The top trending "future-proof" jobs

A new survey by Salary.de has identified the top trending jobs for 2021. These jobs are not simply the most prevalent jobs, but jobs that can be considered “future-proof”, since coronavirus is forcing people to rethink how they live and work.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought, among plenty of other things, widespread uncertainty in terms of work. People have had to start working from home and, since certain jobs simply cannot be undertaken right now, people have been forced to look to new industries to find a way to maintain their incomes. So, with this in mind, the experts at Salary.de have identified the top trending jobs for 2021.

Cloud architect

Since we have seen a major shift towards home working over the past year, both people and businesses have had to ensure their work can be accessed remotely. This is usually done through the use of cloud technology. Cloud architects work with cloud servers, taking care of server administration and ensuring they run smoothly.

A recent survey revealed that 97 percent of companies use more than one cloud provider, meaning that there is an increasing market for people who can work with cloud technology. Cloud architects can expect to earn around 50.500 euros a year.

Registered Nurses and Medical Professionals

One important question to ask yourself when planning for a future-proof career is what services people are always going to need. Medical professionals are definitely at the top of the list. People will always need medical care and, while the technology we use to deliver some of that care is changing, the necessity for nurses, doctors, and medical professionals will always be there.

Depending on your field and which medical profession you want to pursue, there are a number of options for students. For those who value interacting with patients and want to become registered nurses (RNs), you’re going to need either an associate degree in nursing, a Bachelor of Science in nursing, or another accredited diploma from a nursing program. If you’re interested in becoming a practicing physician you’ll need a medical degree in your chosen field on top of your four-year degree.

Even better, students interested in working in a medical profession may be eligible for student loan forgiveness. It’s part of the FELS (Forgivable Education Loans for Service) Program where students can have some or all of their student loans forgiven as part of working in eligible professions within North Carolina. Examples of FELS eligible professions and programs include a wide range of nursing, allied health, and medical programs. Be sure to check carefully and see if your program is eligible for student loan forgiveness.

Data Analysts

If there’s one field that has positively exploded in the last decade, it’s the field of data analytics. Big data is more than a buzzword, it’s a growing field with lucrative opportunities for college graduates. As a matter of fact, the projections for careers in the fields of computer and information research scientists (which also includes data analysts) are among the strongest out there.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth rate for jobs in the field is 16 percent. This is more than three times the average national growth rate for jobs, which is five percent. Couple this with a 2018 median industry pay of more than $118,000 and you’re looking at an opportunity to make some serious money. Of course, it’s also recommended that you have a master’s degree in computer science or another related field if you want to break into the industry.

Data science is also a promising field for people looking to break down walls and shatter glass ceilings in a traditionally male-dominated industry. An article from Forbes detailed that only 26 percent of the jobs in data science in the U.S are held by women. Thankfully, there are terrific programs out there looking to change these numbers. Girls Who Code is one such program designed to offer clubs and immersion programs for girls from third grade through college. The program teaches girls all about the exciting world of computer science and how they can break into this dynamic field themselves.

Software Developers

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or in a cave without wi-fi) for the last 20 years, you already know how large a role software plays in our everyday lives. Whether it’s your favorite social media platform or that new app you can’t get enough of, you have a software developer to thank for that.

It’s hard to understate just how important software developers are to the modern world. Practically everything you see on your phone or computer was built by a software developer. From the utility apps that let you type reports, to programs that help you schedule and track, down to your favorite video game, they’re all thanks to the hard work of software developers. And developers do much more than build the programs themselves, they’re also responsible for the updates and fixes that keep your favorite applications running smoothly. It’s no wonder developers are in such high demand!

Software developers are also one of the hottest occupations on the market right now. U.S. News and World Report ranked it as their top job overall in their list of the 100 best jobs for 2020 as well as number one in both STEM and technology fields.

If this is a career you’re interested in, you’re going to at least need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, and many companies will look favorably on an advanced degree. You may also want to consider programs like the previously mentioned Girls Who Code to help you develop a foundation for computer science before you get to college.

Cybersecurity Experts

Just as the world increasingly becomes even more digital, the need for cybersecurity has grown too. Data breaches are a huge deal and expose the private information of both customers and companies. According to IBM, the average total cost of a data breach is $3.92 million. With so much on the line, it’s no surprise that companies are willing to pay handsomely for someone to protect their data.

Median salaries for cybersecurity experts can start at $80,000 for IT Security Consultants and can reach six figures for other positions such as a security director. The best way to start your path in cybersecurity is with, you guessed it, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or another related field.

1. Reference Link Used::
2. Starting a career in the digital economy (computerweekly.com)
3. The top trending "future-proof" jobs in Germany for 2021 (iamexpat.de)
4. Future Proof Your Career with these Top 10 Trending Skills (talivest.com)
5. 10 Best Careers for the Future: Highest Paying & in Demand (cfnc.org)