What are the Emerging Tech Roles in 2022?

The IT industry is so prominent these days that even people with little interest in technology have some familiarity with the most common roles. They might follow a TV drama about start-ups in Silicon Valley, for example, or have seen cybersecurity experts talk about hacking on cable news.

But the tech field never stops evolving and some of the newer IT roles are less well known. How many people can describe the responsibilities of an Internet of Things specialist or a blockchain developer? Not many — but these exciting roles are growing in importance, and if you’re considering a career (or career change) in tech, it makes sense to have a closer look at these.

Why you should consider an emerging tech role

So, what are the advantages of pursuing a niche but up-and-coming technology career? Here are five reasons why specialisation makes sense

Less competition for open positions — Even in this candidate-friendly hiring market, finding your dream job can be tough. By focusing your skills development within a narrow specialisation, you’ll find it easier to stand out from the crowd.
Employers are more likely to hire for potential — In a relatively mature field like web development or cloud maintenance, hiring managers place a premium on experience and qualifications. In a new or niche industry, on the other hand, they’re more likely to favour candidates with raw talent and the determination to learn on the job.
Easier to advance quickly — In a niche or emerging industry, you can quickly become an expert in that field and the go-to person in your organisation for any enquiries relating to it. That makes you hard to replace. To encourage you to stick around, your employer may offer you tempting financial incentives and a fast track to promotion.
Excellent job satisfaction — Professionals in niche industries often feel a strong connection with their work. It can be highly motivating to work in an emerging field, where even small contributions can make a significant impact.
Networking opportunities — Networking is a critical skill for ambitious tech professionals, but if you’re working in a popular field, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of potential contacts. In a role like crypto research analyst, by contrast, you’ll be part of a less populous but highly engaged community of like-minded enthusiasts, many of whom will be eager to offer you help and support.

4 emerging tech roles in 2022

Intrigued by artificial intelligence? Want to make smartwatches even smarter? Convinced crypto is the future of finance? Here are four emerging tech roles that will allow you to pursue those and other passions.

AI/Machine learning engineer

Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are about much more than robots and chess supercomputers. As a machine learning engineer, you’ll create programs and algorithms that enable systems to take actions without receiving directions from an operator. It’s an emerging tech field with an ever-growing impact on people’s lives, powering everything from speech recognition software to customised newsfeeds to anti-spam filters.

Demand for AI and machine learning engineers is widespread and growing. This technology is being applied in sectors as diverse as banking, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and translation. An entry-level role might involve designing and deploying a chatbot for an online shopping platform, while specialists with more experience could find themselves working on self-driving cars, AI-powered medical diagnosis software or fraud protection systems.

Top skills and qualifications for AI/machine learning engineers:

A master’s degree in a relevant discipline
Deep understanding of maths, statistics, probability and algorithms
Fluency in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript or the C-family
Teamwork and communication skills — most machine learning specialists work as part of a larger team

Internet of Things specialist

These days, computers and smartphones represent only a fraction of the devices connected to the internet. Physical objects like thermostats, lighting appliances, printers, watches and heart monitors, to name just a few, can also have online functionality. These devices, along with the dashboards, networks and databases needed to power them, make up a vast ecosystem called the Internet of Things (IoT).

Put simply, the job of an IoT specialist is to develop and maintain sensors and software that enable these devices to connect quickly and seamlessly with other systems. Specific IoT specialist tasks vary from industry to industry, but may include:

Analysing user needs and creating appropriate IoT solutions in response
Designing and deploying software and infrastructure solutions for specific IoT applications
Using advanced tools to monitor and troubleshoot IoT solutions

With billions of active devices playing key roles in healthcare, transportation, manufacturing and leisure, demand for IoT specialists will only increase over the next decade.

Top skills and qualifications for Internet of Things specialists:

A deep understanding of sensors and wireless communication systems
Familiarity with programming languages like Python and JavaScript
Knowledge of mobile operating systems
Highly developed critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

Blockchain developer

Blockchain developer is one of the most in-demand technology roles right now. Companies in industries such as financial services, healthcare and cryptocurrency need these professionals to create systems that record and store blockchain data to enable secure digital transactions. Many large corporations now have specialised blockchain divisions, and talented blockchain developers can expect to receive multiple job offers and a generous salary.

The typical duties of a blockchain developer include writing and testing code for applications that interact with the blockchain. Many employers also expect developers to engage with the global blockchain community and to evaluate new tools and technologies as they emerge.

Top skills and qualifications for blockchain developers:

Proficiency in at least one high-level programming language
Deep knowledge of algorithms and data structures
Familiarity with cryptography
Understanding of smart contracts

Crypto research analyst

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum use encryption and blockchain technology to record transactions via a decentralised system.

As more and more cryptocurrencies and related technologies emerge, financial institutions are increasingly challenged to keep track of them all. Enter the crypto research analyst. These professionals analyse trends and prices for different cryptocurrencies so that their clients can make smart investment decisions. Working in a fast-paced environment, crypto research analysts are expected to provide reports on crypto assets in a structured format and to review reports created by their colleagues.

Unlike many other emerging tech roles, crypto research analysts don’t need a wide array of technical skills to succeed. What you must have are a passion for the crypto industry and a willingness to engage with the many forums and platforms that make up the crypto community.