fbpx

5 In-demand jobs that didn't exist 10 years ago

The common denominator over the past ten years is the ubiquitous presence of new technology. Every year marked the beginning for new advancements and opportunities in technology, for developers and users alike. While the surge in technology rendered certain jobs redundant, it also created countless new professional avenues, that neatly fit into the frenzied and tech-dependent rhythm of today. 
 
Here are 5 such lucrative and innovative jobs, that would have been astoundingly inconceivable ten years ago. 
 
1. Podcast Host 
With the ubiquity of smartphones, time spent in transit and online music services, overlapping with the preference of audio learning, which also enables multi-tasking, podcasting has gained a boost in recent years. Even though podcasts have been around since the early 2000s, it gained momentum only a few years ago. Since then, podcasting hasn’t just become a trendy hobby—some have turned it into their careers, with well-known hosts making a killing by reading ads during their episodes. This definitely falls under the creative industry and could be an attractive prospect for those interested in journalism, marketing, advertising, media or film. 
 
2. Social Media Influencer 
Although some of us may not think of this as a career, some successful ‘influencers’ have managed to make it to the top in no time! With the right channels and connections, this job has unlimited perks, and thus, should not be ignored. As you know, social media has evolved way beyond merely keeping tabs on friends and family. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter didn’t even exist a decade ago, they are now a primary source of income for many people and even corporates. Influencers, known for their trendy posts and large mass of followers, can earn thousands of dollars by promoting destinations, clothing, or products on their social media accounts. In fact, this job trend has created so much buzz, that even marketing and management degrees and courses, include it in their syllabus as a successful marketing strategy. 
 
3. App developer 
It might be hard to imagine life without your transport or health and fitness apps, but ten years ago this was the norm. The app store only launched in July 2008, which means that app developer jobs before that time were extremely scarce. When Apple launched the App Store, it contained 500 different apps which many people found overwhelming. But now, we have an app for everything and anything, including something as simple as an app to remind us to drink water! In order to ensure the smooth operation of the apps, we can’t seem to live without; app developers are key. Most often such job roles expect a background in computer science, preferably at the master’s level. Nevertheless, with the constant demand for apps from individual users, corporates and even the extremely productive gaming industry, this is a job that will only keep thriving.
 
4. Social Media Manager 
The recent growth of social media and search engines has disrupted traditional means of marketing, leading many businesses to turn to digital marketing specialists for advice on how to reach customers on the web. Thus, those with creative flair and understanding of how engaging multimedia content can be used in marketing have the opportunity to become Social Media Managers. With the internet attracting 4.2 billion users and sharing 3.4 billion social profiles, the need to garner consumers' attention has become the highest priority for many businesses.
 
5. Genetic Counsellors 
An intense job with the ability to predict hereditary diseases and conditions, and thereby saving lives! Genetic counsellors are a fairly new addition to the healthcare field. They examine an individual’s personal history to assess the potential for genetic disorders or congenital disabilities in future children. They also evaluate the development of genetic diseases in adults. As healthcare becomes more preventative, this career will likely continue to develop over the coming years. As you can tell, to get into this field, you need to have a passion for the medical sciences. Thus, a bachelor’s in a related field such as biology and a master’s degree specializing in genetic counselling is a must to become a professional. 
 
As the pace of innovation keeps increasing, new and awesome job opportunities will keep rising too. More and more jobs are likely to become outdated in the next few years, and we’ll possibly have even to knock out a few on this list. But fear not! Newer and better opportunities always await you.