8 Top Tech Trends in 2020 and Job Opportunities They Will Create

Technology makes the world go round. Well, not literally, but it does play a major role in every aspect of our life. We are witnessing an amazing technology evolution that changes the way we live and work. What every savvy IT professional understands is that their role won’t stay the same. As technology evolves and changes, so will their role. That’s exactly why every IT worker needs to keep up with the ever-changing tech world today. You need to stay up to date with the current trends and learn about the benefits they provide, the significance of their implementation, and more. What are the biggest technology-related trends in 2020, and what jobs they will create? Scroll down to find out.

New Tech Jobs for 2020 and Beyond

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems specifically created to mimic human intelligence and perform tasks such as decision-making and recognition of images, speech, or patterns. The main purpose of AI is to do all these tasks faster and with greater accuracy than humans. Although it’s been around since 1956, AI continues to be a trend, and it has several subtypes such as machine learning, which we will discuss below. It is projected that AI will grow into a $118.6 billion industry by 2025. Over 54% of executives say AI tools have increased their productivity, while 61% of business professionals confirm that machine learning and AI are their organization’s most important data initiatives. Moreover, five out of six Americans use AI in some form every day through. Some examples of AI used on a daily basis include the streaming service, ride-sharing apps, navigation apps, smart home devices, personal home assistants, and many others. We can expect AI to be present everywhere in not so distant future. For instance, AI will be able to assess business risks, schedule trains, improve energy efficiency, and so much more. Artificial intelligence could create 23 million jobs by 2020 in programming, development, testing, maintenance, and support.

2. Machine Learning

Machine learning is a subset of AI, and it is defined as a method of data analysis that automates analytical model building. In machine learning, a computer is programmed to perform something it doesn’t typically do. Machine learning can be further divided into different subsets such as deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and neural networks. Every aspect of machine learning brings opportunities for starting and developing careers. According to some estimates, machine learning market will increase to $8.81 billion by 2022. Pattern recognition and data mining, data analytics are some of the many applications of machine learning. It will also have a major impact on network intrusion detection, web search results, and real-time ads.

3. Robotic Process Automation or RPA

Robotic process automation (RPA) is defined as the usage of software robots, dedicated computer programs, in order to standardize and automate repeatable business processes. This technology can reply to emails, handle data, process transactions, and more. All those repetitive and time-consuming tasks that humans had to do can be completed by RPA now. Forrester Research estimated that RPA could negatively affect 230 million workers or 9% of the global workforce, but not all is grim. RPA is not here to take jobs, and it creates them. McKinsey reports that less than 5% of all occupations can be totally automated, while 60% can be partially automated. This technology can offer a lot of job opportunities such as consultant, developer, business analysis, project manager, and others.

4. Blockchain

Blockchain is an unchangeable, time-stamped series of data records called blocks that are managed and distributed by a group of computers. In other words, blockchain is something you can’t modify or eliminate, and you can only add to it i.e., make a chain or block of data. What many people don’t know is that blockchain is consensus-driven, meaning a single entity cannot take control of the data, which is why a third-party to oversee or validate transactions is not necessary. That’s exactly why blockchain is used for cryptocurrency. Most people associate blockchain with Bitcoin only, but it can do more than that. Uses of blockchain are numerous, and we can only expect them to rise, which is why the demand for knowledgeable professionals increases as well. What’s more, jobs associated with blockchain are the second-growing job category with 14 new position openings for every one blockchain developer. Besides blockchain developers, this technology will also call for other job positions such as software engineers, project managers, and consultants in the fields such as healthcare, financial institutions, manufacturing, and retail.

5. Edge Computing

Edge computing is a practice where data is processed near the edge of the network rather than in centralized data-processing storage. This way, data is processed where it’s also generated. The main objective of this practice is to enable us to address many shortcomings of cloud computing. We can use edge computing to process time-sensitive data in remote locations with limited or no connectivity to a centralized location. With the rise in the internet of things (IoT) devices, we can also expect a greater demand for edge computing-related jobs such as software engineers.

6. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are used interchangeably, although they’re not the same thing. In VR, a user is immersed in the environment, while AR amplifies one’s environment. Besides gaming, VR is also used for training such as VirtualShip, simulation software that US Navy, army, and Coastguard ship captains use for training purposes. An excellent example of AR, on the other hand, is a popular Pokemon Go game.
Some of VR and AR applications are in entertainment, training, marketing, education, rehabilitation after serious injuries, and others. Demand for AR and VR-related jobs increased by 37%, but there are no many potential employees. That means the skilled and knowledgeable professionals will have no trouble finding a well-paid job. And the best thing of all, the popularity of AR and VR will only increase the demand for these jobs in the near future. Forward-thinking mindset, creativity, programming skills, and knowledge of VR and AR can open many doors, including those of Google, Oculus, Samsung, and startups that keep emerging lately. Hardware engineers can also score a job with a company that is looking to bring VR and AR closer to its customers.

7. Cyber Security

You probably think that cybersecurity is not a new and emerging technology, but it still belongs on this list. The reason is simple; cybersecurity evolves with the evolution of technology because we constantly face new threats. Nowadays, new technologies are developed to improve security online. Some of the new trends in cybersecurity include club technology, hardware authentication, deep learning, prevention of loss of data, and behavioural analytics. Not everyone on the internet has harmless intentions. Hackers threaten big companies and even “regular” users, so as long as they exist, there will also be the need for cybersecurity developments. That is the best depicted by the fact that jobs associated with cybersecurity are growing three times faster compared to other tech jobs. Job opportunities in cybersecurity include the roles of an ethical hacker, chief security officer, and security engineer.

8. Internet of Things

Thanks to IoT home appliances, cars, and other devices and machines can be connected to and exchange data over the internet. It is expected that the number of IoT devices will reach 30 billion by 2020. A staggering number, isn’t it? In business, IoT can improve safety, effectiveness, and decision-making process, while data is collected and analyzed. For example, IoT can improve customer service, make medical care faster and more effective, among other things. IoT can create many jobs as 200,000 more IT workers are needed, and they aren’t in the pipeline yet. One of the main reasons behind the hindered growth of this industry is the lack of satisfactory skill levels. These skills include cloud computing knowledge, IoT security, automation, data analytics, device knowledge, and understanding of embedded systems. If you have those skills, you can find IoT jobs. As technology and IoT develop, there will be a greater need for knowledgeable professionals in this industry.

Technology keeps evolving, and although the general opinion is that it decreases the need for human workers, the truth is that more career opportunities are created. To succeed in the IT world, you need to keep up with the trends, have knowledge about the industry, and have certain skills that you’ll develop and adopt new ones as more tech developments come our way. The point is that learning never stops, and the desire and creativity will take you a long way.

Written by The Original PC Doctor on 30/12/2019.