Nowadays, the tech industry is not only confined to the tech industry. Computers and tech products have become an inseparable aspect of our lives.
Companies, schools, hospitals, other institutions, and individuals depend on digital infrastructure to produce the results they need—which means plenty of job opportunities for people capable of building products they can use.
Tech is an extensive and flexible career field. Skyhoshi, who is a computer vision expert and currently teaches people how to integrate facial recognition technologies into their applications, says that “with the right set of skills, you can grab the wonderful opportunities that the industry offers—beyond itself.”
Here are three key reasons why having skills in building tech products is pivotal for the future.
1. Positive employment outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for the software development industry is forecasted to grow by 24%, from 2016 to 2026. This growth will be much quicker than the average for all occupations.
Furthermore, availability of employment opportunities for applications developers and systems developers is forecasted to increase by 31% and 11% respectively.
Here is a chart that illustrates the growth:
The positive employment outlook is attributed to the projected increased usage of computer software. The need for new products to power tech devices will assist in fuelling the demand for software developers.
For example, the medical industry will require state-of-the-art software to address new healthcare issues and improve digital storage of patients’ records.
2. Automation is likely to take over jobs
According to a study done by McKinsey Global Institute, automation is likely to lead to a loss of about 800 million jobs globally by 2030. In the U.S. alone, up to 73 million jobs could be left for automatic machines.
As the world continues to embrace innovative technologies in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, the sad reality is that some jobs would be obsolete.
In the near future, we are likely to see more vehicles capable of driving themselves, machines that interpret X-rays, algorithms that assist customers make better shopping decisions—than humans. Whereas these wonderful technologies enhance productivity, their adoption will render some work activities people currently do unnecessary—something that has ignited increased public concern.
However, the good news is that the study also emphasizes that automation will not only cause destruction. New employment opportunities will arise and current roles will be redefined, especially for people who know how to build tech products.
Furthermore, tech savvy workforce will be needed to program the intelligent agents, maintain their smooth operations, and deploy them to different work situations. So, you do not need to worry if you have acquired some tech skills.
3. Tech provides answers to problems
In the 1980s, thousands of coal miners flooded the streets in worthless demonstrations against the downfall of their industry. Over the years, we’ve seen industries rise and fall whenever new, better technologies are introduced.
However, we are not likely to see software miners protesting against the demise of their industry anytime soon. This is the beauty of knowing how to build tech products—you’ll always have problems to solve to make the world a better place.
Computers are and will continue to be pivotal in providing solutions to some of the problems we experience. Without them, and of course the people who understand how to use them, the world could still be plunged in a multitude of problems.
For example, as concerns over cyber security incidences intensify, we are likely to see a rise in demand for tech products that safeguard computer networks and digital infrastructure from malicious intrusions.
Wrapping up
Evidently, building tech products is the most important job skill for the future. In the coming years, having tech skills will be essential for getting a successful, well-paid career.
So, now is the time to equip yourself for the forthcoming changes by learning how to build real tech products in various fields, such as artificial intelligence, programming, virtual reality, game development, design, cryptocurrencies, and data analytics.
With the right set of skills, you’ll surely take your career ambitions to the next level!
Or, how are you preparing yourself for the future?