Technologies for the future

The current technological landscape is rapidly evolving, leading to swift changes and progress, which, in turn, accelerates the overall pace of transformation. This isn't limited solely to technological trends and emerging technologies; various aspects have undergone substantial shifts, prompting IT professionals to recognize that their roles will not remain static in the forthcoming contactless era. In 2024, IT professionals are expected to engage in continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning, either out of necessity or a genuine desire for professional growth.

For individuals navigating this landscape, staying abreast of emerging technologies and the latest trends is crucial. It also involves keeping a forward-looking perspective to anticipate the skills required to secure future employment and understanding the pathways to acquire them. This compilation outlines 18 noteworthy emerging technology trends to explore and potentially pursue in 2024, with the aim of securing roles that will emerge in tandem with these trends.

Commencing with the highly-discussed topic, Generative AI (gen-AI):

1. Generative AI (gen-AI):

Generative AI stands at the forefront of cutting-edge technology, bringing revolutionary changes to various industries by empowering machines to produce content resembling human-generated work. Its applications span a wide spectrum, including text generation, image synthesis, and even music composition. Proficiency in generative AI opens doors to enticing job opportunities in fields such as artificial intelligence research, data science, and creative industries. The expansive applications of generative AI hold promise for those who master this technology, offering avenues to influence how we interact and create content in the digital age. Key job roles in this domain encompass:

- AI Researcher: Dive deep into the development of advanced generative models.

- Data Scientist: Utilize generative AI to extract valuable insights from data.

- Content Creator: Employ generative AI for innovative storytelling.

- AI Ethics Consultant: Address the ethical implications of AI-generated content.

2. Computing Power:

In the digital era, computing power has firmly established itself, permeating nearly every device and appliance with computerization. Its prominence is set to grow even further, as anticipated by data science experts who predict continuous enhancement in the computing infrastructure being developed today. Simultaneously, the advent of 5G heralds the imminent arrival of 6G, promising greater power in our hands and an increased ubiquity of devices. This surge in computing power is not only reshaping the technological landscape but is also catalyzing the creation of additional tech jobs within the industry, albeit with a requirement for specialized qualifications in candidates.

This sector, ranging from data science to robotics and IT management, is expected to fuel a significant portion of employment across countries. As our devices demand increased computing capabilities, a corresponding rise is foreseen in the demand for technicians, IT teams, relationship managers, and roles in the customer care economy. An integral subfield within this domain that individuals can explore today is Robotic Process Automation (RPA). Listed below are some key jobs to target after gaining expertise in RPA:

- Data Scientist

- AI Engineer

- Robotics Researcher

- AI Architect

- Robotics Designer

3. Smart(er) Devices:

The integral role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the efficiency and intelligence of our world cannot be overstated. Beyond merely simulating human actions, AI is dedicated to making our lives more seamless and trouble-free. The prevalence of smarter devices is a constant in 2024 and beyond, with data scientists actively involved in the development of AI-driven home robots, appliances, work-related tools, wearables, and more. The integration of these intelligent devices is not just a passing trend; rather, they are becoming indispensable in the evolving landscape of digital transformation. Virtually every occupation now relies on smart software applications to streamline work processes, emphasizing the increasing demand for expertise in this sector within the IT industry.

The burgeoning significance of smarter devices has led to a heightened requirement for proficient IT and automation skills in a variety of roles. Individuals seeking opportunities in this field can explore the following job options:

- IT Manager

- Data Scientists

- Product Testers

- Product Managers

- Automation Engineers

- IT Researchers

4. Datafication:

Datafication, in essence, is the conversion of various aspects of our lives into devices or software driven by data. It represents the transformation of human activities and tasks into technology powered by data, encompassing everything from smartphones, industrial machinery, and office applications to AI-driven appliances and beyond. The pervasiveness of data in our daily lives is undeniable and is set to endure for an extended period. Consequently, the secure and accurate storage of data has emerged as a sought-after specialization in our economy.

The prevalence of datafication gives rise to an increased demand for professionals in the IT domain, including data scientists, engineers, technicians, managers, and more. What adds to the appeal is that individuals possessing a solid understanding of technology can pursue certifications in data-related specializations, offering opportunities for employment in this dynamic space. Data-centric roles are more about practical skills than lofty qualifications. Below are some popular careers in the realm of data:

- Big Data Engineers

- Robotics Engineers

- IT Architect

- Business Intelligence Analyst

- Data Scientists

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a prominent topic over the past decade and continues to be a forefront technology trend due to its profound impact on various aspects of our lives, work, and recreational activities. While AI has already demonstrated its prowess in areas such as image and speech recognition, navigation apps, smartphone personal assistants, and ride-sharing apps, its transformative effects are only in their early stages.

AI's future applications include enhanced analysis of interactions to uncover underlying connections and insights, predicting service demand in fields like healthcare to optimize resource allocation, and real-time analysis of changing customer behavior for revenue growth and improved personalized experiences. As AI permeates across diverse sectors, it gives rise to new job opportunities in development, programming, testing, support, maintenance, and more, with the added allure of offering some of the highest salaries in the present job market.

Machine Learning, a subset of AI, is experiencing widespread deployment across various industries, leading to a significant demand for skilled professionals. Projections from Forrester indicate that AI, machine learning, and automation will contribute to the creation of 9 percent of new U.S. jobs by 2025. These jobs encompass roles such as robot monitoring professionals, data scientists, automation specialists, and content curators, solidifying machine learning as another crucial technology trend.

Mastering AI and machine learning opens up opportunities for roles such as:

- AI Research Scientist

- AI Engineer

- Machine Learning Engineer

- AI Architect

6. Extended Reality:

Extended Reality (XR) encompasses a spectrum of technologies that replicate reality, spanning Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality, and everything in between. This is a significant and current technology trend, fueled by a collective desire to transcend the perceived boundaries of the real world. By crafting immersive experiences without tangible constraints, extended reality has gained widespread popularity, particularly in domains such as gaming, healthcare, retail, and modeling.

In the realm of extended reality, gaming emerges as a pivotal arena for rewarding careers that prioritize passion over high-level qualifications. Individuals can delve into game design, animation, or editing programs to carve out successful careers in this specialized field. Additionally, here are some of the best jobs within the domains of AR, VR, and ER:

- Extended Reality Architect

- Front Lead Engineer

- Software Developer

- AR/VR Support Engineers

- Game Designers

- Pro Gamers

- Creative Directors

7. Digital Trust:

As individuals become increasingly intertwined with devices and technologies, the establishment of confidence and trust in digital technologies has become a crucial and ongoing trend, fostering further innovations. The foundation of digital trust is essential, as it instills the belief that technology can construct a secure, safe, and reliable digital world. This confidence empowers companies to invent and innovate without apprehensions about securing public trust.

To cultivate a safer digital environment for users, specializations in cybersecurity and ethical hacking play pivotal roles. Within these domains, a spectrum of jobs exists, ranging from junior to senior levels. For ethical hacking, pursuing professional certifications is often necessary, while in cybersecurity, qualifications such as a diploma or even a master's degree can pave the way for high-salary roles. Here are some prominent jobs in cybersecurity and ethical hacking:

- Cybersecurity Analyst

- Penetration Tester

- Security Engineer

- Security Architect

- Security Automation Engineer

- Network Security Analyst