Over the past decade, we’ve seen it all – a wave of deep changes and major shifts in the way we think and do things, rapid technological advancements, and constantly evolving societal needs. The result? The workforce being completely revamped. Various jobs that were even unheard of only about a decade ago are now the talk of the town. Roles that seemed like the stuff of science fiction back then are now integral parts of businesses and organizations.
This article will delve into 10 key job titles that gained traction post 2010. We’ll look the roles and responsibilities each of these jobs requires and the right skill set needed to excel in them.
1. Data Scientist
Businesses have been increasingly demanding more data scientists owing to the surge in data and analytics usage. These professionals are expected to interpret and draw useful insights from huge datasets.
The illustration below shows how much data was consumed (in zettabytes) worldwide within a span of 15 years.
Source: Statista
Complex information is analyzed using statistical and machine learning (ML) methods by data scientists, who also create predictive models to drive insights that can be used for decision-making. Their ability to detect underlying patterns or emerging trends has enabled organizations to use facts when making decisions, improving the way they do things, and identifying new business opportunities.
Factors contributing to the role demand:
- A demand spike in big data and machine learning
- The ready-availability of advanced sophisticated analytics tools
- Data-driven competitive advantage
Required skills and qualifications:
- Programming expertise in languages such as R and Python
- Statistical analysis abilities coupled with an understanding of machine learning algorithms
- Proficiency in handling analytics skills along with clear communication abilities
Future evolution:
Data scientists must accustom themselves to learn new tools and techniques. This will enable them to not fall behind since data is invariably becoming central to business strategies.
2. Cybersecurity Analyst
As cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex, demand for competent cyber security professionals is on the rise. Over time several businesses, organizations, and governments have experienced a number of cyber attacks.
In 2023 alone, 2365 cyberattacks have been reported victimizing 343,338,964 individuals. In 2013 even the Singaporean government was on the receiving end.
Source: BBC
Responsibility for protecting organizations to avoid cyber attacks – monitor systems, discover glitches, and institute measures to prevent any data leakage or any unknown compromise – lies with cybersecurity analysts.
Factors contributing to the role demand:
- The growing occurrence of cybercrimes and the advances in the complexity of cyber threats
- The need for professionals to protect digital assets
- The increase in the number of connected devices and the amount of sensitive online data
Required skills and qualifications:
- Familiarity with encryption, network security, and cybersecurity protocols
- Competence with security tools and software as well as certifications such as CISSP or CEH
Future evolution:
Cyber threats keep on changing all the time calling for analysts to constantly update their knowledge base about the latest trends and technologies. For instance, newer vulnerabilities such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) security will call for specialization in areas such as ethical hacking, forensic analysis, and threat intelligence among others.
3. Social Media Manager
Social media platforms have been booming, hence transforming how companies get customer feedback. In fact, social network platforms nearly tripled their user base: 970 million in 2010 went up to more than 4.95 billion users in October 2023.
Source: Backlinko
A company’s social media manager defines the strategy behind a company’s social media presence; creating content, engaging with followers, and analyzing performance metrics. These managers come up with a well-thought-through optimization plan to enhance brand awareness leading to engagement.
Factors contributing to the role demand:
- The growth of social media platforms becoming increasingly relevant
- Online presence constantly gaining importance
- Individuals and organizations requiring to contact their target audience groups
Required skills and qualifications:
- Understanding and knowledge about various social media platforms
- Knowing social media algorithms and effective digital marketing skills
- Creative ability to make regular content
- Being able to communicate to initiate networking with online communities
- Ability to use social media analytics tools effectively
Future evolution:
As the future of work continues unfolding, this role will demand advanced analytical skills, video content creation abilities, as well as keeping up to date with platform changes, trends and new tools. Furthermore, there would be a greater integration of AI and data analytics into social media platforms.
4. App Developer
The rise in the use of smartphones over the past ten years can only be described as mind-blowing. The amount of time spent on mobile devices in a timeframe of 24 hours has continued rising every year without relenting.
Source: Exploding Topics
As such, there has arisen a huge demand for mobile apps hence app developers too have flooded the market.
Mobile app developers create and design useful mobile applications. They work closely with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements for products that meet user needs while functioning at high levels.
Factors contributing to the role demand:
- Mobile technology, growing by the day, is leading to a rise in demand for mobile applications
- Several use cases of mobile apps among users in daily life scenarios
Required skills and qualifications:
- Programming language proficiency such as Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android devices
- Skills in UI/UX design and experience with different operating systems
- Proficiency in mobile app development frameworks and problem-solving skills
Future evolution:
As technology continues to advance, app developers will need to be updated on new programming languages, frameworks, and development environments. Also, wearables and other emerging technologies including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and AI integrated into mobile apps will also serve as catalysts for innovation.
5. Artificial Intelligence Engineer
It does not matter how you look at it; every person today has been influenced by AI. This means that AI has taken over various industries within our societies. Hence it is safe to say that these engineers are at the forefront of this revolution.
AI is everywhere today from chatbots that use AI techniques to voice search, from shopping online to banking. For instance, Alexa or Siri can do anything that AI refers to.
Source: Apple
AI engineers are engaged in the design and implementation of AI models and machine learning algorithms. They strive to improve existing AI systems or apply these technologies to solve complex problems across different industries. Consequently, their skillset is indispensable for driving innovation and enhancing efficiency.
Factors contributing to the role demand:
- Recent developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning
- New automation options, data analytics, decision-making power
- AI’s possibility of reshaping sectors
Required skills and qualifications:
- Python programming language competence
- Knowledge of AI/ML frameworks
- Strong mathematical brainpower
- Experience with data analysis and modeling
Future evolution:
AI technology has been rapidly advancing with new algorithms, tools, and applications – popping up daily. In addition, continuous learning will be required by AI engineers to remain relevant in specific domains such as natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and robotics among others which are constantly evolving.
6. Virtual Reality Developer
Virtual reality has become increasingly popular in gaming, entertainment, and training over the past few years. In fact, spending on AR/VR by users is expected to hit an overwhelming $72 billion by 2024.
Here are some features offered by the Meta Quest 3 VR headset.
Source: Meta
Immersive experiences that involve creating virtual realities for VR users are what VR developers do. It is important for them to be able to integrate technology into storytelling when making virtual reality content that is engaging.
Factors contributing to the role demand:
- The development of VR technology and its use in the areas of gaming, education and training
- The way we are transforming our interaction with digital media
- A growing cost-effectiveness of VR hardware
Required skills and qualifications:
- Competence in VR development platforms (Unity, Unreal Engine), 3D modeling and programming languages
- The comprehension of human-computer interaction
- Creativity and a deep understanding of user experience design
Future evolution:
With the expansion of VR technologies into new directions, developers will have to look for innovative techniques and find new applications. This also means that there will be more opportunities for blending it with other emergent technologies such as AI or AR.
7. Sustainability Manager
There has been an increasing demand for sustainability professionals due to the growing consciousness of environmental issues. Almost two-thirds of executives (61%) believe climate change affects their businesses significantly.
For example, Ford as a reputable brand in the automobile industry has gone above and beyond to enhance its sustainability outlook. They target reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 76% by 2035.
Source: Ford
The work of sustainability managers includes developing and implementing strategies for sustainability and ensuring compliance with environmental rules. They also undertake projects that aim at reducing waste, using less resources and promoting sustainable practices.
Factors contributing to the role demand:
- Increasing demand for eco-friendly products by consumers
- More stringent environmental laws
- The requirement of businesses needing to integrate sustainability into their operations
- Growth in corporate social responsibility programs
Required skills and qualifications:
- Understanding of environment science, sustainable techniques, and legal framework
- Outstanding expertise in communication and project planning
Future evolution:
Sustainability managers’ roles are likely to be affected by the increasing focus on ecological conservation. Progress in sustainable innovations as well as practices, climate change mitigation, circular economy, and renewables will necessitate continuous learning and adaptation.
8. Influencer Marketer
There’s a new avenue for marketing through the advent of social media influencers such as Instagrammers. And guess what? Almost 45% of Gen Zers in Europe prefer buying fashion items through influences rather than popular celebrities.
It is fitting that we mention Huda Kattan, who is an American beautician, has popularized her brand with nearly 54 million followers on Instagram.
Source: Instagram
Influencer marketing involves determining social media influencers, working with them for advertisement. They track the campaign performance, maintain rapport, and make sure it follows the brand’s objectives.
Factors contributing to the role demand:
- The rise of social media stars and their influence on consumer behavior
- Influencers’ potential in audience targeting and attraction
- Effective digital marketing strategies being necessary
Required skills and qualifications:
- Knowhow in using different communication channels, marketing strategy training, as well as interpersonal skills
- Knowing who influences your audience and how they can be motivated
- Ability to identify and collaborate with influencers
- Knowledge of marketing metrics, and strong communication skills
Future evolution:
Keeping updated on platform changes, trends, and regulations will be critical as influencer marketing matures. Use of data analytics will be widely used to assess how campaigns perform going forward.
9. ECommerce Manager
The rise of eCommerce has seen an increasing need for eCommerce managers. Every year the online shopping curve for users turning to eCommerce has been getting higher.
Source: Oberlo
These professionals supervise online sales and marketing strategies, manage product listings, and analyze sales data. Their aim is to ensure a seamless shopping experience by driving up revenue online.
Factors contributing to the role demand:
- The rapid growth of online shopping and the emergence of eCommerce platforms
- Change in consumer behavior towards online purchasing
- Efficient eCommerce operations
Required skills and qualifications:
- Digital marketing knowledge in addition to experience with eCommerce platforms such as Shopify and Magento
- Analytical skills, project management abilities, understanding of supply chain management
Future evolution:
As eCommerce continues to grow, it will be essential to keep up with new technologies, trends and consumer behaviors. Additionally, this innovation could be driven by incorporating AI and data analysis into personalized shopping experiences or augmented reality product visualization for eCommerce strategies.
10. Cloud Computing Specialist
The movement towards cloud computing has necessitated the need for skilled experts who can manage and fine-tune cloud infrastructure. It is thought that, in the near future, the worth of the cloud computing market will be nearly $947.3 billion.
This alone is enough to explain why Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have put substantial resources into their cloud services.
Source: Statista
Cloud providers deploy, run, and sustain cloud-based applications. They guarantee data security, optimize performance, and provide support to the application running on a cloud platform.
Factors contributing to the role demand:
- Moving to cloud-based data storage and computing
- Scalability, affordability, and flexibility of cloud services
Required skills and qualifications:
- Expertise in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud among others
- Knowledge about CISP network management systems as well as data protection
- In addition, scripting and automation skills are also necessary for solving problems
Future evolution:
As more businesses move to the adoption of cloud-based systems, so does the demand for these services. Hence, leaving a huge gap in supply which requires more professionals to know about diverse issues like this one with respect to new technology.
To thrive in this field one needs to keep up with emerging trends such as knowing about good practices concerning cloud security, cloud architecture, cloud financial management, and many other things.
The Future of Work
Technological advancements on a large scale are bound to keep occuring and this will create new job opportunities as well as redefine the old ones. To be successful in such an ever-changing job market, one must develop a growth mindset and adopt lifelong learning habits while obtaining skills that can be adapted to future needs.
In order to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow, professionals should stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industries.
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Written By: ISHAN BARMAN
