Chapters
- Big Data Specialists, Data Analysts and Scientists
- AI and Machine Learning Specialists
- Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialists
- Process Automation Specialists
- Business Development Professionals
- Digital Transformation Specialists
- Information Security Analysts
- Software and Applications Developers
- Internet of Things Specialists
- Project Managers
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GoStudent Expert Evelyn's Guide to the Future of Jobs
One of the less well-known effects of Covid-19 is its effect on the labour market; Covid-19 has accelerated the process of robots replacing human workers in a growing number of fields. 🤖
Current examples range from Sally, a salad-making robot created by tech company Chowbotics, to Knightscope security-guard robots patrolling empty real estate.
Therefore, the best jobs for the future will look very different from today’s job market. 🔮Based on the Future of Jobs Survey 2020 results, read on to find our predictions for the most in-demand professions of the future:
#1 Big Data Specialists, Data Analysts and Scientists
Organisations are increasingly using and collecting larger amounts of data during their everyday operations. From predicting what people will buy to tackling plastic pollution, big data specialists, data analysts and data scientists use data to find patterns and help solve the problems faced by businesses in innovative and imaginative ways.
People specialising in data are in high demand across a number of sectors, with current business leaders complaining about a shortage of talent in this sector at the moment. In this role, your child can work across a wide range of areas, including academia, healthcare and ecommerce. 🚑
To obtain this role, your child will typically need a degree in computer science, mathematical or science-based subject to work as a data scientist.
Some large employers offer data science graduate training schemes, which tend to take around two years to complete. Some schemes will accept graduates from any discipline. Others will specify the degree subjects they will accept.
Your child will be expected to know some programming languages such as R, Python, SQL, C or Java and have strong database design and coding skills. 💻
#2 AI and Machine Learning Specialists
By combining software engineering and data analysis, machine learning engineers enable machines to learn without the need for further programming
As a machine learning engineer, working in this branch of artificial intelligence, your child will be responsible for creating programmes and algorithms that enable machines to take actions without being directed. An example of a system your child may produce is a self-driving car or a customised newsfeed.
A key feature of this work is that your child provides computers with the ability to learn automatically and improve from experience, without being programmed.
Most employers look for a Masters degree, or a PhD in a relevant discipline. A Masters degree in a subject that has machine learning as an element within it, is widely accepted along with relevant experience in the field. 🎓
As machine learning is a fairly new area there are not yet many courses focusing solely on the subject. Because of this, a qualification in a related field such as computer science, statistics, electrical engineering, mathematics or physical sciences is widely accepted as an undergraduate degree, before progressing into a more specialist course.
🖥️ Experience in computer programming is a must, with most employers expecting applicants to have knowledge of Java, Python and C++. Many also ask for industry experience in computer programming.
#3 Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialists
Digital marketers and strategy specialists use a variety of digital marketing methods to communicate with customers and promote sales and activities.
The roles involve the promotion of products and services through a variety of digital channels, using the internet and mobile technology.
This area of work is open to all graduates, but the following subjects may be particularly helpful:
- advertising, media and communications
- business and technology
- creative design
- e-business
- journalism
- marketing
The majority of marketing graduate training schemes require a 2:1 degree. You'll need to be flexible in terms of geographical location as competition is usually intense. Due to the competitive nature of the industry, entry into graduate marketing roles with an HND or foundation degree is less likely, unless you have substantial, relevant experience.
If your child does not have a related first degree, they may be required to demonstrate a genuine interest in digital marketing with evidence of a strong personal online profile, such as a blog, website or connections and interactions on various social media platforms. ✍️
#4 Process Automation Specialists
A process automation specialist is an individual who develops web-based programs that automate a company's or an organisation's operating data and machinery. These individuals test the performance of operating systems and equipment, install electrical parts, and inspect equipment for issues or defects.
👩💻They also design and develop systems to optimise an organization's automatic operations, perform research and analysis of current systems, and work with different departments to streamline existing systems.
🦾A process automation specialist can work in a variety of fields, from robotics to computers and is also responsible for providing technical support to employees and clients.
🎓Most automation specialists have a bachelor's degree or a certificate in engineering and automation whilst having experience in the automation of specific systems and machines. These individuals should possess strong analytical, mechanical, computer, communication, and troubleshooting skills.
#5 Business Development Professionals
Business development is the analysis and identification of long-term methods to improve the output of a business by creating good relationships with current and potential customers, clients and markets. The main goal of a business developer is to promote business growth. The strategies to achieve this goal vary depending on the type of business.
If your child is considering a career in business development, there are several skills they have to develop. 🎓
By developing relevant business development skills, they can increase their chances of being successful in this field. Skills your child can focus on improving include:
- Sales
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Marketing
- Business intelligence
- Analysing ROI data
- Project management
#6 Digital Transformation Specialists
A business will want to work with a team of digital transformation experts so they can upgrade existing or even upcoming technologies to help them stay ahead of the curve or compete with other businesses in their industry.
Digital transformation specialists may vary from business to business depending on what they need as they integrate new technologies into their processes. There are many different moving parts when it comes to taking a business from a traditional analogue business model to a modern, technology-based one.
That means there are plenty of different roles someone can pursue as a digital transformation specialist. And they all play a part in the greater digital vision.
Some of the most popular ones include:
- Content Writers - storytelling is one of the best ways to communicate in a way people understand. Businesses may want to look at content writers to help shape the message of the business’s new technological endeavours.
- UX Designers - these designers will review client or customer-facing software to make sure everything is running smoothly and effectively.
- Organisational IT Leaders - these leaders will determine the entire range and scope of smaller digital projects within the overall transformation process.
- Training Managers - these managers will help staff and employees in a business integrate and implement new processes once the digital transformation has taken place.
If your child wants a career in this sector, they ideally need a degree. Your child may want to look at a degree in information technology, computer science, or something related.
For certain roles, such as a UX designer, skills in programming languages like Java, C++, or SQL will be beneficial in the workplace. Understanding HTML and CSS will also come in handy, as your child will be working with online platforms quite often.
#7 Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organisation’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.
Information security analysts usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information assurance, programming, or a related field. Some employers prefer applicants who have a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in information systems. Programs offering the MBA in information systems generally require 2 years of study beyond the undergraduate level and include both business and computer-related courses.🎓
Information security analysts generally need to have previous experience in a related occupation.💼 Many analysts have experience in an information technology department, often as a network or computer systems administrator. Some employers look for people who have already worked in fields related to the one in which they are hiring. For example, if the job opening is in database security, they may look for a database administrator.
#8 Software and Applications Developers
Software and applications developers make computers perform specific tasks, based on their client's specifications. 💻In those roles, they will translate software requirements into workable programming code and maintain and develop programs for use in business.
They will usually work within a specific development field, such as mobile phone applications, accounting software, office suites or graphics software, and will have in-depth knowledge of at least one computer language. 📱
Your child will be expected to have a good level of technical knowledge and many employers, particularly software houses, will want you to have a degree in a relevant subject, such as:
- business and management
- computer science or software engineering
- information systems
- mathematics
- physical, mathematical or applied science
If your child doesn’t have a related degree, they could complete an IT conversion course to build up evidence of technical ability.
In some instances, there may be opportunities to enter this career without a relevant degree or diploma, but your child will need to demonstrate your commitment and interest to IT applications and be able to show that you have technical skills.
#9 Internet of Things Specialists
In such a rapidly growing field, new and improved technologies are constantly being developed. With so many areas of IoT (internet of things) requiring talented tech professionals—hardware design, software coding, network and systems engineering, product testing and validation, security analysis, data science, database programming, even technical documentation—there is no shortage of positions available for the right candidates.
If your child wants to enter this industry, a hybrid skill-set can help them stand out from the crowd. 🔧Hardware engineers need to have some software capabilities, and software engineers will better succeed if they have some hardware skills.🎓 A university degree in a relevant field such as software engineering or computer science is needed to enter this sector.
#10 Project Managers
If being in charge of schemes, resources and people motivates your child, and your child can work under pressure to tight deadlines, a career as a project manager may suit them.
As a project manager, your child will need to track work to be completed, set deadlines and delegate tasks to your project team, identifying any potential risks. Ultimately, a project manager will be responsible for completing the project work in line with the plan and will often report progress to senior managers.
Your child can get into project management with a degree in any subject. However, studying towards a foundation degree, HND or degree in business or project management will provide practical knowledge about the commercial aspects of projects. Postgraduate study in project management will increase your child’s understanding but is not a prerequisite to employment. As a new graduate, your child is unlikely to go straight into project management. Some graduate schemes may start them off in a junior or assistant project manager position, with the opportunity to progress to management as they develop experience.
In some sectors, such as IT and engineering, your child’s subject knowledge will be more important than a business or project management degree. They can move into project management from technical roles after gaining experience in a project team or in a supporting administrative role.
To conclude, due to the increasing power of technology, the job market will look very different from the one you are familiar with today. 🚀To prepare your child for success in the future, nudge them into any of the career paths listed here.
