As we move into this post-covid, hyper-technology driven society, the demand for specifically skilled workers will only continue to grow. With the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing complexity of our global economy, certain occupations will become increasingly understaffed in the years to come. This is a space and opportunity for those looking to shift career goals, industries or a new type of work altogether.
First, keep in mind not every career shift or change requires a 4-year degree or a two-year graduate program. We have really moved into a direction of certifications and bootcamp courses that give the core skills you need to progress into something different, while also bringing your power skills of communications, leading teams, finance skills, collaboration, persuasion, and more into a completely new role. Power skills never play out!
Another point to make, many of the understaffed roles that are coming are IT based. Now I know, you may be rolling your eyes or clicking X to close this article out, but here me out! A quick Google search shows transitioning to a tech role, is not as impossible as it sounds no matter what line of work you're in now. Even as simple as 5 steps to help get you started is accessible to anyone.
So here is a quick overview of the top 5 understaffed careers in 2023:
1. Data Scientist: With the large amounts of data being collected by companies and governments (I see you Tik Tok!) the need for data scientists is expected to increase significantly over the next few years. Data scientists are responsible for analyzing, interpreting, and manipulating data to help businesses make better decisions.
2. Cybersecurity Specialist: As technology advances and more and more data is stored online, the need for cybersecurity specialists will continue to be a top need at just about any company you can think of. Cybersecurity specialists are responsible for keeping networks and systems secure from malicious hackers and malicious software. And those malicious actors are getting more and more sophisticated very quickly, every day. The best offense is a good defense, hence a true need today for cyber specialists.
3. Software Engineer: With the demand for software increasing, software engineers are already in high demand. Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications and systems. Think everything from designing video games to the next popular global app that causes us concern for where our faces are going and into whose database: looking at you Lensa!
4. Artificial Intelligence Engineer: Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly used in many different industries and the demand for AI engineers is expected to skyrocket in the coming years. AI engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing AI systems. I just wrote an article about how OpenAI Chatbox wrote my article!
5. Blockchain Developer: Blockchain technology is quickly becoming the backbone of the digital economy and the demand for blockchain developers is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. If you have no idea what blockchain is (like I didn't last year!), start here! Blockchain developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining distributed ledger systems.
Do you see the theme in a lot of these jobs:
design
develop
analyze
maintain
assess
interpret
I call this out because I'm willing to bet you do much of this in your current role today! So think about how you can take your best skills, power skills included, and apply it to a new role?
These are the top 5 understaffed careers in 2023, and it is likely that they will only become more in demand as technology and the global economy continue to advance. You may be thinking - Ayanna is completely pro STEM careers! A little bit, yes. But more so, I
hope this has given you food for thought for yourself or someone else who may be looking for a career they love int 2023!
