their mapping, structure, etc. Further, this can help quantify your genes and result in finding diseases or any possible problems that can later be a health issue. When it comes to a specialisation like Genomics, one can find a variety of technical as well as non-technical roles. Technical jobs in this area are all about designing, analysing, and diagnostics, while non-technical jobs are concerned with higher levels of research and theoretical analysis. Here are the top jobs in Genomics:
- Bioinformatics Analyst
- Genome Research Analyst
- Full Stack Developer
- Software Engineer
- Bioinformatician
- Genetics Engineer
8. New Energy Solutions
The world has agreed to be greener for the sake of its landscapes and the energy we use. This results in cars running on electricity or battery and houses using greener choices like solar and renewable energy. What’s even better is that people are conscious of their carbon footprints and waste; thus, minimising it or turning those into renewable energy is even more helpful.
This gave rise to another technology trend – energy solutions! This alternative energy arena is also boosting environment-related and data-oriented careers. These careers pertain to those in science specialisations and social science qualifications. Let’s take a look at the top jobs you can find in New Energy:
- Energy Specialist (Solar, Thermal, Hydro-power etc.)
- Solar Plant Design Energy
- Climate Strategy Specialist
- Project Manager
- Chemical Energy
- Biotechnology Specialist
- Renewable Energy Technologist
9. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Like AI and Machine Learning, Robotic Process Automation is another technology that automates jobs. RPA is the use of software to automate business processes such as interpreting applications, processing transactions, dealing with data, and even replying to emails. RPA automates repetitive tasks that people used to do.
Although Forrester Research estimates RPA automation will threaten the livelihood of 230 million or more knowledge workers or approximately 9 per cent of the global workforce, RPA is also creating new jobs while altering existing jobs. McKinsey finds that less than 5 per cent of occupations can be totally automated, but about 60 per cent can be partially automated.
For you as an IT professional looking to the future and trying to understand the latest technology trends, RPA offers plenty of career opportunities, including developer, project manager, business analyst, solution architect and consultant. And these jobs pay well- making it the next technology trend you must keep a watch on! Mastering RPA will help you secure high-paying jobs like:
- RPA Developer
- RPA Analyst
- RPA Architect
10. Edge Computing
Formerly a new technology trend to watch, cloud computing has become mainstream, with major players AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform dominating the market. The adoption of cloud computing is still growing, as more and more businesses migrate to a cloud solution. But it’s no longer the emerging technology trend. Edge is.
As the quantity of data organisations are dealing with continues to increase, they have realised the shortcomings of cloud computing in some situations. Edge computing is designed to help solve some of those problems as a way to bypass the latency caused by cloud computing and get data to a data centre for processing. It can exist “on the edge,” if you will, closer to where computing needs to happen. For this reason, edge computing can be used to process time-sensitive data in remote locations with limited or no connectivity to a centralised location. In those situations, edge computing can act like mini data centres.
Keeping in line with cloud computing (including new-age edge and quantum computing) will help you grab amazing jobs like:
- Cloud Reliability Engineer
- Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
- Cloud Architect and Security Architect
- DevOps Cloud Engineer
11. Quantum Computing
The next remarkable technology trend is quantum computing, which is a form of computing that takes advantage of quantum phenomena like superposition and quantum entanglement. This amazing technology trend is also involved in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, and to develop potential vaccines, thanks to its ability to easily query, monitor, analyse and act on data, regardless of the source. Another field where quantum computing is finding applications in banking and finance, to manage credit risk, for high-frequency trading and fraud detection.
Quantum computers are now a multitude of times faster than regular computers and huge brands like Splunk, Honeywell, Microsoft, AWS, Google and many others are now involved in making innovations in the field of Quantum Computing. The revenues for the global quantum computing market are projected to surpass $2.5 billion by 2029. To make a mark in this new trending technology, you need to have experience with quantum mechanics, linear algebra, probability, information theory, and machine learning.
12. Cyber Security
Cybersecurity might not seem like an emerging new technology trend, given that it has been around for a while, but it is evolving just as other technologies are. That’s in part because threats are constantly new. The malevolent hackers trying to access data illegally will not give up any time soon, and they will continue to find ways to get through even the toughest security measures. It’s also partly because new technology is being adapted to enhance security. As long as we have hackers, cybersecurity will remain a trending technology because it will constantly evolve to defend against those hackers.
According to Gartner, by 2025, 60% of organisations will use cybersecurity risk as a primary determinant in conducting third-party transactions and business engagements. You must note that however challenging the field is it also offers lucrative six-figure incomes, and roles can range from:
- Ethical Hacker
- Malware Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Chief Security Officer
Offering a promising career path for someone who wants to get into and stick with this new trending technology.
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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?
Important Career Tips Graduating Students Should Know
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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