These are troubling times we are living in. Unemployment has skyrocketed and traditionally stable jobs seem to have crumbled. That being said, it isn’t all bad. Some job markets have actually thrived during the pandemic. In fact, the onset of the coronavirus simply accelerated an already ongoing change.

The Internet has been slowly morphing the workforce into something new for years. With the prevalence of work-from-home orders and layoffs, scores of people have begun looking at technology and Internet-based careers. 

It should go without saying that these are the jobs of the future and the ones that will survive the pandemic. Obtaining the expertise that employers look for is one way to guarantee a solid career in the post-coronavirus world.

Cybersecurity

Data found on websites, both personal and impersonal, can be extremely valuable; naturally, some want to steal it. Fortunately, there are professionals that specialize in protecting our data and the servers of companies by using programming and ethical hacking. If this interests you, consider a cybersecurity career. 

Cybersecurity experts monitor, detect and analyze threats to the cyberspace of their company. Working closely with the IT team, a cybersecurity worker may design systems and firewalls to keep unwanted eyes out of servers. 

The field shows promising growth as the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 32 percent increase over the next decade. Not only is cybersecurity growing, but the average salary according to Glassdoor can range from $100,000 to $160,000. 

Programming and cloud security skills can be difficult to build on your own. Fortunately, top-rated programs such as Flatiron School work to give you those skills through rigorous curriculum and instruction from seasoned professionals. Becoming a top cybersecurity engineer can be just a few steps away.

Data Scientist 

Did you know that, back in 2018, a study found that the amount of data created, captured or replicated in the world had reached 18 zettabytes? To put this into perspective, one zettabyte is a trillion gigabytes. The future is clearly data and if sorting through that data to discover new ways of utilizing it for growth sounds appealing, consider becoming a Data Scientist.

Data scientists’ responsibilities run the gamut of sorting through customer leads to examining insights on new products or services via machine learning. With a handsome salary of $110,000-$180,000, according to Glassdoor, it’s no wonder experts estimate that 11.5 million new jobs will be created within the next decade.

To become a data scientist, you need a mix of soft skills along with hard skills. Springboard is a fantastic online learning option for anyone looking to get experience with machine learning and data analytics. Self-paced courses ensure that students have the time to develop the skills to land a high-paying job when they graduate.

Web Designer

For those with a creative eye and a knack for aesthetics, becoming a Web Designer may be an ideal path. Also known as UX/UI design, professionals in this field use visual design and market testing to turn ideas into beautifully flowing websites.

According to Internet tracking statistics, the number of active websites now surpasses 1.7 billion. Back in 2010, there weren’t even 500 million. As the number of sites grows, the demand for web designers exponentially increases. With the average starting salary for a web designer being as high as $90,000, the field has high earning potential.

Having creativity and an understanding of aesthetics is half the battle, but skills such as user research and analytics can be hard to develop. Thinkful can help. With financing agreements, self-paced programs, and lessons from industry professionals, Thinkful can teach anyone the basics they need to dive into this field.

Conclusion

The fast changes in the job market brought about by the pandemic don’t have to take you by surprise. Future jobs will require an entirely new skillset. Getting ahead of that curve and obtaining the necessary skills to break into tech-based jobs can set you up for a lucrative career. Not every job market will survive the long-term effects of the coronavirus, but those that are stable now will see high-growth in the coming years. Use these turbulent times to build an extensive portfolio of skills that can land you any tech job you set your mind to.