As we move to a new year, with new hopes and a new aura, let's take a peep into the world of technology and know what's waiting for us to explore! 2020 kept everyone on the toes primarily because of the recent advancements in technology - education, health care, government assistance, IT, e-commerce, transport, finance and almost all fields underwent a major change at a global level, making technology an impeccable part of one's life.
Coming this far with Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data - which are reshaping our life, growing exponentially, there's a lot more scope for students and IT job-holders to explore and seek in the world of technology in the year 2021. Take a look at some of the trending courses to watch out for, this year!
1. Blockchain
Blockchain technology, in simple terms can be defined as a decentralized, distributed ledger that records the origin of a digital asset. Government organizations which were unwilling to accept blockchain are leveraging blockchain for their activities.
If you are intrigued by Blockchain and its applications and want to make your career in this trending technology, then check out various courses that are available and get certified. To get into Blockchain, you need to have some hands-on experience of programming languages, the fundamentals of OOPS, flat and relational databases, data structures, web app development, and networking.
Find yourself placed in business development, engineering, operations, healthcare and others with a certification on blockchain.
2. Cybersecurity:
With an increase in the usage of the internet comes the necessity to safeguard the data and this need has risen astonishingly in recent times during the pandemic. A large number of people working from home, running transactions from different locations, and a remarkable spike in online shopping brought into picture some common IT security weaknesses and a need to think and develop various layers of cyber security. Organizations also face various challenges pertaining to cyber-security today, that involves security breaches, ineffective security protocols, dearth of 24/7 support, security threats faced by the employees, phishing and lack of training about security threats and scams.
B.Tech. degree programmes are of 4 years while B.Sc. in CS/ Cybersecurity has a 3 year course duration. Diploma courses, certifications are also available. A masters in Cybersecurity Operations and Leadership or Cybersecurity Engineering will yield a better place for you.
3. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
Robotic Process Automation or RPA is another marvellous technology being used to automate jobs that are repeatedly done by the people. RPA uses software to automate business processes such as interpreting applications, processing transactions, dealing with data, and even replying to emails.
RPA offers plenty of career opportunities, including developer, project manager, business analyst, solution architect and consultant. And these jobs pay well. This is definitely one technology you must keep a watch on and get certified!
4. Cognitive Science and Gamification:
Cognitive science involves study of human behaviour and gamification in AI is an add-on. These courses would lead to better user engagement and encourage them to be continuous learners. A conventional classroom experience can be converted into a competitive multiplayer gaming and learning platform.
A degree in cognitive science can prepare you for some brilliant careers in Artificial intelligence, Business management, Data analysis, Education, Government intelligence, software design and much more.
Cognitive science together with Gamification can improve HR teams’ performance and enable faster identification of the most promising and talented candidates.
5. Edge computing
Edge computing is basically computing at or near the source of the data. Here the cloud is coming closer to you, hence this technology has innumerable advantages, like decreased latency, helps in processing time-sensitive data in remote locations with connectivity issues, better data management and more. In simple terms, edge computing can work as mini data centers.
Edge computing will create a major impact in the coming years with increase in its usage as the use of IoT devices increases. Global edge computing market is meant to grow and create various jobs, primarily for software engineers.
Various online courses are designed related to edge computing which can give the students a detailed insight.
6. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning :
Artificial intelligence and Machine learning though existed in 2020 and even prior to this, is gaining momentum year after year with its applications in every field. Right from education to health care to retail to finance, everywhere AI and ML are striking at a high rate.
AI and IoT technologies are all set to bring a revolution in human lives, transforming the economy globally, creating high demand in related jobs. Several surveys show that Artificial Intelligence is growing and will continue to grow, occupying the top position in trending technology list for years to come. A career in AI and IoT is future-proof meaning the jobs are likely to survive well into the future. AI is outperforming the humans in sectors like marketing, communication, automation, finance, sales, analysis and more.
Find yourself a plethora of opportunities with a certification or masters degree in AI and ML. Research and development in AI and ML is still open and a great time to put yourself to something that is so trending.
7. Internet of Things:
As we mentioned above, IoT is one that has been under constant study and continues to grow this year too. Engineering streams like Mechanical, electronics, electrical have a direct connection to AI and IoT. Strong analytical skills, technical knowledge, soft skills with effective communication, creative thinking, problem-solving capability are few of the other requirements that would fetch you a desired career in AI and IoT. Get certified in IoT and find yourself placed as IOT architect, IOT cloud engineer, IOT developer etc.
Apart from the trending tech courses mentioned above, Automation skills, 5G - related development techniques and implementation, E-commerce related - website development, designing and maintenance, CRM tools like Salesforce and etc., - emerging technologies have opened a wide arena for learners and seekers.
As the pandemic fear fades away, look into the enormous things that have changed the world today; try to fit yourself in a comfortable seat by learning the trending technologies this year and plan a career you’d been dreaming about!
