Jobhop Jobhop's blog : IOT Jobs For Internet of Things Day

Internet of Things day is an open invitation to the Internet of Things community to participate in an event, host a hackathon, or just share a coffee/beer with a fellow collaborator or friend focused around the IoT and its implications.

The dawn of the Internet of Things (IoT) era is already upon us, however for many people there's a chance that the future impact of the IoT is still unclear.

From fridges that tell you to pick up a pint of milk on the way home, to the office printer ordering new paper as it's running low, the Internet of Things is rapidly changing the way we live and how we do business. But many new job opportunities are opening because of it.

The Internet of Things has the power to change our world. While we're starting to see its incredible impact, we're still just at the beginning of the journey. Here is a look into five of the newest jobs born out of the IoT...

Wearable Tech Designer

Tech companies are basically pouring money into wearable devices and gadgets that help to keep you fit and healthy. The FitBit, for instance, is a bracelet that tracks your steps, calories burned and heart rate , and it displays information from your smartphone too, such as message notifications. The Move is a Pilate's shirt that monitors your muscle movements and prompts you to correct your body position.

Designing products like these is challenging enough but making them appealing in a sense of fashion is just as hard.

Wearable tech designers will need to stay up to date on products with a great potential for mobile computing and they will need to have a keen eye for the newest textile trends too. A combination of the two is able to create the next big portable computing trend.

Cloud Computing Specialists

With more and more of our personal files being stored in the cloud, the need to safeguard our precious pictures, bank statements and sensitive files is ever more pressing. Everyone from your government agencies to your GP stores information in the cloud, therefore protecting that information will soon become a boom industry. Specialists will likely require extensive backgrounds such as software engineers, system engineers and network administrators.

Data Security Experts

With the explosion of the internet comes a new opportunity for thieves so the need for data security specialists who know how to always stay one step ahead of hackers is critical as the IoT leaves people open to ever-increasing threats. Data security experts try to prevent purposeful attacks by hackers. And with billions of devices connecting to the internet, the opportunities for intentional tampering will increase drastically.

As more and more of your devices communicate with one another, the greater chance that a hacker is able to find a loophole and leverage it to their advantage. Data security experts need to be able to understand the complexity of the internet and be able to protect connected devices from attacks. They must also be able to analyse data trends and develop plans of action in order to protect every kind of computerised asset, whether it's your online fitness records or your power company's equipment. These professionals are required to constantly research and evaluate emerging threats and prioritise their efforts to battle those threats. And of course, in the event that a data breach does occur, they will need a disaster recovery plan at all times.

Medical Robot Designer

Medical robots generally incorporate robotics systems, surgical tools and sensors that work seamlessly with command software. When properly designed and used, these robots increase the productivity of a hospital, reduce the overall cost of healthcare and provide real benefits to the patient.

In the next few decades, there's a good chance that robots could take control of most surgery. Then, human surgeons would have to step back and become operating room managers who monitor the robots to ensure patient safety.

Microphones, speakers, video screens and internet cameras will all be a part of the system. And f course, each patient will be laced with monitors for vital signs that link directly to the robot and to the surgeon.

Robot designers will be required to have advanced skills in mechanical engineering, computer software and electrical systems in order to create their machines, which will then successfully save lives.

Counter Hackers

Hackers cause all sort of grief for both corporations and individuals. In recent years, companies such as Sony and Target have suffered public relations dilemmas when hackers stole information. In the case of the Target hacking back in 2014, around 40 million card numbers were compromised, leaving the shoppers in financial problems and sometimes even dealing with stolen identities.

Now, instead of just relying on law enforcement computer experts, businesses are hiring their own hackers who anticipate attacks and actively prevent them. Counter hackers will need to have extensive training in computer forensics and software development and should be able to analyse an attacker's methods and deconstruct them.

With the advent of the IoT, hackers have a lot more devices that they're able to exploit therefore counter hackers have many more devices to protect.

The IoT holds exceptional potential for many companies all around the world and to make the most of that potential; businesses need employees who understand the nature of our future. By honing their skills for this new level of networking, tech professionals will find new challenges and opportunities for years to come.

So, developers, where are you? You will be needed!

As always, let me know your thoughts, concerns and ideas over on Twitter or Facebook.

In: