What Might the Tech Roles of Tomorrow Look Like?
The ever-evolving nature of technology in modern society has resulted in a stark rise in jobs within the IT industry. Recent research showed the creation of just under 85,000 positions in the digital technology industry last year, in the UK alone.
Given the fast-paced nature of the IT sector, this trend looks set to continue, especially with the new types of roles that are emerging with the latest technological developments. This makes a career in the technology industry an exciting and worthwhile area for graduates to pursue, particularly with the prospect of working with groundbreaking, smart technology. The skills that can be developed working in the technology industry are also relevant and sure to keep you ahead of the game.
Finding your ideal role in the technology industry
Cracking the IT industry can be daunting, whether you go down the University route or straight from school. However, make the most of the reported shortage in digital skills. If you are struggling to get beyond the interview stage (or even get the call), aim to find unpaid work experience or consider an apprenticeship. There are various funding options available to help you while you gain experience, and the favourable salaries that come with a career in IT mean that it is often a worthwhile investment.
New technology-based roles
Cloud Architects
These days, many businesses are increasingly embracing the cloud as a hosting platform. This is largely due to lower cost of ownership, high availability and lower infrastructure costs. Cloud architects are required to build and maintain the infrastructure within that hosted platform, to suit the needs of the business.
Machine Learning specialist
Machine Learning is everywhere. From CCTV facial recognition to targeted advertising based on an individual’s online habits, it is an incredibly powerful technology that can predict outcomes based on the more data it receives. Machine learning specialists need to be up to date with the data science skills needed to form mathematical algorithms that will enable them to make these sorts of predictions
Social Media Executives
Social media has been around for many years, but the way in which it has been embraced by corporations took a relatively long time to happen. The reach and influence of social media, and the opinions that can be formed, mean that it is now simply expected for a company to have a social media presence. The rate at which news - good and bad - can spread online has prompted the creation of social media specialists, whose role is to keep on top of PR, engaging appropriately with followers and help keep the brand reputation in tact.
Cyber Hunters
The dependency of businesses on technology has meant an increase in cyber attacks, with the supply chain attacks in 2017 an example of how disruptive they can be. With an inadequately protected online business being at real risk of being taken out for good, it is no wonder that the UK is investing nearly 2 billion pounds in IT security. Enter the cyber hunter. Their role is to test the security of a website and, in essence, try to hack it. Any exposed weaknesses can be reported back, fixed and improved. Given how fast hackers work, cyber hunters need to be on top of their game, making it a (serious) game of tech cat and mouse.
Something for all tech-savvy enthusiasts
Technology surrounds us on a daily basis and more and more companies seek people with technical skills. Whether you are an all-out, self-confessed IT ‘geek’, a social media fanatic or simply intrigued by what the IT world has to offer, keeping on top of the latest technology is certainly recommended. What is more, as the roles mentioned above illustrate, there’s something out there to tickle most people’s fancy.
