The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with new professions and career opportunities emerging at a rapid pace. Over the last decade, advancements in technology, changes in consumer behavior, and the rise of the internet have all contributed to the creation of entirely new industries and professions. Some of the careers that are now in high demand simply didn’t exist 10 years ago.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the digital professions that have emerged in the past decade, discuss the skills and qualifications needed to enter these fields, and offer advice on how to successfully pursue a career in one of these exciting and rapidly growing industries.
1. Social Media Manager
What is a Social Media Manager?
A Social Media Manager is responsible for creating and managing content across social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. They also monitor engagement, analyze performance, and develop strategies to increase followers and interactions. Social Media Managers are often employed by businesses, agencies, or even influencers to create and manage an organization’s or individual’s online presence.
Why Did This Job Emerge?
In the early 2010s, social media was already popular, but it was still a relatively new tool for businesses. Over time, companies realized the potential of social media for reaching and engaging with customers. As social media platforms grew in popularity, the need for dedicated professionals to manage and optimize these platforms grew as well.
How to Get Into It
To become a Social Media Manager, you should start by gaining experience in social media marketing, content creation, and analytics. Familiarity with platforms such as Facebook Insights, Google Analytics, and social media management tools like Hootsuite or Buffer is also essential. You can take courses in digital marketing and social media strategy to build your skills and gain certifications.
Internships, freelance work, or even managing social media accounts for small businesses can help you build your portfolio. Over time, you can advance to managing larger accounts and developing more sophisticated campaigns.
2. App Developer
What is an App Developer?
An App Developer is responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining applications (apps) for smartphones and tablets. This includes everything from simple mobile apps to complex, multi-featured applications used by millions of people worldwide. App developers work across different platforms such as iOS (Apple) and Android (Google), and they can specialize in front-end development (what users interact with) or back-end development (the infrastructure that supports the app).
Why Did This Job Emerge?
The rise of smartphones and mobile apps over the last decade has revolutionized the way we work, shop, communicate, and entertain ourselves. Ten years ago, the app market was still in its infancy, with only a handful of mobile apps becoming household names. Today, apps have become integral to nearly every aspect of daily life, and the demand for new, innovative apps continues to grow.
How to Get Into It
To become an app developer, you’ll need to learn programming languages such as Swift (for iOS) or Kotlin (for Android). Understanding user experience (UX) design and user interface (UI) design will also be important, as the look and feel of an app are critical to its success. Many app developers start by taking courses in computer science or mobile development, and there are a variety of online platforms that offer tutorials and boot camps, such as Udemy, Coursera, or freeCodeCamp.
Building your own app portfolio is key to standing out in this field, and you can start by creating small projects or contributing to open-source projects. Over time, you’ll gain the experience and skills needed to tackle larger, more complex projects.
3. Data Scientist
What is a Data Scientist?
A Data Scientist analyzes large sets of data to identify trends, make predictions, and help organizations make informed decisions. Data Scientists use a combination of programming, mathematics, and statistics to work with massive datasets, building algorithms and models that can provide valuable insights to businesses. These insights can lead to improvements in products, services, or operations.
Why Did This Job Emerge?
The explosion of big data in recent years has created a massive demand for professionals who can understand and interpret large volumes of information. As companies began to realize the potential of data for making better business decisions, the role of Data Scientist emerged as a way to bridge the gap between data collection and actionable insights. The increasing reliance on data-driven decisions in fields such as healthcare, finance, retail, and technology has made Data Science one of the fastest-growing careers in recent years.
How to Get Into It
To become a Data Scientist, you need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and programming. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL is crucial, as is experience with data analysis tools like Tableau, Excel, or Hadoop. Many Data Scientists have a background in fields such as computer science, engineering, or economics, and many hold advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in data science or related fields.
There are also bootcamps, certifications, and online courses available that can help you develop the necessary skills. Participating in data science challenges, such as those on Kaggle, is a great way to gain hands-on experience and build a portfolio of work.
4. Cybersecurity Specialist
What is a Cybersecurity Specialist?
Cybersecurity Specialists are responsible for protecting an organization’s networks, systems, and data from cyber threats. These professionals work to prevent hacking, phishing, and other types of cyberattacks, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. Cybersecurity is a critical function for businesses of all sizes, especially as the number of online threats continues to rise.
Why Did This Job Emerge?
With the growing reliance on digital technologies, the need to protect sensitive data and prevent cyberattacks has never been more crucial. Ten years ago, many organizations didn’t have dedicated teams focused on cybersecurity, but as the threat landscape has expanded, the role of Cybersecurity Specialist has become indispensable. The proliferation of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other security incidents has made cybersecurity a top priority for companies worldwide.
How to Get Into It
To become a Cybersecurity Specialist, you need a strong foundation in IT, computer networks, and systems administration. Knowledge of security protocols, encryption, and threat detection is essential. Many Cybersecurity Specialists have certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), which demonstrate expertise in the field.
There are various online courses, certifications, and bootcamps available for those interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work can also help you build the practical skills necessary for this role.
5. UX/UI Designer
What is a UX/UI Designer?
UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) Designers focus on the look, feel, and functionality of websites and apps. While UX Designers are concerned with the overall user journey and ensuring the product is intuitive and easy to navigate, UI Designers focus on the visual elements, ensuring the product is aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the brand. The two roles often overlap, but each has its specific focus.
Why Did This Job Emerge?
As the digital world became more user-centric over the past decade, the demand for professionals who could create seamless and visually appealing experiences for users exploded. In the early days of the internet, websites were functional but often difficult to use. Today, companies understand that providing an exceptional user experience is key to retaining customers and staying competitive in the market. This shift has led to the emergence of UX/UI design as a specialized field.
How to Get Into It
To become a UX/UI Designer, you need to develop a strong understanding of design principles, user research, and usability testing. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma is essential, as well as a knowledge of web development technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Many UX/UI Designers come from backgrounds in graphic design, psychology, or human-computer interaction, but there are also many bootcamps and online courses available to help you get started in the field.
Building a strong portfolio of your design work, including case studies and design prototypes, is crucial for landing your first job in UX/UI design.
6. Influencer Marketing Manager
What is an Influencer Marketing Manager?
An Influencer Marketing Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating campaigns that involve influencers, who are individuals with a large online following. These managers collaborate with influencers to create content that promotes brands, products, or services in an authentic and engaging way. They track the effectiveness of campaigns and manage relationships with influencers to ensure mutually beneficial partnerships.
Why Did This Job Emerge?
Influencer marketing didn’t exist a decade ago in its current form. However, as social media grew in prominence, influencers began to emerge as powerful figures capable of reaching vast audiences. Brands soon realized the value of partnering with influencers to enhance their marketing efforts. This led to the creation of roles dedicated to managing these partnerships and campaigns.
How to Get Into It
To become an Influencer Marketing Manager, you need to understand the dynamics of social media and how influencers operate. A background in marketing or communications can be helpful, as well as experience in digital marketing and content creation. Familiarity with influencer marketing platforms like Upfluence or AspireIQ is a plus. You can start by working in social media marketing or PR and gradually transition into influencer marketing as the industry grows.
Conclusion
Over the past decade, the digital world has transformed, giving rise to a multitude of new career opportunities. The professions listed above are just a few examples of the exciting digital jobs that didn’t exist 10 years ago but are now in high demand. As technology continues to evolve, more innovative professions will emerge, offering even more career opportunities for those with the right skills.
To break into these fields, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, acquire the necessary skills, and build a strong portfolio. Whether you’re interested in social media management, app development, data science, cybersecurity, or any of the other emerging professions, the key to success is continuous learning and adaptability.