Advances in the world of technology often leave many people fearful. They may assume that emerging tech – like advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) – will take over their jobs, leaving them with nowhere to go.
While technology will make certain positions obsolete over the coming years, the news isn’t all negative. According to a report, 75 million jobs may disappear by 2022. However, 133 new jobs will emerge during that same timeframe, creating a net gain of 58 million positions.
Expanding Tech Specialties
Multiple emerging technologies are altering the landscape. Big data analytics has been making waves for several years and will continue to do so well into the future. The vast majority of companies intend to expand big data analytics within their organization over the coming years, creating new opportunities for those who are interested in working in the field.
Additionally, increasing interest in the Internet-of-Things (IoT), cloud computing, and app- and web-enabled markets is also sparking change. Machine learning and virtual reality have also gained traction, along with a variety of robotics areas, ranging from stationery manufacturing robots to autonomous drone technology.
As the demand for professionals with skills in these emerging areas increased, new jobs are inevitably created. However, that doesn’t mean the shifting paradigm won’t lead to some challenges.
Skill Acquisition (and Gaps)
When any new technology gains ground, a specific skill set is needed to support it. In the beginning, finding avenues to access those skills can be challenging, both for professionals who want to work in that arena and for companies who need employees with those capabilities.
While technology may lead to the creation of 133 million jobs, those who work in one of the 75 million positions that could become obsolete can’t necessarily transition into one of the new roles. The skillset involved is likely to be dramatically different, so they would need additional training or education to make the shift.
For emerging technology, formal educational opportunities may be somewhat limited. It takes time for colleges and universities to develop relevant curriculums, so that approach isn’t always viable initially. While alternatives like boot camps and online resources may be suitable for those who already have foundational IT knowledge, those options might not be enough for those who are coming from an entirely different field.
For example, data entry is a field in decline. Many professionals in those positions don’t have formal education in information technology, computer science, or a similar major. Instead, many may only have a high school education, so they can’t seamlessly transition into one of these emerging industries without additional training.
Ultimately, more jobs will be available, but a focus on training will be a necessity. Otherwise, those who lose their positions might not remain active in the workforce, and companies will continue to struggle to find the skill sets they need to thrive.
Find Out More About the Impact of Emerging Technology
If you’d like to find out more about the impact of emerging technology, the team at The Armada Group can help. Contact us with your questions today and see how our expertise can benefit you.
