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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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
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