From smart phones to smart homes and buildings, technology seems to be advancing at a breathless pace. For someone trying to choose a new career, that’s actually good news, because new technology is opening up jobs for qualified people in fields like robotics, the Internet of Things or IoT, and cybersecurity. There’s actually a great demand for trained and qualified personnel in these fields, and great potential for growth.
How new technology is creating new jobs
Fields like robots and the Internet of Things are growing rapidly, and finding wide applications in a number of different fields. Contrary to what many people believe, robots and interconnected devices aren’t taking away jobs from people, but creating new openings for qualified personnel. For job seekers that is good news, provided they have or are willing to acquire the skills needed in the new economy.
In fact, the lack of skilled personnel for everything from biometrics positions to solutions architects what is hiding back many companies from hiring more workers. There is something of a disconnect between the skills required for jobs and those offered by job seekers, but that may be changing. A recent study found that employers actually saw a decline in the shortage of skilled and qualified candidates, from 76% in 2013 to 71% in 2014. Clearly, job seekers are seeing the opportunities and getting the training they need to succeed in the new economy.
Robotics is growing rapidly
This is a fast-growing field, with robots being used for everything from auto manufacturing to industrial safety to room service in hotels. However, this doesn’t mean that robots are taking away jobs from humans, in some dystopian science fiction scenario. On the contrary, the rapid development of the field of robotics is creating jobs for people with the right training. In just the first half of 2015, a record number of robots were ordered from companies in North America. The 14,232 robots had a total value of $840 million.
The types of jobs you might find yourself doing if you decide to enter the field could include some of the following: robotic systems developer, programmer, designer, welder, automation engineer, and more. There are many ways to get the appropriate skills and certifications, to launch you into an exciting 21st century career.
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things or IoT is another technology-driven field that is growing rapidly and is likely to continue doing so in the foreseeable future. In a very general way, IoT refers to interconnected physical devices like home electronics, sensors, and mobile devices. These are able to connect via the internet and exchange data, making it possible to connect physical systems like home entertainment, lighting, heating and security to computers and especially to mobile devices.
The analytics firm Gartner estimates that there will be more than 26 billion devices connected to the internet by 2020. The applications of this technology will continue to increase, from residential buildings to commercial and industrial establishments. This means that there will be a steady demand for qualified personnel.
New technology in fields like robotics and the internet of things is transforming the way people live. It’s also changing the landscape for job seekers looking for a rewarding and challenging career. As these fields grow, so will their demand for skilled personnel.