Five emerging IT careers that didn’t exist 10 years ago

New technology continues to spearhead innovation across industries far and wide, and at the forefront of that change is IT.

Driven by digital transformation, the IT job market continues to grow.  

IT jobs that were once the stuff of science fiction or only spoken of in research papers are now emerging as new technology careers, and businesses are in short supply of IT professionals with the credentials to tackle these cutting-edge tech jobs. 

Some emerging IT jobs that didn’t exist 10 years ago are now in high demand, particularly in the areas of cyber security, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data analysis, and app development1.  

Here's what each role involves and how RMIT's IT courses prepare you to tackle today’s advancing tech trends and capitalise on tomorrow's biggest opportunities. 

RMIT students

#1 Cyber security specialists 

As remote work, ecommerce, and the growth of digital services such as telehealth continue to rise, so too does the need for organisations to protect themselves and their customers from external threats and software hacks. 

With this demand for cyber security workers, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts the market for information security analysts will grow 32% by 20322

Encompassing a range of different roles from threat intelligence, network and application security to forensics, cyber security professionals require a technical background and hands-on experience with IT systems1

RMIT’s Bachelor of Cyber Security will equip you with the specialist knowledge and expertise to troubleshoot, analyse, design, support and provide cyber security solutions and combat the latest and emerging cyber threats. For even deeper expertise and the skills to join the industry of your choice as a cyber security professional, RMIT’s Master of Cyber Security is the perfect option. 

#2: Data scientist

Data is like gold to companies, but only if they can effectively store and organise it. While big data has been around for some time, the role of data scientists has much more scope today with access to new technology and as a result of the increasing amount of data businesses collect. 

Through data science, businesses gain a competitive edge. Data scientists help businesses leverage their data to glean insights such as market patterns and trends, enabling governments to deliver more targeted services and research teams to make new discoveries   

“Data has become crucial for AI, which is why companies need a data strategy now,” explained Lawrence Cavedon, Associate Dean Data Science at RMIT.

RMIT’s IT courses offer a variety of ways to specialise in data science. There’s the Bachelor of Data Science and the Master of Data Science, and both come with a rich program of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), so students get real-world experience.  

RMIT students

#3: Machine learning engineer

The growth of artificial intelligence and machine learning has seen demand surge for IT professionals who can adapt to roles that involve developing, managing, and integrating these technologies3

Using large amounts of data, machine learning engineers research, build, and design AI systems. These systems are self-running software programs capable of developing algorithms that can make predictions.

Students enrolling in RMIT’s IT courses will have access to the AI Innovation Lab, which is staffed by researchers who develop and extend AI solutions to industries including transport, food and agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.  

RMIT’s Master of Artificial Intelligence encourages students to discover practical components of developing AI apps and platforms, all while understanding the part played by ethics and social responsibility in the future of technology.   

#4: Cloud Architect

According to an estimation by Canalys, a leading global technology market analyst firm, cloud spending will surpass $143 billion by 2024, contending experts in this field will always be in demand4

Responsible for planning, designing and maintaining cloud computing systems, cloud architects are essential for any business, with demand reflecting the accelerating shift to cloud platforms across all industry sectors1. They migrate existing system data to cloud-based applications and are continually training in the latest cloud technology.   

At RMIT, students can specialise in cloud computing through RMIT’s Bachelor of Computer Science

#5: Application Developer

Application developers and programmers devise solutions with code and IT tools.  

As organisations attempt to keep up with tech trends and stay ahead of competitors by upgrading their software and ecommerce capabilities, professionals with coding and software development skills are now highly sought after1

You could pave the way to your career as an application developer via RMIT’s Bachelor of Software Engineering, which teaches students to design, code, test and manage large and complex systems.   

Story: Kate Jones and Jacqueline Guldon

 

1Ranstad, Trending jobs in tech for 2024, accessed 17 July 2024, https://www.randstad.com.au/in-demand-jobs-tech/

2Marina Perla, LinkedIn, 2024 Top Tech Hiring Trends, January 2024, accessed 17 July 2024,  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2024-top-tech-hiring-trends-marina-perla--yvase

3Voyager Partners Consultancy Inc, LinkedIn, Emerging Trends in IT Recruitment: Navigating the Evolving Job Market, November 2023, accessed 17 July 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/emerging-trends-recruitment-navigating-evolving-job-market-9cbzf.  

4Surbhi Goya, LinkedIn, How 2027's Tech Trends are Reshaping IT Careers: A Personal Insight into Navigating the Future, November 2023, accessed 17 July 2024, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-2027s-tech-trends-reshaping-careers-personal-insight-surbhi-goyal-xyysf.  

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torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.