In today’s evolving professional landscape, adapting to emerging technologies is crucial. Professionals must continually upskill in areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, low-code/no-code, and cloud computing to stay competitive and excel in their careers.
Leveraging new and emerging technologies offers benefits to both professionals and businesses. For professionals, these technologies help innovate and ideate solutions that allow them to stay ahead of the competition. Companies can leverage emerging technologies to optimize business processes, enhance productivity, automate, and offer better products and services.
ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer) is not the first large language model (LLM) based chatbot. Its USP is that it offers human-like responses and continues to learn and evolve. Moreover, an increasing number of people are now adapting to machine learning and artificial intelligence. Businesses use analytics, insights, sentiment analysis, and other trends to better understand areas needing improvement. Automation has helped remove manual intervention, but what does this mean for you? To stay relevant and competitive, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve, and we have you covered. Read on as we discuss 10 emerging technologies you must learn to remain competitive.
1. Cloud Computing
Cloud services providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, Alibaba, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) provide on-demand computer hardware, software, storage, databases, and a lot more. Businesses can acquire services from any cloud provider based on technological requirements and request more resources when required.
Cloud computing is still an emerging technology. Professionals who can design, develop, maintain, and secure these platforms are highly in demand. Key roles include cloud administrators, system administrators, and solutions engineers. To qualify for any of these roles, you can join a bootcamp for cloud computing and kick start your career.
Cloud computing has helped businesses save costs that pertain to:
- In-house computer hardware
- Software infrastructures
- Tech personnel required to manage and maintain it
- Issues with technology planning
Extended Reality
Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). XR experiences range from physical to virtual environments with variations in interaction and immersion. The technology is helping businesses and individuals engage global employees and audiences. XR achieves this by merging physical and virtual worlds, creating a mixed-reality user experience.
2. Virtual Technology
Virtual reality is a completely immersive digital experience that removes users from the physical world. Users in a computer-generated virtual environment can interact using digital personas and characters called avatars (remember the metaverse?).
3. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality enables interaction with virtual objects while staying in the physical world. Cameras and sensors bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds. These devices detect physical objects and surroundings and then project digital content onto them. Mobile phones, smart glasses, and similar devices can be used to experience AR experience.
4. Mixed Reality
Mixed reality (MR) is a combination of AR and VR. Users are aware of their surroundings while interacting with virtual objects or projections. MR allows interaction and manipulation of these virtual objects as if they were real.
XR has medical, engineering, gaming, business analytics applications, and more. The technology enables near-to-life simulations, data visualizations, and improved learning experiences and outcomes.
5. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have created a lot of buzz in recent years. AI has helped increase productivity levels across many industries, from personal assistants to AI-based virtual assistants, better image recognition and generation, and more. AI is assisting businesses in increasing their potential with better insights, analytics, and a lot more.
Machine learning, a subset of AI, is helping professionals in various industries. For example, in medical sciences, machine learning-based algorithms are assisting doctors to make accurate and timely diagnoses. These algorithms also help doctors devise personalized patient treatment plans based on their geography, gender, age, and more.
6. Robotic Process Automation
Robotic process automation (RPA) automates repetitive and rule-based tasks within any business process. RPA can interact with different software to perform required tasks and enhance functionality using code snippets. This helps humans focus on higher-priority tasks such as business continuation and expansion, while RPA takes care of monotonous tasks with increased productivity and efficiency.
7. Low-Code
Low-code platforms offer a visual interface that allows users to drag and drop required options or modules. These platforms have built-in component libraries, templates, and modules that can be utilized to build required applications.
Low-code platforms such as Microsoft Power Apps, Appian, and Salesforce Lightning platforms offer the creation of custom applications and allow functionality enhancements. It is easier for users to ideate, design, deploy, and manage applications in low-code environments.
8. No-Code
No-code platforms provide a visual interface and drag-and-drop functionality to create software applications. Users with no coding knowledge or experience can utilize these interfaces and transform their ideas into applications. Bubble, WordPress, and AppSheet are some of the most popular no-code platforms.
9. Internet of Things
Internet of Things (IoT) allows different smart devices to communicate using Bluetooth, cellular, or Wi-Fi networks. Sensors and cameras are utilized to meet the user’s pre-set criteria. For example, a house’s temperature, humidity, and lighting can be pre-adjusted before occupants reach home. These can be automated based on different parameters, such as time or a specific event.
10. Artificial Intelligence of Things
Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) combines artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT). A blend of AI with IoT provides decision-making power to interconnected devices. These decisions are based on pre-set rules and criteria. For example, power regulation can be automated based on generation and demand in the energy sector. Specific sectors can be prioritized, and instant decisions can be made without human intervention.
Conclusion
Emerging technologies offer substantial potential for career growth, but weighing your interests, career aspirations, and passions is vital when selecting the right fit. Although transitioning careers can be challenging, the long-term benefits are significant. You’ll continuously learn and upskill, ensuring your competitiveness and relevance in your current role. Additionally, this transition empowers you to contribute meaningfully to your organization’s goals and future direction.
