Travel and lifestyle
Even if you graduated high school within just the past few years, there’s a good chance that you’re not all that familiar with some of the new careers that continue to emerge in Canada. That’s because every year, new types of jobs are created as technology develops and the economy shifts.
For example, in 2010 social media marketing was usually just an add-on responsibility that was often assigned to a young intern. Now it’s a full-fledged career path, with a college-level diploma program and a salary stretching into the mid-five figures.
So what other jobs are on the rise and what will employers be hiring next?
Most of these new jobs are concentrated in tech but that doesn’t mean you have to work for a tech company or start-up. Traditional corporations like banks, insurance providers, grocery stores and even governments are hiring in these fields.
Not only are many of these positions well-paid, those with the skills to perform these jobs are in high demand. The unemployment rate in tech is typically lower than the overall unemployment rate and this provides considerable opportunities for those thinking about a career in these areas.
Here are just a few of the fastest-growing areas that companies are hiring for in 2021:
Artificial intelligence specialist
Canada is a global leader for artificial intelligence (AI). Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Uber, Intel, LG, General Motors and Thomson Reuters have all made major investments in AI labs here.
According to Linkedin, AI skills are among the fastest-growing skills on LinkedIn with a 190% increase from 2015 to 2017. The average annual salary is around $90,000 and climbs to $140,000 with some experience.
Cybersecurity specialist
As more people embrace online shopping and as more business is conducted online, the need for enhanced security continues to grow. Cybersecurity specialists are continuously working on things like figuring out the vulnerabilities of a site and protecting critical data against hackers.
Companies across every field that manage any form of customer data require experienced cybersecurity specialists. This includes government agencies, banks, e-commerce sites and even start-up companies. The average annual pay is around $80,000 in Canada with opportunities to rapidly advancement.
Robotics engineer
Robotics engineers are experts in creating automated systems to replace or enhance human capabilities. Robotics engineers can work in the gaming industry, laboratories, or manufacturing plants. The average salary, according to Glassdoor,is around $70,000 in Canada, but with experience, you can easily reach over $100,000.
Data scientist
We’re officially a data-obsessed nation and collecting data is big business. Companies use web sites and apps to collect data so that they can tailor their marketing efforts to better attract customers. To do this, data scientists specialize in interpreting the mass amounts of data collected each day.
Data scientists combine computer science, statistics and math to analyze, process and translate data into usable information. Banks, consultant firms and consumer goods companies lead the way in hiring for this role.
Experience designer/UX designer
The experience of the consumer on any website is now a major priority as companies conduct more of their business online. Consumers demand a user-friendly, intuitive and seamless online experience. Any snag or clutter could cause users to close their session costing a company a sale or result in a bad review.
To provide the best possible online experience, companies turn to specialized designers to help make sure their website flows well. Job placement opportunities exist as both full-time or for those who prefer a more flexible work experience, freelance positions as well. Courses are available for those interested in becoming an online designer and salaries typically range around $75,000 per year.
Taking advantage of these new opportunities
As noted earlier, colleges and universities are rapidly developing new programs to help prepare graduating students to work in these fields. However, there is also an opportunity for those already in the workforce and working in related fields, to make mid-career course adjustments to switch to one of these sought-after roles.