The New Platforms Jobs

Edge Computing Manager

When will the Internet of Things transition from research labs to everyday retail? In three years? Ten? Likely sooner. Once this technology becomes accessible, organizations will need leaders to answer crucial questions such as: Which devices should be interconnected? Is a smart T-shirt genuinely beneficial? What data should we collect? What adjustments to existing infrastructure are necessary? What long-term effects on business can we expect? What user experience should connected devices provide? How do we integrate legacy systems? Do we require new business models? An Edge Computing Manager will need to provide insights on these issues when approached by company executives.

How to become an Edge Computing Manager: Consider enrolling in a course from the Linux Foundation.

Digital Store Guide

Imagine if Amazon.com had a physical storefront. How large would it be? How easy would it be to get lost? How many sales assistants would be required to cater to everyone seeking products? It’s evident that the main advantage brick-and-mortar stores have over online shops is their personnel. Therefore, as digital platforms proliferate, companies will likely hire personal shoppers or Digital Store Guides to enhance the often frustrating online shopping experience for those who can afford such assistance. As always, the wealthy receive personalized service while the less fortunate are left with ineffective chatbots.

How to become a Digital Store Guide: Gain experience in retail while pursuing an entry-level marketing certification.

Augmented Reality Storyteller

While Virtual Reality has yet to fulfill its potential, Augmented Reality is gaining traction and is expected to remain relevant. With the rise of the experience economy and gamification, it’s logical that we will demand compelling narratives from our augmented reality experiences. This is where storytellers come into play. This profession will enable the creation of immersive training scenarios and subtle marketing strategies. Nothing unsettling about that, right?

How to become an Augmented Reality Storyteller: Seek internships with major gaming companies (like Blizzard, TakeTwo, Nintendo, Ubisoft, Sony) and consider a background in journalism.

World Builder

Although Virtual Reality might not be thriving, it certainly isn’t finished. Once storylines are established, entire worlds must be created (think Ellen Page in Inception). This role requires skills akin to those of video game designers, but with potentially different outcomes. The opportunities for training are vast, and the psychological aspects are intriguing to consider: Why confront your inner demons when you can vanquish them in a digital realm?

How to become a World Builder: Pursue internships at leading gaming companies, ideally within a technical department.

Ad-Blocking Expert

The advancement of technologies like Edge Computing, digital marketplaces, AR, and VR is set to revolutionize advertising. That’s just how society functions. As we grow weary of intrusive ads—like those for IBS medication during a VR breakfast—we will demand sophisticated ad-blocking solutions. These tools must be capable of identifying ads embedded within augmented reality, visible only through AR glasses. The technical hurdles are intriguing. “Ad-blocker for your refrigerator”... the headlines practically write themselves.

How to become an Ad-Blocking Expert: Begin with a course from The University of Michigan.

The New Legal Framework Jobs

Ethics Officer

As corporations increasingly take stances to address governmental shortcomings, this trend seems set to continue due to the growing intimacy between businesses and their clientele. In this activism-driven corporate climate, the Ethics Officer's role mirrors that of a contemporary CSR Manager, except they will hold significant influence within the organization, regularly interfacing with CFOs and CTOs rather than just HR and marketing.

How to become an Ethics Officer: Start in Human Resources while fostering a background in social justice.

Trust Officer

Trust is poised to become a critical focus for businesses, especially as the era of “Fake News” appears to be ongoing. Hence, appointing someone to ensure customers feel secure entrusting their private information, savings, and personal matters to corporations doesn’t seem far-fetched. Similar to PR but taken seriously. Currently, I only trust my barber and bartender, indicating corporations have considerable room for improvement in this area.

How to become a Trust Officer: Join the board of a prominent PR firm before transitioning to a tech company.

Personal Data Representative

This role aligns with my vision of establishing a system where businesses compensate individuals for the data used to fuel their job-disrupting algorithms, fostering greater economic equity.

A Personal Data Representative would legally advocate for an individual’s data and strategically invest it to yield better returns for their clients. Protecting clients' data from misuse without consent would be in the PDR's best interest, making this role highly valuable. It would also aid in developing a framework for data portability, increasingly mandated by renewed antitrust regulations.

How to become a Personal Data Representative: Gaining expertise in GDPR is an excellent starting point.

The New AI Jobs

Data Investigator

As I have repeatedly emphasized, algorithms must be capable of explaining their underlying mechanisms in straightforward terms. This is crucial as AI becomes more integrated into daily life, including the judicial system. I envision a button next to Instagram ads that reads, “Why are you seeing this? Seriously.”

This may not happen.

However, the role of a Data Investigator may emerge, involving the examination of code to ascertain why a vehicle swerved toward a group of preschoolers instead of avoiding a pregnant woman. Only then can we determine whether an individual engineer, a corporation, or the driver is at fault.

Best of luck with that.

How to become a Data Investigator: Obtain dual degrees in Law and Mathematics. You'll be a hit at parties.

Data Detective

While a Data Investigator responds to posed questions, a Data Detective (what a cool title!) generates answers to questions not explicitly asked by analyzing data produced by new technologies like the Internet of Things. Does running low on milk correlate with a spike in crime? Does a rise in drone usage result in fewer pigeon births?

I’m not sure, but I’d like to find out (or have someone else find out). Of course, I do not advocate for the establishment of a predictive policing unit. That path leads only to adverse outcomes.

How to become a Data Detective: Obtain a specialized certification while working within a law enforcement agency.

Predictive Customer Service Agent

While call centers are already in operation, the advent of Big Data suggests that some forward-thinking companies may choose to adopt a proactive approach to customer issues. By analyzing customer profiles, purchasing behaviors, and the frequency of product quality issues, it may not be overly challenging to predict when a customer might encounter a problem.

Imagine calling a customer before their oven is statistically likely to malfunction—sounds like a substantial revenue opportunity to me.

How to become a Predictive Customer Service Agent: Dropping out of high school may be the unconventional path here.

The “Bridge Between Worlds” Jobs

Man-Machine Collaboration Analyst

Automation is expected to significantly affect many jobs in the near future (do I hear 51%?). Yet, numerous questions remain before we fully hand over responsibilities to robots and algorithms. Who and what do we pair? Who do we automate? When? Should we enhance or replace? As augmentation becomes widespread, addressing these questions will be crucial across various sectors. Economists and sociologists should ideally lead this effort, but I wouldn't be surprised if consultants take the reins instead.

Yay.

How to become a Man-Machine Collaboration Analyst: Gain experience at a Big 5 consulting firm.

IT Facilitator

It’s apparent that IT and operations must improve their communication. However, few possess the rare ability to speak both languages, merging business needs with technical skills and hardware budgets. This is precisely the role of the IT facilitator, which could render PMOs obsolete. Those who succeed in this role can expect a lucrative career.

How to become an IT Facilitator: Seek a position as an internal PMO after several years in the IT department.

Workers’ Champions

Once we determine what and who to automate, and the IT and operational teams have reached a consensus, there must be a way to effectively inform employees about the new strategy. Depending on the industry, these workers may not be the most tech-savvy or understanding. This is where Workers’ Champions become essential. For evidence of the necessity of this role, just search for “worker cages” on Google.

Yes, I’m implying that unions should make a comeback. It’s about time.

How to become a Workers’ Champion: Apply to join your industry's union.

The New Cities Jobs

Smart City Analyst

City planners are regaining relevance! With the growing adoption of smart vehicles, drones, and post-COVID office space optimization, their expertise will be crucial. For instance, if self-parking cars can operate without drivers, do we still need as many parking spaces? If we have data from every mobile device in the city, could we better allocate firefighting resources? The possibilities are vast, but they must be assessed carefully: the design choices we make today will shape our cities for the next half-century.

How to become a Smart City Analyst: Transition from city planning to a role at an MBB firm.

Conservationist

As urban areas expand, adapt, and gain intelligence, we will need to eliminate parts of our history. The Conservationist's responsibility will be to digitally archive images and blueprints of roads and buildings, ensuring that our past continues to inform our future.

This role already exists, albeit on a smaller scale; it’s challenging to place an entire building in a museum.

How to become a Conservationist: Start in a museum and cultivate a passion for cultural activism.

Remote Car Mechanic

With the increasing automation and connectivity of vehicles, will we still need to visit mechanics for every minor issue? Likely not.

If the concept of digital twins holds true, we may see many client-facing roles transition to remote. I would wager that mechanics will be among the first.

How to become a Remote Car Mechanic: Excel as a mechanic and stay attuned to new technologies.

Microgrid Analyst

As renewable energy becomes more prevalent, many households and neighborhoods will start generating their own power. However, if a homeowner goes on vacation, that energy might go unused and could be sold to a neighbor hosting a party who requires extra electricity for their Prince hologram presentation.

This is where a Microgrid Analyst comes into play, ensuring that various algorithms efficiently allocate energy on a much smaller scale than we are accustomed to, but with many more energy sources supplying diverse locations.

How to become a Microgrid Analyst: Obtain an engineering degree and secure a position at a major energy company.

Other professions will experience a renaissance, such as concierges (with increasing deliveries come increasing challenges) and craftsmanship roles (with certain technologies, economies of scale are no longer as crucial). Additionally, some professions will gain importance (like healthcare and education). Lastly, others will remain constant but become enhanced: caregiving, banking, nursing, training, R&D, HR—all are likely to experience augmentation, with many already on that path.

My children will enter a complex world—a sometimes hostile world, and increasingly worrisome as it warms. One can only hope they navigate these challenges and select careers that ensure their survival and happiness in the tumultuous years to come.

Good luck out there.

This article was originally produced for Honeypot.io, Europe’s platform focused on developer careers.