The contemporary landscape of technology is undergoing rapid evolution, facilitating swift transformations and advancements that contribute to an accelerated pace of change. This phenomenon extends beyond the realm of technology trends and emerging technologies; significant shifts are occurring, prompting IT professionals to recognize that their roles will undergo substantial changes in the upcoming contactless era.
Looking ahead to 2024, IT professionals must embrace a continual process of learning, unlearning, and relearning, primarily driven by necessity if not by personal inclination. This imperative underscores the importance of staying abreast of emerging technologies and staying attuned to the latest trends in the tech industry.
Remaining relevant in this dynamic environment necessitates a forward-thinking approach, anticipating the skills required to secure future employment. Proactively identifying and acquiring these skills will not only ensure job security but also pave the way for professional growth in the evolving technological landscape.
Table of Contents
1. Generative-AI
Generative AI, a cutting-edge technology, has revolutionized various industries by enabling machines to create content that resembles human-generated work. It encompasses a wide range of applications, from text generation to image synthesis and even music composition. After mastering generative AI, individuals can pursue exciting job roles in fields such as artificial intelligence research, data science, and creative industries.
The ever-expanding applications of generative AI promise a bright future for those who master this technology, offering opportunities to shape how we interact and create content in the digital age. Some of the top job roles include:
- AI Researcher: Delving deep into the development of advanced generative models.
- Data Scientist: Using generative AI to extract valuable insights from data.
- Content Creator: Harnessing generative AI for innovative storytelling.
- AI Ethics Consultant: Addressing the ethical implications of AI-generated content.
Generative AI is a dynamic field that not only opens doors to new career opportunities but also pushes the boundaries of what machines can achieve in terms of creativity and problem-solving.
2. Computing Power
Computing power has already established its place in the digital era, with almost every device and appliance being computerized. And it’s here for even more as data science experts have predicted that the computing infrastructure we are building right now will only evolve for the better in the coming years.
At the same time, we have 5G already; gear up for an era of 6G with more power in our hands and devices surrounding us. Even better, computing power is generating more tech jobs in the industry but would require specialized qualifications for candidates to acquire.
From data science to robotics and IT management, this field will power the largest percentage of employment in every country. The more computing our devices will need, the more technicians, IT teams, relationship managers, and the customer care economy will flourish. One essential branch under this field that you can learn today is RPA, i.e. Robotic Process Automation. Here are the top jobs you can target after RPA:
- Data Scientist
- AI Engineer
- Robotics Researcher
- AI Architect
- Robotics Designer
The demand for professionals with expertise in computing power-related technologies is on the rise, creating a significant opportunity for individuals to shape the digital future.
3. Smart(er) Devices
Artificial intelligence has played an essential role in making our world smarter and smoother. It is not just simulating humans but going the extra mile to make our lives hassle-free and simpler. These smarter devices are here to stay in 2024 and even further, as data scientists are working on AI home robots, appliances, work devices, wearables, and so much more! Almost every job needs smart software applications to make our work life more manageable.
Smarter devices are another addition to the IT industry that is of high requirement and demand as more companies transform into digital spaces. Almost every higher-level job requires good IT and automation proficiency to thrive. Here are the best jobs you can venture into:
- IT Manager
- Data Scientists
- Product Testers
- Product Managers
- Automation Engineers
- IT Researchers
As we move towards a more connected and automated world, professionals specializing in smart devices will play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology.
4. Datafication
Datafication is simply transforming everything in our lives into devices or software powered by data. So, in short, Datafication is the modification of human chores and tasks into data-driven technology.
From our smartphones, industrial machines, and office applications to AI-powered appliances and everything else, data is here to stay for longer than we can ever remember! So, to keep our data stored correctly and securely and safely, it has become an in-demand specialization in our economy.
Datafication leads to a higher need for IT professionals, data scientists, engineers, technicians, managers, and so much more. Even more useful is that anyone with a sound knowledge of technology can do a certification in data-related specializations to find a job in this space. Data jobs are more about skills than big-level qualifications. Let’s look at some popular data careers:
- Big Data Engineers
- Robotics Engineers
- IT Architect
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Scientists
The rise of datafication is transforming how businesses operate and make decisions, creating a wealth of opportunities for individuals with expertise in handling and analyzing data.
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has already received a lot of buzz in the past decade. Still, it continues to be one of the new technology trends because of its notable effects on how we live, work, and play are only in the early stages. AI is already known for its superiority in image and speech recognition, navigation apps, smartphone personal assistants, ride-sharing apps and so much more.
Other than that, AI will be used further to analyze interactions to determine underlying connections and insights, to help predict demand for services like hospitals enabling authorities to make better decisions about resource utilization, and to detect the changing patterns of customer behaviour by analyzing data in near real-time, driving revenues and enhancing personalized experiences.
With AI spreading its wings across sectors, new jobs will be created in development, programming, testing, support, and maintenance, to name a few. On the other hand, AI also offers some of the highest salaries today!
Machine Learning the subset of AI, is also being deployed in all kinds of industries, creating a huge demand for skilled professionals. Forrester predicts AI, machine learning, and automation will create 9 percent of new U.S. jobs by 2025, jobs including robot monitoring professionals, data scientists, automation specialists, and content curators, making it another new technology trend you must keep in mind too!
Mastering AI and machine learning will help you secure jobs like:
- AI Research Scientist
- AI Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- AI Architect
AI and Machine Learning are at the forefront of technological advancements, offering diverse career paths for individuals with a passion for cutting-edge technologies.
6. Extended Reality
Extended reality comprises all the technologies that simulate reality, from Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality to Mixed Reality and everything else in-between. It is a significant technology trend right now as all of us are craving to break away from the so-called real boundaries of the world. By creating a reality without any tangible presence, this technology is massively popular amongst gamers, medical specialists, and retail and modeling.
Regarding extended reality, gaming is a crucial area for popular careers that don’t require high-level qualifications but rather a passion for online gaming. You can pursue game design, animation or even editing programs to pursue a successful career in this specialization. Meanwhile, check out the best jobs in AR, VR as well as ER:
- Extended Reality Architect
- Front Lead Engineer
- Software Developer
- AR/VR Support Engineers
- Game Designers
- Pro Gamers
- Creative Directors
Extended Reality is not only transforming entertainment but also finding applications in healthcare, retail, and various other industries, creating a demand for skilled professionals.
7. Digital Trust
With people being accommodated and tangled with devices and technologies, confidence and trust have been built towards digital technologies. This familiar digital trust is another vital trend leading to more innovations. With digital conviction, people believe that technology can create a secure, safe and reliable digital world and help companies invent and innovate without worrying about securing the public’s confidence.
To create a safer space for digital users, cybersecurity and ethical hacking are the major specializations you can check out. In these two, there is an array of jobs you can discover from junior to senior levels. For ethical hacking, you might have to take up professional certifications, while for cybersecurity, a diploma or even a master’s qualification is sufficient to aim for a high-salary role. Here are the top jobs you can find in cybersecurity and ethical hacking:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Security Engineer
- Security Architect
- Security Automation Engineer
- Network Security Analyst
As our reliance on digital technologies grows, the need for professionals who can ensure the security and trustworthiness of digital systems becomes paramount.
8. 3D Printing
A key trend in innovation and technology is 3D printing which is used to formulate prototypes. This technology has been impactful in the biomedical and industrial sectors. None of us thought of printing a real object from a printer, while right now, it’s a reality. So, 3D printing is another innovation that’s here to stay. For companies in the data and healthcare sector that require a lot of 3D printing for their products, various jobs pay well and are international. You only need a sound knowledge of AI, Machine Learning, Modeling, and 3D printing. Let’s check out the best jobs in this specialization:
- CX Program Manager
- 3D Printer Engineer
- Emulation Prototyping Engineer
- Robotics Trainer
- AI Engineer
- Operations Manager
- Organ & Prosthetic Designer
3D printing is revolutionizing manufacturing and design processes, creating opportunities for professionals with expertise in this cutting-edge technology.
9. Genomics
Imagine a technology that can study and use your DNA to improve your health, helping you fight diseases and whatnot! Genomics is precisely that technology that peruses upon the make-up of genes, DNAs, their mapping, structure, etc. Further, this can help quantify your genes and result in finding diseases or any possible problems that can later be a health issue. When it comes to a specialization like Genomics, one can find a variety of technical as well as non-technical roles. Technical jobs in this area are all about designing, analyzing, and diagnostics, while non-technical jobs are concerned with higher levels of research and theoretical analysis. Here are the top jobs in Genomics:
- Bioinformatics Analyst
- Genome Research Analyst
- Full Stack Developer
- Software Engineer
- Bioinformatician
- Genetics Engineer
Genomics is at the forefront of personalized medicine, offering opportunities for professionals to contribute to advancements in healthcare and disease prevention.
10. New Energy Solutions
The world has agreed to be greener for the sake of its landscapes and the energy we use. This results in cars running on electricity or battery and houses using greener choices like solar and renewable energy. What’s even better is that people are conscious of their carbon footprints and waste; thus, minimizing it or turning those into renewable energy is even more helpful.
This gave rise to another technology trend – energy solutions! This alternative energy arena is also boosting environment-related and data-oriented careers. These careers pertain to those in Science specializations and social science qualifications. Let’s take a look at the top jobs you can find in New Energy:
- Energy Specialist (Solar, Thermal, Hydro-power etc.)
- Solar Plant Design Energy
- Climate Strategy Specialist
- Project Manager
- Chemical Energy
- Biotechnology Specialist
- Renewable Energy Technologist
New Energy Solutions are not only shaping the future of energy but also creating opportunities for professionals to contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly world.
Table: Summary of New Technology Trends for 2024
| Technology Trend | Key Jobs and Specializations |
|---|---|
| Generative-AI | AI Researcher, Data Scientist, Content Creator, AI Ethics Consultant |
| Computing Power | Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Robotics Researcher, AI Architect, Robotics Designer |
| Smart(er) Devices | IT Manager, Data Scientists, Product Testers, Product Managers, Automation Engineers, IT Researchers |
| Datafication | Big Data Engineers, Robotics Engineers, IT Architect, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Scientists |
| AI and Machine Learning | AI Research Scientist, AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Architect |
| Extended Reality | Extended Reality Architect, Front Lead Engineer, Software Developer, AR/VR Support Engineers, Game Designers, Pro Gamers, Creative Directors |
| Digital Trust | Cybersecurity Analyst, Penetration Tester, Security Engineer, Security Architect, Security Automation Engineer, Network Security Analyst |
| 3D Printing | CX Program Manager, 3D Printer Engineer, Emulation Prototyping Engineer, Robotics Trainer, AI Engineer, Operations Manager, Organ & Prosthetic Designer |
| Genomics | Bioinformatics Analyst, Genome Research Analyst, Full Stack Developer, Software Engineer, Bioinformatician, Genetics Engineer |
| New Energy Solutions | Energy Specialist (Solar, Thermal, Hydro-power etc.), Solar Plant Design Energy, Climate Strategy Specialist, Project Manager, Chemical Energy, Biotechnology Specialist, Renewable Energy Technologist |
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Generative-AI?
Generative AI is a cutting-edge technology that enables machines to create content resembling human-generated work. It encompasses applications such as text generation, image synthesis, and music composition.
2. How does Computing Power impact employment?
Computing power, including technologies like RPA, drives employment in data science, robotics, and IT management. Jobs such as Data Scientist, AI Engineer, and Robotics Researcher are in high demand.
3. What are Smart(er) Devices, and why are they important?
Smart(er) Devices, powered by AI, make our lives hassle-free. Jobs in IT management, data science, and automation engineering are crucial for managing and advancing smart device technologies.
4. What is Datafication, and how does it create job opportunities?
Datafication involves transforming human tasks into data-driven technology. This trend leads to increased demand for IT professionals, data scientists, and engineers, offering diverse job opportunities.
5. How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) evolving, and what jobs does it create?
AI continues to evolve, impacting various sectors. Job roles like AI Research Scientist, AI Engineer, and Machine Learning Engineer are in demand, with predictions of creating new U.S. jobs by 2025.
6. What is Extended Reality, and what careers does it offer?
Extended Reality includes technologies like AR, VR, and MR. Careers such as Extended Reality Architect, Software Developer, and Pro Gamers are emerging in this dynamic field.
