Career Development

Exploring Careers in Emerging Industries

Emerging industries are at the forefront of economic transformation and innovation. These industries reshape how people work, interact and live every day. If you are looking for a new career that has a global impact, these are the industries that you want to explore. Learn about these industries and the potential career paths within them 100 to determine which one is best for you.

Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning engineer: Work to build, deploy and design machine learning models. A degree in programming is ideal. You should also be proficient in Python and other programming languages. Strong knowledge of PyTorch, TensorFlow and other frameworks is also essential.

AI research scientist: You will focus on advancing AI’s theoretical aspects by improving machine learning models and developing new algorithms. A Ph.D. in a related field is usually necessary.

Data scientist: These scientists work to build predictive models and extract meaningful insights via analyzing large datasets. Some schools offer degrees in data science, but you can also pursue a career in this field with an education in data analysis, statistics or programming.

Biotechnology

Biomedical engineer: Develop and design prosthetics, medical devices and diagnostic equipment. There are degrees in biomedical engineering that cover the engineering principles and biological science knowledge necessary to succeed in this field.

Biotechnologist: Use biological systems and living organisms to create new technologies and products. You can work in a variety of sectors, including, agriculture, industrial processes and healthcare. A bachelor’s degree in biotechnology can get you a start in this field, but a master’s degree or higher is generally preferred.

Cybersecurity

Security engineer: As a security engineer you will implement, manage and design protocols and systems to protect the IT infrastructure of an organization. Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science is the first step. Depending on the exact job you want, you might consider pursuing certification in cybersecurity or getting a graduate degree.

Security analyst: You will monitor systems and networks for security breaches, implement security measures and investigate accidents. To get started, pursue a degree in information technology or cybersecurity.

Cryptographer: In this field, you will create protocols and algorithms that work to secure communications and data. Protect sensitive information by developing digital signatures, encryption techniques and cryptographic key management systems. A bachelor’s degree in information technology, mathematics, computer science or cybersecurity will help you get started in this field.

Virtual Reality

VR designer: As a designer, you will ensure that the user experience in various virtual environments is engaging, intuitive and immersive. You will need high proficiency in Blender, Maya and other design software. A background in computer programming is also highly beneficial.

VR developer: Build and design virtual reality applications. You will create VR environments that are interactive using a variety of programming languages. To start this career, you will need strong skills in software development, 3D modeling and computer graphics.

VR hardware engineer: Develop and design the physical elements of different virtual reality systems like controllers, headsets and motion sensors. You will ensure that VR hardware has optimal functionality, ergonomics and performance. Having a background in computer engineering, robotics or electrical engineering is often required.

Renewable Energy

Solar energy technician: You will maintain, repair and install solar panel systems for businesses, utilities and homes. Electrical knowledge is essential, so electrician training is ideal. It is also often required that you have a photovoltaic technology certification.

Wind turbine technician: These technicians work to repair and maintain wind turbines. You will troubleshoot issues, perform routine inspections and make sure that turbines are working properly. Electrician training and having a mechanical background are usually necessary.

Renewable energy engineer: Develop and design systems that use renewable sources like wind, solar and bioenergy to generate energy. A degree in engineering is essential for this career.

3D Printing

3D printing engineer: Optimize, oversee and design the process of manufacturing 3D-printed products. You will choose the right printing materials, create digital models and ensure high-quality production. 3D printing engineers need a strong knowledge of CAD software. While there is not a specific degree for this career, an education in electrical or mechanical engineering is beneficial.

Manufacturing technician: You will maintain and operate 3D printing equipment. Calibrate machines, prepare printing materials and monitor the process to ensure quality control and efficiency. A degree in industrial design or mechanical engineering can aid you in this career.

Space Technology

Aerospace engineer: Work to develop satellites, spacecrafts and other aerospace vehicles. You will help to work on aerodynamics, science materials and propulsion systems to ensure their efficiency and safety. Get started in this field with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering.

Astrophysicist: You will explore the physics of the universe in this career. Study things like galaxies, black holes and cosmic radiation. A bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics or astrophysics can get you started, but it is ideal to pursue a graduate degree or higher for optimal career growth.

Fintech

Fintech is the combination of finance and technology, such as blockchain, peer-to-peer lending, mobile banking and cryptocurrencies.

Data analyst: Data analysts help financial institutions make the most informed decisions by analyzing large datasets. You will identify safety risks, interpret data trends and optimize financial products via the use of machine learning algorithms and statistical tools. To get started in this field, get a bachelor’s degree in statistics or computer science. Learning computer languages is also essential.

Fintech developer: You will work to develop various software applications for payments, investment services, banking and insurance. Education in cybersecurity and programming are essential. You should also be proficient in different programming languages like Python, JavaScript and Java.

Whether you are fresh out of college or you need something new after a decade in your current field, these emerging industries offer a variety of exciting career paths. Do some self-reflection and consider what you enjoy and which of these industries interests you the most. This will allow you to narrow down the industry and decide on the job that best suits your needs so that you can work toward pursuing it.

Emerging industries are at the forefront of economic transformation and innovation. These industries reshape how people work, interact and live every day. If you are looking for a new career that has a global impact, these are the industries that you want to explore. Learn about these industries and the potential career paths within them 100 to determine which one is best for you.

Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning engineer: Work to build, deploy and design machine learning models. A degree in programming is ideal. You should also be proficient in Python and other programming languages. Strong knowledge of PyTorch, TensorFlow and other frameworks is also essential.

AI research scientist: You will focus on advancing AI’s theoretical aspects by improving machine learning models and developing new algorithms. A Ph.D. in a related field is usually necessary.

Data scientist: These scientists work to build predictive models and extract meaningful insights via analyzing large datasets. Some schools offer degrees in data science, but you can also pursue a career in this field with an education in data analysis, statistics or programming.

Biotechnology

Biomedical engineer: Develop and design prosthetics, medical devices and diagnostic equipment. There are degrees in biomedical engineering that cover the engineering principles and biological science knowledge necessary to succeed in this field.

Biotechnologist: Use biological systems and living organisms to create new technologies and products. You can work in a variety of sectors, including, agriculture, industrial processes and healthcare. A bachelor’s degree in biotechnology can get you a start in this field, but a master’s degree or higher is generally preferred.

Cybersecurity

Security engineer: As a security engineer you will implement, manage and design protocols and systems to protect the IT infrastructure of an organization. Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science is the first step. Depending on the exact job you want, you might consider pursuing certification in cybersecurity or getting a graduate degree.

Security analyst: You will monitor systems and networks for security breaches, implement security measures and investigate accidents. To get started, pursue a degree in information technology or cybersecurity.

Cryptographer: In this field, you will create protocols and algorithms that work to secure communications and data. Protect sensitive information by developing digital signatures, encryption techniques and cryptographic key management systems. A bachelor’s degree in information technology, mathematics, computer science or cybersecurity will help you get started in this field.

Virtual Reality

VR designer: As a designer, you will ensure that the user experience in various virtual environments is engaging, intuitive and immersive. You will need high proficiency in Blender, Maya and other design software. A background in computer programming is also highly beneficial.

VR developer: Build and design virtual reality applications. You will create VR environments that are interactive using a variety of programming languages. To start this career, you will need strong skills in software development, 3D modeling and computer graphics.

VR hardware engineer: Develop and design the physical elements of different virtual reality systems like controllers, headsets and motion sensors. You will ensure that VR hardware has optimal functionality, ergonomics and performance. Having a background in computer engineering, robotics or electrical engineering is often required.

Renewable Energy

Solar energy technician: You will maintain, repair and install solar panel systems for businesses, utilities and homes. Electrical knowledge is essential, so electrician training is ideal. It is also often required that you have a photovoltaic technology certification.

Wind turbine technician: These technicians work to repair and maintain wind turbines. You will troubleshoot issues, perform routine inspections and make sure that turbines are working properly. Electrician training and having a mechanical background are usually necessary.

Renewable energy engineer: Develop and design systems that use renewable sources like wind, solar and bioenergy to generate energy. A degree in engineering is essential for this career.

3D Printing

3D printing engineer: Optimize, oversee and design the process of manufacturing 3D-printed products. You will choose the right printing materials, create digital models and ensure high-quality production. 3D printing engineers need a strong knowledge of CAD software. While there is not a specific degree for this career, an education in electrical or mechanical engineering is beneficial.

Manufacturing technician: You will maintain and operate 3D printing equipment. Calibrate machines, prepare printing materials and monitor the process to ensure quality control and efficiency. A degree in industrial design or mechanical engineering can aid you in this career.

Space Technology

Aerospace engineer: Work to develop satellites, spacecrafts and other aerospace vehicles. You will help to work on aerodynamics, science materials and propulsion systems to ensure their efficiency and safety. Get started in this field with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering.

Astrophysicist: You will explore the physics of the universe in this career. Study things like galaxies, black holes and cosmic radiation. A bachelor’s degree in astronomy, physics or astrophysics can get you started, but it is ideal to pursue a graduate degree or higher for optimal career growth.

Fintech

Fintech is the combination of finance and technology, such as blockchain, peer-to-peer lending, mobile banking and cryptocurrencies.

Data analyst: Data analysts help financial institutions make the most informed decisions by analyzing large datasets. You will identify safety risks, interpret data trends and optimize financial products via the use of machine learning algorithms and statistical tools. To get started in this field, get a bachelor’s degree in statistics or computer science. Learning computer languages is also essential.

Fintech developer: You will work to develop various software applications for payments, investment services, banking and insurance. Education in cybersecurity and programming are essential. You should also be proficient in different programming languages like Python, JavaScript and Java.

Whether you are fresh out of college or you need something new after a decade in your current field, these emerging industries offer a variety of exciting career paths. Do some self-reflection and consider what you enjoy and which of these industries interests you the most. This will allow you to narrow down the industry and decide on the job that best suits your needs so that you can work toward pursuing it.