While we are amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of things have become unpredictable. Many companies went out of business while employees had a massive wave of layoffs. Some lost their houses and dream careers.
But as the world economy bounces back, a lot of jobs are now rising again. Companies are currently looking to hire more long-term positions and find candidates who are willing to work. Similarly, the tech industry is booming and growing.
Most of the known in-demand jobs are tech-related, and it may help you secure a job in the future. Still, finding the right IT career path can be scary. You will be spending your time and future on this path. And it’s a well-known fact that some millions of professionals worldwide are unhappy in their current careers.
So before taking several IT career path quizzes on what its careers path is for me, check out the top 10 emerging tech jobs according to the world economic forum. This article will help you understand this prospect’s career paths based on its job description, salary, skills requirements, and career growth prediction.
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Top 10 IT Career Paths According to World Economic Forum
The Future of Jobs Report 2020 aims to explore and map out the job of the future. This report was based on surveys of human resources and businesses worldwide. This 2020 report aims to shed light on the pandemic-related disruption in careers and expected job outlook for the next five years. Likewise, here is the top 20 jobs that will rise over the next five years:
- Data Analysts and Scientists
- AI and Machine Learning Specialists
- Big Data Specialists
- Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialists
- Process Automation Specialists
- Business Development Professionals
- Digital Transformation Specialists
- Information Security Analysts
- Software and Applications Developers
- Internet of Things Specialists
- Project Managers
- Business Services and Administration Managers
- Database and Network Professionals
- Robotics Engineers
- Strategic Advisors
- Management and Organization Analysts
- FinTech Engineers
- Mechanics and Machinery Repairs
- Organizational Development Specialists
- Risk Management Specialists
In this article, however, we will be focusing on the best IT careers path that made the top 10 rising list within the report.
1. Data Analysts and Scientists
Data Science and Analysis has been one of the most popular IT career paths. This role typically gathers, manages, and analyzes large amounts of data with machine learning, predictive modeling, and artificial intelligence.
The critical difference between the two is that data analysts typically focus more in performing statistical analysis and problem-solving. While data scientists, on the other hand, are more involved in designing the data modeling process, such as creating an algorithm and predictive models.
When partaking in this career path, robust technology, and mathematical skills must be necessary for this role. It is required on the day-to-day task to interpret data and create a business strategy.
Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average annual base pay of a Data Analysts and Scientist in Australia is AUD 79,000.00.
Required Skills and Capabilities: Since you will be closely working with numbers and statistics, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, or mathematics is preferred. Similarly, the following are some skills required to be a Data Scientist/Analyst:
- Vast knowledge in linear algebra and calculus
- Data visualization
- Coding and data wrangling
- Machine learning and deep learning
Career Growth predictions: Data scientists and analysts are relatively new positions. However, it has quickly grown due to rapid growth with technology and the digital age. LinkedIn stated that this role has had 34% annual growth for the past four years.
2. AI and Machine Learning Specialists
Suppose you are a person considering venturing into the IT career path. In that case, you might be interested in AI and Machine Learning. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have enormous potential in our future. Just a quick look at the technology arena will already show you how relevant AI is. From mobile assistants to high-tech intelligent speakers, these technologies are quickly inhabiting our daily lives.
Thus, in this role, you will be responsible for programming computers to simulate thinking. This role is heavily focused on programming a system to gather information, analyze, and act according to the data.
Average Salary: Zippia.com indicated that artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists receive an annual average wage of about $162,918.
Required Skills and Capabilities:
- Program skills in Python and Torch
- Skilled in TensorFlow or similar technologies
- Experience in AI, machine learning, and neural network
- Development of REST APIs
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science
- Hands-on experience with algorithms and related tools
- Prefer to hire candidates with master’s degrees
Career Growth predictions: AI and machine learning careers have exponentially grown over the past four years with an almost 75% increase. It’s also considered one of the top-paying jobs with many opportunities in various sectors like retail, eCommerce, finance, healthcare, marketing, and education.
3. Digital Marketing and Strategy Specialists
Digital Marketing is not solely exclusive to social media and advertising. In fact, it offers a plethora of career opportunities that require technical skills. As a digital marketing specialist, you will be working with many application and web developers throughout your career.
Average Salary: According to Talent.com Australia, Digital Marketing Specialists receive an average of $80,955 per year.
Required Skills and Capabilities:
- Knowledge in key areas of digital marketing such as PPC, SEM, SEO, Content Marketing, and Social Media
- Understanding of critical tools like Google Analytics and SEO audit tools
- Basic knowledge of coding and programming languages used for web development and web design
- Awareness of current market trends, google updates, and changes in algorithms
- Knows how to plan and implement marketing campaigns
Career Growth predictions: Deloitte Access Economics predicted that by 2021, there will be a need for more than 300,000 Australian Marketers with a growth rate of 2.2% for the next five years.
4. Digital Transformation Specialists
As more and more businesses worldwide suddenly adopt the internet for their business, there is a sudden drastic change in the demand for digital technology. So if you are trying to take the first step towards an IT career path, you may want to check the digital transformation specialists profession.
As a digital transformation specialist, you will be helping businesses to improve their process, innovation, and customer experiences by adopting new digital technology. Your primary role is to help the organization’s digitization efforts and educate them on the latest tech trends worldwide. Digital transformation specialists help organizations upgrade their internal process service so it can be at par with the current or even coming technologies and help them stay ahead of the curve/
Average Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average pay for digital transformation specialists is around $71,164 a year.
Required Skills and Capabilities:
- Degree in IT, computer science, or something related
- UI/UX designers’ skills
- Basic programming skills and knowledge in coding
- Understanding of HTML and CSS
- Critical thinking and analytical skills
Career Growth predictions: Digital Transformation Market value is expected to rise from USD 998 billion to USD 2.7 Trillion by 2026 with an 18.5% increase, according to Mordor Intelligence. This was highly contributed by the COVID-19 pandemic and global lockdown restrictions.
5. Information Security Analysts
As more businesses digitized their business, cyber security threats have become prevalent to society. Many organizations, including government agencies, have been targeted by security threats. In fact, according to ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report 2020-21, over 67,500 cybercrimes were reported from the calendar year 2020-2021.
Many companies are now implementing cyber security frameworks and frameworks to solidify their security infrastructure. As such, there is a high demand for information security analysts worldwide.
To be an information security analyst, you must have a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or computer engineering. Some companies might even mandate a person to have a master’s degree in cyber security to be an Information Security Analyst.
However, this is not always the case for many employers. Although it is preferred to have a formal degree, many employers prefer candidates who possess the right skills. This IT career path is excellent for persons who can communicate effectively, especially when It comes to security measures that need to be implemented. As an information security analyst, you will meet various members of the business. This role will most likely train other employees in cybersecurity basics and teach them the dos and don’ts when using the internet.
Similarly, it will be your task to put cyber security measures and ensure that all associated employees are taught how to deploy and maintain them. You also must identify security threats and report them.
Average Salary: Information Security Analyst salary in Australia $100,845 per year.
Required Skills and Capabilities:
- Master analytical and problem-solving skills
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Creativity in solving issues
- Detail-oriented
- Vast knowledge in IT and cybersecurity
Career Growth predictions: According to the US Bureau of labor statistics, this role has a projected growth of 33% for the next nine years. In addition, there are about 16,300 projected information security analyst jobs per year.
6. Software and Applications Developers
The rise of the use of technology also comes with the demand for newer and better applications. Software and application development is probably one of the IT career paths for beginners.
As a software developer, your role will most likely develop computer programs, operating systems, and web and mobile applications. Similarly, many software developers also have a lot of opportunities in a lot of industries like video game development, fintech, and more.
Average Salary: Software developers earned a median salary of $110,140 in 2020.
Required Skills and Capabilities:
- Basic coding and programming skills
- Proficiency in at least one programming language. Beginners can try starting with the most popular programming languages like Python, Java, or Ruby.
- Knowledge of data structure and algorithm
- Understanding of database and network
- Effective communication skills and willingness to learn
Career Growth predictions: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projected job growth of 22% Jobs for Software engineers, software developers, senior software engineers.
7. Internet of Things Specialists
The Internet of Things (IoT) has altered how we do business and our daily lives. The incorporation of microprocessors and sensor technologies can track almost every aspect of what we do. It collects and transfers data automatically, without requiring user interaction. When used effectively, IT can help the future and streamline business processes, health, safety, and more. The most common example of IoT is smart clothes, devices, thermometers, thermostats, self-regulated lights, and artificial assistants.
An IoT engineer is responsible for developing innovative programs and devices to help consumers receive, control, and manage information efficiently. They are also in charge of managing and developing a vast array of IoT devices, platforms, hardware, and systems. The research, code, development, test, and document IoT features solutions with integrated systems and devices.
Average Salary: The average salary for IoT Engineer is around $131,591, according to Salary.com
Required Skills and Capabilities: This IT career path requires a wide range of tech skills to master. It requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or other technical fields. You also need to be an expert in programming languages. Likewise, the following are some skills required to be an IoT Specialist:
- In-depth knowledge of computer programming and network security
- Proficiency in AI and machine learning
- Knowledge of sensors
- Experience with front-end and back-end systems
- Expert knowledge of Linux OS
- Knowledge of data and device security
- Understanding of IoT architecture
- Basic familiarity with algorithms and big data
- Well-versed in multiple programming languages like Python, C++, and JavaScript
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Career Growth Predictions: According to Statista, the IoT market will grow to around 1.6 trillion by 2025. This demand will mostly be dominated by Smart Cities, Smart Utilities, Connected Cards, and the Connected Health sector.
8. Database and Network Professionals
When looking for an IT career path, you may have stumbled upon database and network engineers. At first glance, these two roles might look similar and can be interchangeable. However, the critical difference is that network engineer work is responsible for network-related tasks for the hardware, systems, and servers, among others. On the other hand, a database administrator ensures the security and accessibility of the database. They run routine diagnostic tests to search for any potential corruptions in the system, ensuring business continuity.
Still, these two tasks are overlapping roles, particularly for smaller companies.
Average Salary: According to PayScale, the average salary of a network administrator in Australia is around AUD 72,758 annually. On the other hand, database engineers up to AUD 98,363.
Required Skills and Capabilities:
- Excellent IT and Programming Skills
- Mathematical Aptitude and strong problem-solving skills.
- Basic computer programming skills
- Experience and expert knowledge in database maintenance
- Computer system management
- Degree in mathematics, computer science, or IT
Career Growth predictions: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for this role is expected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030. Yearly, there will be about 13,900 openings for database administrators and network engineers
9. Robotics Engineers
Industrial robotics has become more relevant and thriving to significant companies. The industrial robot market is expected to grow from $2.98 billion to $3.7 billion by the end of 2021. Young engineers should get into this IT career path as early as they can.
As a robotics engineer, you will design prototypes, build and test machines, and develop software to program and control them. Some are also required to research the safest process to manufacture their product.
Average Salary: According to the Economic Research Institute, Robotics Engineer Salary in Australia is around AUD$ 141,957 per year.
Required Skills and Capabilities:
- Degree in Computer science, mechanical and industrial engineering, computer engineering or electrical engineering
- Love for math and science
- Programming skills in a popular programming language
- Complex problem-solving skills
- Active learning
Career Growth predictions: The job prospect for robotics engineers is positive. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for this role is expected to grow by 4% from 2018 to 2028. However, this number is likely to increase as more and more companies are shifting to automating their manufacturing and business processes.
10. FinTech Engineers
Fintech technology has revolutionized the way consumers purchase. It changed the way people manage their assets, business, loans, and the way they invest. It helped the financial institution offer digital services to consumers and tailor their services to their needs.
Today’s fintech engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining products and systems. If you want to venture into this IT career path, you will be working with blockchain technology and machine learning. If you are trying to venture into this IT career path, be prepared to work with many financial companies and banks.
Average Salary: According to Indeed, Fintech Engineers receive an estimated USD 130,000 annually.
Required Skills and Capabilities:
- In-depth knowledge of blockchain
- Top-notch coding skills
- A love of numbers and math
- Cybersecurity expertise
- Communication skills
- Degree in IT, computer engineering, mathematics, or statistics
Career Growth predictions: According to PWC, 30% of finance companies are expected to incorporate blockchain technologies in their strategy.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the best IT careers paths you can choose from.
So, if none of these careers appeals to you, try researching for more options. There are still plenty of other IT fields you can find. Just keep in mind that you will be spending your time and resources when starting with this career.
If you want to start a new IT career path, Flexisource IT is looking for the best IT experts in the Philippines. Visit our career page to learn about our vacancy.
Pamela is a full-time content writer and a lifelong Philomath. Her previous experience as a research analyst made her passionate about traveling the world and understanding how it works. During her day off, you can often find her indoors, writing stories or oil painting.
