Nobody who lives in the here and now can deny that technology is an integral part of everyone’s lives. Technology has advanced rapidly in recent years and is only just starting to really pick up speed. It makes sense that new trends are going to pop up in the near future. IT professionals are becoming increasingly flexible in their careers and skill sets, and staying on top of trends is essential to staying relevant. Here are just a few of the tech trends you can expect to see in 2021.
1. Quantum Computing
One of the coolest and least understood forms of computing, quantum computing is set to become increasingly relevant in 2021 and beyond, like the CPU wafer. A big reason you’ve probably heard of quantum computing this year is that it has played a big role in fighting the coronavirus, as well as developing vaccines. Quantum computing uses concepts like quantum entanglement to quickly harvest, manage, and interpret data. It’s also used in fraud detection, finance, and credit risk management.
Quantum computers are exponentially faster than regular computers, and top brands in tech are jumping on the trend. Anyone hoping to have a career in quantum computing won’t just have to be a tech wizard. You’ll also have to learn linear algebra, quantum mechanics, and many other complex and difficult fields in mathematics. Not everyone is cut out for this kind of work, but those who do succeed with quantum computing are sure to have an interesting and lucrative career.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) already plays a big part in the daily lives of many people. You might use AI when you navigate to a new place, use voice recognition software, or chat with a chatbot on a website. Beyond daily use for the average person, AI has become enormously helpful in developing communication and data sharing for hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, and businesses all over the world.
AI makes it possible for businesses to provide targeted services and marketing for customers, so you can imagine how lucrative a career in AI development can be. As a sub-category of AI, machine learning has also become increasingly relevant in 2021. It has become one of the top subjects to study as a computer science major and offers a diverse array of fascinating and thriving careers.
3. Edge Computing
Once upon a time, cloud computing was the new, up-and-coming form of technology. Cloud computing is guaranteed to continue being popular but has been replaced by edge computing as the new tech trend. Because businesses are now handling more and more data, cloud computing no longer has the capacity to handle business needs.
Edge computing solves this problem by providing a data center where the data can live and be processed. Like quantum computing, this new tech promises to keep growing and providing a diverse array of careers, so it’s definitely one to watch if you’re interested in tech jobs.
4. Virtual and Augmented Reality
Your exposure to the world of virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) might be limited to those goofy-looking headsets that allow you to roam virtual terrains or fight a virtual opponent. But VR and AR are shaping up to become more than a fun trend to try out at Christmas. These trends will absolutely be used for entertainment, but beyond that, they’ll be used to provide better training in various industries, enhance education, and could even be used for physical therapy or rehab after an injury.
Situations that would otherwise require real-life experiences, such as surgical practice or operating heavy machinery, could be adequately replaced with training through virtual and augmented reality systems. Plus, getting involved in the VR industry doesn’t require a whole lot of specialized knowledge. You can easily learn what you need by having a lot of creativity and some basic programming experience.
5. RPA
RPA (Robotic Process Automation) is one of the tech trends that has become somewhat controversial. Because it has the potential to take over many jobs that are currently being done by humans, not everyone is convinced that this advancement is what is best for the future. RPA automates the repetitive tasks that most people would label as busywork – handling and processing data, answering customer service emails, etc.
But RPA is also going to create jobs at the same time as it takes over a lot of work. It’s more likely that some jobs will be slightly altered, not totally eliminated, while new careers will become available. Jobs in RPA development and analysis promise to be high-paying and rewarding, so it’s definitely a trend to watch.
If you’ve been thinking about a career in technology, now is the time to research the skills you’ll need for the specialty you want to work in. Tech is only going to become more lucrative and relevant, so get in while you can.
