During these troubling times, it has become normal to hear of friends and acquaintances losing their jobs due to the pandemic. Whether you are currently out of work or just curious about the future of the job market, there is one strong guarantee as we head forward: technology will dominate.
There has been a general trend with regards to jobs that have been lost during Covid-19. Unfortunately, the more traditional jobs of the past have given way to tech-based jobs for a number of reasons. The most important reason, though, is that most tech jobs can be performed from anywhere, even from other countries. This flexibility and their remote nature have proved invaluable to companies over the last few months. Productivity did not come to a screeching halt among tech jobs and this fact did not go unnoticed.
Furthermore, the scalability of tech jobs is an indispensable resource. The widespread disruption of the job market will be an ongoing trend until technology completely takes over. Because of this, we are going to go over a few of the easiest and most profitable tech jobs for the average person to break into.
Data Science
Data science is the career path that requires the least technical skills on this list and a field where the barriers to entry have relaxed by a wide margin. In the past, becoming a data scientist involved acquiring a master’s degree. Fortunately for those interested in the job today, a degree allowing someone to enter the field can be achieved through trade schools with specialized data science programs.
A data scientist needs to be proficient in analytical and data visualization skills. As mentioned, this is the career on the list that requires the least technical skills, although basic knowledge of programming is recommended.
Glassdoor reports an average salary of about $113,000, which makes this career path one of the most profitable. Referenced earlier, trade schools are a great way of preparing for the field and earning an accredited degree. Springboard, for example, boasts courses that get you job-ready in under a year by using expert-curated curriculum along with mentorship opportunities.
Breaking into this field has never been more accessible to people past the years of formal education. Jump on this opportunity to enter a job field that will last for years to come.
Web Developer
When it comes to Internet-based jobs, there is a high demand for web developers. Unlike a data scientist, a web developer needs to have extensive knowledge of programming in multiple languages. The reward for all this knowledge, however, is well worth it as you would be entering a field with a projected 13 percent growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Web developers are oftentimes software engineers who chose a more specific career path. Your average front end web developer is responsible for creating the backbone appearance of a website, whereas a back end developer focuses more on the software side itself.
In short, without web developers there would be no websites on the Internet. As stated, extensive knowledge of programming is a requirement of this field. Fortunately, some of the top coding bootcamps on the Internet offer intensive programs that can teach you the skills you need. Most web developers are self-taught and build a portfolio of achievements to present to potential employers. Focus on developing these skills and you will be an important asset in the future of work.
Cybersecurity
Of the career paths on this list, cybersecurity is likely the most complicated and difficult to achieve. With that said, a salary of $116,000 on average, as reported by Digital Guardian, makes the struggle well worth it.
A cybersecurity expert is responsible for the security of companies’ software systems. One of their main duties is tackling malware problems. In fact, some cybersecurity experts conduct ethical hacking to exploit security issues within software. You need to be a trusted professional with risk analysis and hacking abilities at the very least to even have a chance in the field. With that said, becoming a cybersecurity expert is a fast way to elevate your career to the next level.
With the rising number of websites and sensitive information being put online, there will be a large demand for professionals who can ensure the safety of said information. Obtaining these skills will provide you with a long-lasting career path.
Conclusion
Foreseeing the future of the job market is difficult and we can only work off what we know today. Technology is dominating every aspect of the job market and will continue to do so long after the pandemic ends. Pursuing a job in tech is the best way of choosing a career that is long-lasting with high growth potential.
Artur Meyster is the CTO of Career Karma (YC W19), an online marketplace that matches career switchers with coding bootcamps. He is also the host of the Breaking Into Startups podcast, which features people with non-traditional backgrounds who broke into tech.
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