Top 10 Trending Careers of 2018
If the thought of going to work in the morning fills you with despair, it probably means that you’re not feeling fulfilled in your role. However, if you’re not happy now, it’s unlikely that doing something similar is going to bring you much joy. Not many people want to do the exact same thing, in a different office. So what are your options? It’s worth looking at jobs where people are well paid and there are a considerable number of job openings (because who cares if a career sounds amazing, but you can never get it?).
Fancy a career change? It may be possible that you’ll feel more fulfilled in a different position.
To help you out, I’ve listed the top 10 trending careers of 2018 here:
(Sorry if you’re a Systems Architect and you hate your job)
1. Systems Architect
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A Systems Architect is an IT professional who is typically responsible for the overall design of an organisation’s technology system. They develop and implement computer systems and networks for an organisation. With a wide range of responsibilities and a salary that is above the national medium, this is a career not to be missed.
The Need For System Architects
Any company that relies on it’s own computer network will need the services of someone who can ensure the infrastructure is properly designed. Some of the top companies that hire System Architects include IBM, HP, Intel, Amazon, Dell, Oracle, Cisco, Apple and many more.
Skill-set Required
As a Systems Architect, you will devise, configure, operate, and maintain networking and computer systems. You will be able to design the technical infrastructure such as hardware (computers), software (programs), web portals, internet and intranet connections, firewalls, servers and systems security.
Related Certifications
Many System Architects start their careers with a solid foundation of professional IT knowledge. ITonlinelearning offers a course bundle which is considered to be the perfect starting point for those who are new to IT and in the future would like to pursue a career as a Systems Architect.
Salary Progression
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- Entry: £50,581
- Mid: £60,000
- Experienced: £89,375
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Demand
Permanent jobs requiring a Systems Architect: 210 (Source: ITJobsWatch
2. Cloud Architect
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A Cloud Architect is someone who is responsible for overseeing a company’s Cloud computing strategy. If you would like to head into the realm of data security, consider yourself to be a problem solver and have an interest in virtual business, this could be the career for you.
The Need For Cloud Architects
Most companies operate within the Cloud today, which means Cloud Architects are in high demand. As Cloud is now central to many business operations, Cloud Architects are being sourced to manage these systems.
Skill-set Required
You will need knowledge and experience implementing Cloud technologies and IT infrastructure.
Related Certifications
Due to the fact that this is an emerging career, there is no set career path, if you already have previous IT knowledge. However, an entry-level course to consider for this career is the CompTIA Cloud+ online course.
Salary Progression
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- Entry: £62,500
- Mid: £80,000
- Experienced: £107,500
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Demand
Permanent jobs requiring a Cloud Architect: 1,113 (Source: ITJobsWatch)
3. Product Manager
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Product Managers work with the people who make a product, use the product and business managers. They ensure the product is meeting people’s needs. This role can merge into areas such as marketing, project management, business and more.
The Need For Product Managers
As budget is factored more and more into development, there is more focus on reducing waste and unnecessary spend. Product Managers make sure the product is being made as efficiently as possible, while meeting user needs and ensuring return on investment.
Skill-Set Required
Product Managers are often knowledgeable about their product and the industry they’re in. Apart from that, depending on their employer and industry, they will be need to be skilled in project management, communication and product development.
Related Certifications
There are many different ways to enter this field via certification. If you’re considering this job in the space of technology, we would consider completing an Agile online course.
Salary Progression
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- Entry: £36,250
- Mid: £60,000
- Experienced: £93,750
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Demand
Permanent jobs requiring a Product Manager: 1,241 (Source: ITJobsWatch)
4. DevOps Engineer
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IT has been acknowledged as the enabler for business, which means the DevOps engineer has an increasingly important role. DevOps is the fusion of IT development and operation teams. Therefore, a DevOps Engineer is a hybrid who is able to use their experience and knowledge of both fields.
The Need For DevOps
There is a need for DevOps Engineers because, traditionally, development and operations have always collaborated. Therefore, to increase productivity and revenue, organisations have one group of people who will share the responsibility of creating, deploying, and generating revenue from customer-facing software.
Skill-set Required
Often DevOps Engineers require a fair amount of experience as it is the fusion of two departments that contribute to this role. However, there is an agreed-upon set of skills and tools that form the foundation of this career path, such as security skills, scripting skills, infrastructure knowledge and more.
Related Certifications
There are various certifications available to DevOps Engineers, however we suggest starting with CompTIA Linux+.
Salary Progression (Daily Rate)
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- Entry: £413
- Mid: £538
- Experienced: £675
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Demand
Permanent jobs requiring a DevOps Engineer: 3,954 (Source: ITJobsWatch)
5. Full Stack Developer
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A Full Stack Developer is a specialist who works equally well in back-end and front-end development. To further simplify, front-end development is what we see and engage with digitally on a site, while back-end is what makes all that actually work. If you’re an IT professional looking to explore web development, or a Developer looking to tap into your IT expertise, this could be the career for you.
The Need For Full Stack Developers
As new businesses emerge, companies are realizing that hiring Developers with expertise in only one language just isn’t going to cut it any more. There are far too many Developers that are able to build websites without having a good grasp of how things work behind the scenes.
Skill-set Required
You will need to be skilled in front-end languages (HTML, CSS and JavaScript) and back-end languages (like Java or Python). You’ll also need database knowledge and strong communication skills.
Related Certifications
ITonlinelearning offers one of the most comprehensive Programming Libraries which covers a range of programming and development languages including C++, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Java, Python, Ruby on Rails and more.
Salary Progression
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- Entry: £32,500 P/A
- Mid: £50,000 P/A
- Experienced: £76,250 P/A
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Demand
Permanent jobs requiring a Full Stack Developer: 3,000 (Source: ITjobswatch)
6. AI Architect
Are you worried you might be replaced by a robot? Why not head into a career where you get to be part of a team of people who will implement AI technology.
The Need For AI Architects
Organisations need people who can ensure customers have the best AI experience. They need people who understand customer needs and then are able to implement this understanding into a suitable product or service
Skill-set Required
An AI Architect provides technical solutions to meet business requirements. For this role, you’ll need to have good communication skills, an understanding of machine-learning and the relevant certifications. You may need to have some experience in software development, data analysis, Cloud services and more.
Salary Progression
The average salary for an AI Architect in the UK is £75,000.
7. Blockchain Architect
The buzz surrounding blockchain means that there’s been a massive spike in job openings around the globe. The two most common career paths involve heading into either the world of cryptocurrency start-ups, or the lucrative world of FinTech.
The Need For Blockchain Architects
With the cryptocurrency boom in full-swing, there is a dire need for subject matter experts. We are in a new era of transformation, where data and processing will be distributed easily, with a positive impact on businesses. As data and security become more important, so the concept of blockchain will rise in importance, and the associated careers too.
Skill-set Required
As this is a specialist role, you will be required to have in-depth knowledge in areas such as encryption, cryptography, ledger technologies, cryptocurrencies, server-side technologies such as Python and C++, Cloud services and more. You may also need to have experience working in an Agile project management environment.
Salary progression
The UK median annual salary for Blockchain Architects is a whopping £125,000 p/a! (Source: ITJobsWatch)
8. Data Scientist
A Data Scientist is someone who analyses and interprets complex digital data, such as the statistics of a website, in order to guide the business in decision making. They’re usually pretty good with maths, computers and spotting trends.
The Need For Data Scientists
Organisations are placing more and more importance on big data, which means this role is increasing in popularity. Data is a virtual gold mine that can be interpreted into high-tech ideas, which could result in a significant amount of return on investment.
Skill-set Required
As a Data Scientist, you will be skilled in data visualization, machine learning, deep learning, pattern recognition, data preparation and more. You’ll have an understanding of coding languages, reporting technologies and databases such as MySQL.
Related Certifications
The courses that one could study in order to become a Data Scientist vary. However, most Data Scientists have a background in maths, engineering, computer science or programming.
Salary Progression
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- Entry: £37,500
- Mid: £62,500
- Experienced: £97,500
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Demand
Permanent jobs requiring a Data Scientist: 1,057 (Source: ITJobsWatch). This is over 200 more then 2 years prior!
9. Cyber Security Analyst
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Cyber Security Analysts prevent, detect and manage cyber threats.
The Need For Cyber Security Analysts
As data becomes more important and the number of cybersecurity hacks increase, so the need for Cyber Security Analysts increases. The number of job openings in the field of IT security has increased by 32%, making this an excellent career choice with endless possibilities.
Skill-set Required
A Cyber Security Analyst is good at problem solving, is technically minded and has strong IT skills. They often have a background in computer science, mathematics and cyber security.
Related Certifications
As ITonlinelearning is a CompTIA Learning Partner, we’re able to offer one of the best cyber security certifications on the market. CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) teaches security professionals to configure and use threat detection tools, perform data analysis and interpret the results in order to identify vulnerabilities, threats and risks to your organisation’s computer systems.
Salary Progression
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- Entry: £33,750
- Mid: £52,500
- Experienced: £71,000
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Demand
Permanent jobs requiring a Cybersecurity Analyst: 227 (Source: ITJobsWatch)
10. UX Designer
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A UX Designer is the person who is in charge of enhancing user satisfaction. They do this by improving usability and accessibility, with regards to product interaction. They consider the why, what, and how of product use.
The Need For UX Designers
Not that long ago, the title “UX Designer” did not exist. However as businesses place more emphasis on customer experience and loyalty, so the need for UX Designers came about.
Skill-set Required
UX Designers are able to create wireframes using various tools and are invested in user testing. They are also able to create and use personas using research while also equally apt at creating scenarios and storyboards.
Related Certifications
As there is no direct path to becoming a UX Designer, many hail from different areas. Many UX designers come from a web design or marketing background. ITonlinelearning offers an online web design course which is the perfect start for anyone considering this career.
Salary Progression
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- Entry: £31,250
- Mid: £47,500
- Experienced: £70,000
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Demand
Permanent jobs requiring a UX Designer: 942 (Source: ITJobsWatch)
Summary
Every organisation has different needs and so, job roles will differ. However, if you’re considering a career change, you can’t go wrong with these top 10 careers! If you require more information regarding careers with ITonlinelearning, you can chat to one of our Course and Career Advisors (FREE) on 0800 160 1161 or +44 (0)1795 436 969. Alternatively, for more career insights, check out our Careers Page.