The World Economic Forum released some insightful data in its “The Future of Jobs Report 2023” in April. The report outlined several roles that are witnessing significant development while other roles that are clerical or secretarial are simultaneously on the decline, notably highlighting the STEM fields: “The fastest-growing roles relative to their size today are driven by technology, digitalization and sustainability.”
In light of recent developments within these respective areas, it listed AI and machine learning specialists as plummeting in demand, holding the top spot in the list of fast-growing jobs. This was tailed by sustainability specialists, business intelligence analysts and information security analysts. With increasing focus on renewable energy as the world progresses to a net zero environment and reduced carbon footprint, jobs for renewable energy engineers, and solar energy installation and system engineers are also in relative progressive growth.
If you already work in one of these areas, that’s fantastic. However, if you have interest in technology and sustainability, these are some rewarding careers you could consider. Read on for more information about each of these roles and how to get into them:
AI and machine learning specialist
LinkedIn’s Future of Work Report published in August 2023 stated: “The share of global English-language job postings mentioning GPT or ChatGPT increased 21 times since November 2022.” Recent research from 365 Data Science forecasts that demand for AI and machine learning specialists is projected to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2027, with median salaries starting at $153,000 per annum.
How to land this role:
A career in artificial intelligence and machine learning requires an undergraduate degree in computer science or data science to begin with. You will also need knowledge, experience, and progressive qualifications and fluency in computer and programming languages, alongside mathematics. Knowledge of statistics is also useful. You can build on your bachelor’s degree through undertaking machine learning short courses or pursuing a master’s degree with a specialism in AI.
Sustainability specialist
Sustainability specialists work within an organization, or several organizations, to design and implement sustainable policies and practices within corporations. In this rewarding role, you will be responsible for developing and managing sustainability initiatives and working alongside multiple internal stakeholders to deliver on these initiatives including all related branding efforts. The average salary of a sustainability specialist in the US can vary between $65,000 to $81,000 a year.
How to land this role:
To start with, it would be ideal to hold a bachelor’s degree in either business or environmental science. From there, you can build on your experience through designing and implementing sustainable practices in an entry-level role, that will prove your expertise and passion for this field to your employer or potential employers. Furthermore, you can also offer your services as a volunteer to support sustainability and tackle climate change in non-profits, which will be an asset to your resume.
Business intelligence analyst
Otherwise known as BI analysts, business intelligence analysts scour through raw business data and translate their findings into dashboards, tables, and reports that enable a company’s decision-makers to leverage this intelligence to drive more profits and business effectiveness. They can make up to $90,000 on average in the United States according to data from Salary.com.
How to land this role:
You don’t necessarily need a degree to begin with, to secure this career, although it certainly wouldn’t harm your career prospects, Coursera is keen to point out. You can start by studying towards and obtaining certifications, undertaking courses such as data analytics and business intelligence foundations. When considering a bachelor’s degree, major in statistics to fine-tune your analytical skills. Your career path may take you from entry-level as data analyst, to progressing further into data science.
Information security/cybersecurity analyst
Similarly to how a business intelligence analyst sifts through data, models it, and delivers findings to business decision-makers, information security analysts analyze a company’s systems and use their technical knowledge to help businesses steer clear from risk and long-term damage. They are involved in installing software to protect system networks, creating the disaster recovery plan for backup of information, and recommending security enhancements. However, it is important to note that while cybersecurity is limited to digital systems, the scope of an information security analyst is wider and extends to non-digital information assets as well. Average salary falls around $94,000 per annum.
How to land this role:
As demand for this role increases, companies are looking beyond the traditional degree-entry route, Brainstation says. Although a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming might be useful, learning information security and cybersecurity fundamentals, obtaining a certificate, and practicing your skills while applying to entry-level postings or apprenticeships are all perfectly acceptable entry routes into this field.
Renewable energy engineer
Solar energy installation engineers design, install, and analyze solar power installations ranging from the solar panels we are all familiar with on residential and commercial buildings, to power plants and even heating systems. They are also involved in project planning small to large-scale projects. The average salary falls at $94,000 according to Salary.com.
How to land this role:
According to RatedPower, you will need to start with an undergraduate degree in electrical, civil, or mechanical engineering. You can then progress your career through obtaining a degree specialism in solar energy and gaining practical experience alongside.
As is quite evident, careers within STEM are expanding in remarkable proportions. If you are at a breaking point in your current career and are interested in technology or engineering, considering any of the above roles will make for fulfilling career choices and will ensure you have a key role in creating the cleaner air, technology-driven planet of the future.
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