Over the years as society advances, there are more and more jobs that no longer exist today. According to a survey by the World Economic Forum, automation, digitization and mechanization, will cause the disappearance of 75 million jobs in the the next few years. However with the emergence of new technologies, there will be an addition of133 million new jobs created by technology. So what are some of these new roles?
Robotics Consultant
When robots integrate into our lives and play many roles in our daily activities, helping us to complete chores and difficult tasks, the demand for robotics consultants will surge. Robotics consultants are mainly responsible for helping a family choose robots suitable for them.
Robotics consultants can also provide robot debugging services and other special services for the elderlies. This includes assisting them in their home life, from food, clothing, housing and transportation to other aspects that can be managed by a robot. They can also provide more complex services such as management of medication.
Required skills: Robotics consultants need to master all the skills needed by today’s family consultants, such as: communication with others, keen observation, empathy, and the ability to resolve conflicts. What is new is that robotics consultants also need to understand the language communication capabilities of robots, basic functions, and how to train new users to use these mechanics effectively.
Solar Energy Consultant
In the past 10 years, the utilization rate of solar energy has grown at an average annual growth rate of nearly 50% compared with the previous year. This number will continue to climb as companies and communities convert energy fuels into renewable resources.
In order to meet employment needs, solar energy experts will participate in the design, construction and management of solar power grids. From vast rural areas to crowded cosmopolitan cities, integrating solar energy into these areas can be a difficult problem.
Required skills: Solar energy consultants will need to be technically minded and possess multiple “growth skills”, including analytical thinking and innovation, critical thinking and analysis, and complex problem solving. People with electrical and mechanical engineering capabilities may find their place in this emerging technology. Similarly, students with a background in architecture and urban planning can also qualify as a solar energy expert.
Virtual Reality (VR) Designer
Nowadays more people are choosing to spend their money on experience rather than products, thus stimulating the development of new products such as VR.
VR Designers participate in the design, creation, writing, and gamification. Whether it’s entering Taylor Swift’s stage performance in the world of “Game of Thrones” or walking through the Lost City in the living room, the VR designer will meet the needs of users.
Required skills: VR designers have a background in engineering and computer programming which can make virtual experiences more realistic. From a qualitative perspective, writers tell stories, designers turn ideas into reality, and those with a background in video games will gamify the experience.
Data Analyst
Although Data Analyst roles are already seeing demand now, the job available will continue to see a steady growth because there is so much data to be analyzed and make use of. Data Analysts collect a vast amount of data through different kinds of medium such as computers and mobile phones. They calculate and analyze the growth trend of the data in order to make an informed decision. According to the growth trend, they will help merchants put forward data-based insights when choosing products that are more suitable for certain customers. They also help businesses understand customer needs. Data enables the programmer to design a wide range of programs. Data is useful in various tasks such as having customers recommended the right products on the webpage, to measure a person’s housing loan and welfare eligibility.
What is important is having as much data as possible in order to make an informed decision. However, the downside to data analytics is the possibility of making unfair decisions based on past data.
Required skills: Data analysts need to master a variety of technical core skills, with a background in information technology, programming, probability, or statistics.
Environmental Re-builder
Environmental rebuilders need to be responsible for repairing the damaged courtyard landscape and damaged land. Whether it is environmental damage caused by urbanization or intensive farming, the rebuilder can turn back the clock and replace unnecessary infrastructure with forests and native species (E.g. buildings, roads and fences), while also recovering land left damaged by over-farming.
Required skills: The rebuilder needs a scientific mind with knowledge of biology and ecology, and a professional background in agriculture, wildlife management and environmental science. Since the re-planning of the project requires the support of the government and related personnel, having good communication is also one of the important skills of rebuilders.
Health Management Consultant
According to statistics from the National Institutes of Health, obesity is the second leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that 300,000 people die from obesity each year. This places higher demands on the health and fitness industry. Health management consultants, combined with fitness trackers and robots, can help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle. These can be done from remote one-on-one fitness coaches to dietitians’ meal plans, to health monitoring through wearable devices.
Required skills: health management consultant will need knowledge in nutrition and fitness, and a background in physiology or pharmacology. Knowledge of healthy recipes are also essential when urging people to adopt healthier diets.
Content Creator for Alzheimer’s Patients
It is predicted that by 2050, 14 million Americans will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease, which is a neurodegenerative disease with gradual decline in learning and memory capabilities. In response to this loss of memory, content creator for Alzheimer’s patients will use digital footprints to recreate past memories. For example, they may use Facebook and Instagram posts, or conversations with relatives and friends to build a virtual reality experience based on personal memory. Usually, they will help patients reduce anxiety and stress.
Essential skills: They need to master various skills, such as the skills of historians and researchers to discover memories. Similarly, they need to play the role of a writer/director to recreate the memories. Teamwork ability is also essential. Only when memory protectors work with high-tech teams can memories be turned into virtual reality.
High-tech Traffic Controller
The use of drones and driverless cars is quickly becoming a reality. Amazon is preparing to launch drone delivery services. Tesla said that by the end of the year, fully autonomous driverless cars will enter the car market. High-tech traffic controllers will be responsible for monitoring and managing automated roads and airspace to ensure error-free operation and safety; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have already started related work.
Required skills: Monitoring high-tech traffic will require managers to understand the technologies used in AI and autonomous vehicles. They will also need to be familiar with highway and airspace laws to ensure the legality of operators. In terms of soft skills, high-tech traffic controllers should be able to solve complex problems under high pressure situations.
Virtual Shopping Assistant
Everyone knows e-commerce is on the rise and is expected to continue its steady growth in the next few years. With the development of online shopping, people’s demand for virtual shopping assistants is also increasing. Similar to “product sommeliers”, these virtual assistants will provide personalized services in physical stores, guide customers through a wide range of online choices, provide advice, and provide customer support for consumers worldwide.
Essential skills: Virtual shopping assistants will cover a variety of skills used by retail employees today. Need to have specific product knowledge or expertise in a specific field (such as plumbing or landscaping industries). These positions also require good communication skills to provide solutions to conflicts with customers.
With the advancement of technology, it is not too far into the future that these new jobs created by technology will be in demand. If you are willing to enter these industries, you can start to prepare now. Work with a professor in a research program related to any of these fields and start building your portfolio!
