Rapidly developing technologies lead to constant changes on the IT jobs market. Testers have to master automation, system administrators are putting up with cloud technologies, and in just a couple of years, the ability to work with AI has become a mandatory requirement for many vacancies. Of course, IT by default implies keeping your knowledge and skills up to date, but not everyone is ready to completely change their stack every few years. How not to go wrong with specialization when choosing your career path? We have picked out the top 10 IT professions that will be relevant and highly demanded for at least the next five years:
1. AI engineer and machine learning engineer (ML engineer)
Specialists in this field are in charge of developing and implementing algorithms that help evolve systems from a wide variety of business areas: medicine, finance, industry, marketing, and many others. For example, thanks to AI and ML social networks remain relevant to each user, making individual selections of interesting materials: algorithms collect and process data, and then, based on the analysis, produce relevant news feed to match your preferences.
2. Developer of solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT devices become more and more widespread, turning into one of the most important technologies of the 21st century in the last few years, as they make life more comfortable every day. The development and implementation of software solutions for the interaction of various devices within the Internet of Things will be relevant for a long time to come. The most popular IoT objects are smart home appliances and smart watches.
3. Cybersecurity Engineer and Ethical Hacker (White Hat Hacker)
The digitalization of business keeps its pace, and as companies grow in the digital space, so do the number of cyber threats. Companies store a lot of sensitive information and personal data that need to be protected, preventing leaks. Cybersecurity experts stand guard over data, while ethical hackers look for vulnerabilities in systems to fix them. Large corporations have entire cybersecurity departments to protect sensitive information.
4. Big Data Analyst
Enterprises continue to collect huge amounts of data, which means the need for specialists skilled in analyzing information and making strategically important decisions. For example, based on big data, a sales strategy can be changed, taking into account customer demand for goods depending on the time of year or the situation in the world. The profession of data analyst combines IT, management and math.
5. Robotics and automation engineer
Automation of processes and robotics development moves by leaps and bounds. Engineers in this domain work on the design, development, implementation and maintenance of robotic systems and automated processes. Today already medical robots can save lives, make diagnoses, assist in rehabilitation, and make life easier for people with disabilities (biomechanical prostheses, mobility aids) - and these are examples from only one industry!
6. Quantum computing specialist
Quantum computing is still at an early stage of development and is beyond the capabilities of classical computing systems, yet interest in it is growing. Educational programs in quantum engineering are starting to appear. The future generation faces such tasks as exploration of quantum phenomena, development of new materials and components, and creation of innovative technologies for applications in electronics and optics.
7. Cloud technologies developer
The market for cloud solutions is growing, and so is the demand for professionals who specialize in maintaining virtual infrastructure. Specialists design, develop, and support cloud solutions and services. Cloud technologies allow testing and deploying services with high load, integrating distributed IT infrastructure into a single global network, as well as storing and processing large amounts of data.
8. Data Scientist
Data Science combines several fields at once: mathematics, statistics and programming. In their work, a data scientist collects, analyzes and processes data to make forecasts, identify patterns and test hypotheses. A data scientist processes unstructured data and, after analyzing it using various mathematical models, draws conclusions in the areas essential for business or science, predicts upcoming trends and events.
9. UX/UI designers
UX/UI design is constantly evolving - after all, every day we use different types of software and expect products to be tailored for effective User-Business interaction. UX/UI designers are in charge of designing and improving the user experience and interface of digital products. And with the arrival of neural networks, IoT products, and the implementation of AR/VR technologies, there is a growing need to study user interaction with different interfaces. Experts skilled in creating user-friendly products are valued on the market, and the demand for the profession is growing with every day.
10. Qualified human specialists
One of the hottest debates in recent years has been around artificial intelligence: will IT specialists be needed at all in the near future, won't they be replaced by a soulless machine? Neural networks have undoubtedly influenced the specifics of work in IT. AI-assistants are widely used already on a daily basis: they can analyze and write code, conduct unit testing, create graphic images and videos, help in finding answers, and translate texts. Nevertheless, artificial intelligence has disadvantages so far, and in the nearest future it will not be able to fully replace humans when creating software. Qualified human specialists do not lose their relevance on the employment market, because they will always create and implement new ideas, staying therefore in demand.
World forecasts anticipate a steady demand for technical specialists in the next few years, so if you choose this path, you can be confident in your future. However, the key factors for success in the IT industry will be flexibility and willingness to learn, so it is important to constantly study and keep up with the development of new technologies.
