Jobs and careers that require innovative thinking will continue to be in demand. One of the many reasons for this is the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). While this term and concept is not new, it has become more familiar over the past 15 years.
What is The Internet of Things?
Basically, IoT refers to devices connected to the Internet with an on-and-off switch that can both send and receive data. Gartner, an analyst firm, has stated that the number of devices that will be connected to the Internet by 2020 will exceed 26 billion.
What does this signify? Consider the number of devices, not including computers, that currently connect to the Internet A list of common, every-day items used at home include cell phones, tablets, and car navigation systems. Now consider the potential applications for business, military, science, and other fields.
Currently, there are 13 billion devices connected to the Internet. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be 50 billion. This will provide a major impact on three core areas, or sectors: homes, government, and enterprise, which is expected to experience the largest impact.
An Example of IoT Technology
Identification and tracking devices have been in use for quite some time. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are just one type of device that is used to capture, track, and transmit the movement of physical objects.
How do they work? In brief, these devices utilize radio frequencies to accomplish this task. The system itself includes the actual tag, or component, a read/write device, as well as a host system application. It is this host system application that performs the data collection, processing, and resulting transmission of information.
Career Paths and Employment Opportunities
Many recruiting firms specialize in placing individuals in IoT-based positions. Just a few of the ares in which IoT will be in demand include the following fields:
- Biometrics
- Cybersecurity
- Software developers
- Solutions architects
- Telecommunications
- Energy
- Engineering
- Marketing
- Project Management
The Impact of IoT on Marketing
The Economist Intelligence Unit recently interviewed a group of senior marketers. It was found that 51% of these individuals predict that by 2020, IoT’s technological impact will be greatest in the marking field. The impact of Iot on real-time mobile transactions, according to these senior personnel, was 50%
There are recruiting firms that specialize in placing skilled individuals in these and other relevant fields. When searching for a recruiting firm, be sure that they specifically state they recruit for IoT-based positions. Furthermore, consider that positions will be available in both the public and private sectors, and that Elot is the largest segment where jobs will be in demand.