Even before the coronavirus pandemic, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data analytics and cloud computing had been growing rapidly over the years (even decades). But in the short space of just seven months they have become essential in today’s society amid the current global health crisis. With such a driving force behind these technological adaptions, demand has grown exponentially for both jobs and individuals with the skills and knowledge which meet the needs of digitally transformed industries and sectors. In fact, in 2018 it was reported that the demand for AI skills had more than doubled since 2015, with the number of job postings up by 119 percent, according to online jobs portal Indeed.
Machine learning engineer
This specific branch of artificial intelligence is ideal for those who have a passion for computer science and desire a career in a fast-moving and exciting industry. Machine learning engineers use big data to create complex algorithms to ultimately program a machine (such as a self-driving car or digital voice assistant) in order to perform and carry out tasks like a human. Economic forecasting, image recognition and natural language processing are implemented so that the machine can learn and improve without human interference.
UX designer
UX (User eXperience) designers are concerned with the ‘behind-the-scenes’ design of ensuring software, websites, or apps meet the consumers’ habits, motivations, behaviors and needs. With more and more businesses turning to digital platforms to promote and sell their products or services, it’s never been so important to ensure the user journey and experience is the best it can be.
Robotics engineer
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, robotics engineers are having to constantly analyze, reevaluate, configure, test and maintain the prototypes, robotic components, integrated softwares and machines they create for the manufacturing, mining and automotive service industries, among others. It is a highly technical job which requires patience and rational thinking. Over the next few years, it’s likely that we’ll see a number of new and innovative ways in which modern technologies help society and business function – particularly in healthcare.
Data scientist
Dubbed the ‘sexiest job of the 21st century’, data science jobs aren’t new and emerging like other tech jobs such as cloud computing engineers (more on them later), or machine learning engineers, but they’re still the hidden gem within any company and will continue to be. As businesses and organizations collect and use more data every day, the demand for skilled experts has skyrocketed. With opportunities to work in practically every sector and industry, from IT to entertainment, manufacturing to healthcare, it’s the responsibility of data scientists to compile, process, analyze and present data for an organization in order for it to make more informed decisions.
Cloud engineer
Over the last few months, cloud computing has become a must-have for those working remotely. At the same time, organizations have been frantically hiring those with the skills and knowledge who can migrate processes, implement the necessary infrastructures and perform cloud-related tasks. Cloud engineers are often titled under different roles, including solutions architects, cloud developers and sysops engineers. In some instances, the roles and responsibilities will vary, but the overall responsibility of a cloud engineer is to plan, monitor and manage an organization’s cloud system, such as Google Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Slack, to name but a few.
