Verizon Wireless lists a range of newer tech workforce skills with potential
The telecom market today is straining to fill positions across the board, with recent government numbers showing the telecom unemployment rate in October hitting its lowest point of the year, and significantly down over the past five years.
This strain is also being felt in the overall high-tech sector, which is branching out into new directions on a daily basis. Looking to highlight some of those opportunities, Verizon Wireless recently released a list of “newer skill sets sought by employers – some you’ll have heard of, some not, but all are in demand.”
Artificial intelligence software engineer
Artificial intelligence enables computers to act like humans. According to a recent report, more than 25% of manufacturing jobs will be done by robots by the year 2025 – and the U.S. is at the forefront of robot deployment.
Augmented reality architect
Unlike virtual reality, which blocks out reality altogether – think gaming – augmented reality blends the virtual with the “real.” There’s massive potential in the entertainment and advertising industry for those interested in augmented reality, as well as for education and training.
Big data analyst
Forbes quotes an increase in demand of nearly 90% during 2014 for computer systems analysts with big data experience. Data, no matter how big or small, doesn’t become useful information until it’s properly analyzed, and it’s at this level that big data analysts become particularly valuable.
3D print designer
The global 3D printing market is predicted to grow 56% this year, and to be worth more than $20 billion by 2019. Engineering and manufacturing are just two areas that will be disrupted by 3D and will need multidimensional designers. Health care is also set to see the benefits – while it might sound like a “Grey’s Anatomy” storyline, Carnegie Mellon researchers are actually working on rebuilding a human heart using 3D printing.
Ethical hacker
Also known as “white hat” hackers, ethical hackers are a unique breed and, according to MarketWatch, increasingly in demand. This comes as no surprise with cybersecurity a serious concern for organizations across all industries. Ethical hackers are hired to search and highlight weak and vulnerable spots in servers before the unethical ones (black hats) can get in.
Interaction designer
Interaction design, or IxD, has been a hot topic in 2015, and job seekers are responding with great interest. Interaction designers create the way the digital world connects to the human one, which applies to any and all digital interfaces – wearables, websites, cellphones, apps, games – making the usability as “real world” as it can be.
Smart city urban planner
Tech is transforming the way cities work – even the street lights are getting smarter. From designing and building more sustainable neighborhoods to automating traffic and transport management, planners today need a tech background and a clear vision.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter
