The IEC Catalyst , June 2010 |
Where will the hot jobs will be in the near future?
Where will the hot jobs will be in the near future? The key words for the answer are computers, health care, science and technology. Msnbc.com listed the top ten hot jobs of 2012 as follows:
1. Organic food producers, retailers
By 2010, organic food and beverage will represent about 10 percent of the total market — a tenfold increase from 1998. And that’s just the beginning, said Bob Scowcroft, executive director of the Organic Farming Research Foundation. More organic food producers, certification experts, retailers and scientists will be needed as organic goes mainstream. An organic farm manager of 1,000 to 5,000 acres could earn up to $172,000.
Qualifications: Organic food business experience, people skills and a sense of humor.
Salary range: $50,000 to $80,000
2. Computational biologists
Computational biologists marry computer science, biology and math to make sense of research data in massive quantities, said Leroy Hood, co-founder of the Institute for Systems Biology. In genetics, that’s important, considering one human genome has 20,000 genes and each person is unique, meaning a study involves hundreds of thousands of measurements or more. Computational biology empowers systems biology, which analyzes entire systems and organisms, Hood said.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree or higher in bioinformatics, computer science, mathematics, biology or related area; strong software engineering skills; and excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.
Salary: $106,000 to $118,000
3. Parallel programmers
By 2012, computers will jump from core duo processors to multi-core processors — as many as 80 processors per machine — packing supercomputer power into desktops, said Jerry Bautista, co-director of Intel’s Tera-scale Computing Research Program. The different cores can work in parallel, like a symphony’s instruments, cracking complex problems, building lifelike models and anticipating its users’ needs, all at breathtaking speed. Computers recognize family members, find pictures of Grandma when she was happy and look for signs of distress or agitation in hospital patents or flight passengers. And computers never get bored, sleep or take a smoke break.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree or higher in computer science or relevant field, non-linear thinking and creativity.
Salary: $79,000 to $88,000
4. Data technologists
In 2012, radio frequency ID chips, video cameras, computers and sensors will generate more information than people will be able to comprehend. Data technologists build structures, real and virtual, that turn the river of data into something meaningful and beautiful, said Eric Rodenbeck, founder and creative director at Stamen Design. The challenges: a fast-moving information landscape, experimental tools and a much-needed new vocabulary, he said. “Data visualization designer” just doesn’t roll off the tongue.
Qualifications: Experience in virtual environments, imaging and visualization; technical skills; willingness to learn new tools; communication skills and imagination.
Salary: $90,000 to $102,000
5. Simulation engineers
By 2012, an increase in processing power and rich data will make simulations more realistic, user-friendly, even in private homes. Simulation will be in every industry and every engineering field, said Frieder Seible, dean of the Jacobs School of Engineering at the University of California-San Diego. People will test how a particular drug, treatment or lifestyle will affect them personally. Businesses will test products and product releases and forecast markets. Engineers will test designs, from bridges to skyscrapers, by examining lifesize projections. Michael Jackson, founder and chairman of Shaping Tomorrow, predicts historians will recreate the past, like ancient Rome or the moon landing.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, math, physics or relevant field; analytical skills; and interpersonal skills.
Salary: $91,000 to $114,000
6. Boomer companions, caretakers
The heat is in the demand. Most retiring baby boomers want to remain in their homes for the rest of their lives, accord to the AARP. To accomplish that, they will need help with errands, chores and home care or will simply want to have some company as they age. From 2004 to 2014, home health aide will be the fastest-growing career, with 56 percent growth and about 350,000 new openings, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Qualifications: Short-term training, people skills and compassion.
Salary: $23,000 to $25,000, with free housing in the clients’ home, in some cases
7. Genetic counseling
Doctors will be able to test for dozens of genetic markers and predict when a person will likely experience a genetically based condition. With more tests and treatments available, genetic counselors will be needed to help individuals and families make decisions about genetic technologies in terms of personal beliefs. Today, about 2,000 counselors are recognized by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
The excitement: Help individuals and families treat or reduce the risk of disease.
Qualifications: A master’s degree in genetic counseling, critical thinking skills and communication skills.
Salary: $58,000 to $64,000
8. Brain analysts
Using more advanced brain imaging tools, neuroscientists will determine how people feel and react or what they’re capable of, said Terry Sejnowski, a professor at the Salk Institute of Biological Studies and head of its Computational Neurobiology Laboratory. People could detect deception, diagnose mental illness, identify intellectual strengths and collect accurate market research and even get help picking careers best suited to their brains.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, experience in health care and people skills.
Salary: $180,000 to $229,000
9. Space tour guide
With about 200 reservations already, Space Adventures plans on hiring about 10 space tour guides to start, said spokeswoman Stacey Tearne said. The guides will help tourists enjoy the experience, from preflight briefings to the safe landing. So please buckle your seat belts, take note of your nearest escape pod and enjoy the view.
Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a relevant field, a love for sky-high adventure and a strong belief in human exploration.
Salary range: $80,000 to $90,000
10. Robot builders, tenders
The components, processors and sensors for robots are out there and getting cheaper every quarter, said Paul Saffo, a technology forecaster. The question is: What will they do? Robot builders are finding out, from the DARPA Grand Challenge robot cars to student competitions like Botball and FIRST. Robots already work in some research laboratories and factories. What will be the killer application that brings them into every home?
Qualifications: Experience in computer science, engineering and electronics and a love of tinkering.
Salary: $80,000 to $90,000
Source: msnbc.com
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