If you enjoy working with technology, you may be interested in pursuing a career in the tech sector. These careers don’t have to be bland, either—many of them are fun and engaging. If you are tech-savvy, here are four fun jobs you can consider.
Machine Learning Engineer
Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing by leaps and bounds, with nearly every device seeming to have a “smart” variant. AI is only possible through the efforts of machine learning engineers, who create and program these devices to perform their expected function while automatically adjusting to the behaviors of humans. Getting a job in this field may require a degree in electrical engineering or computer science as well as knowledge about data science. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t have a specific category entitled Machine Learning Engineer they do track Computer and Information Research Scientists. They say “Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, medicine, and other fields… Creating and improving software involves working with algorithms, which are sets of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Some computing tasks are very difficult and require complex algorithms. Computer and information research scientists try to simplify these algorithms to make computer systems as efficient as possible. The algorithms allow advancements in many types of technology, such as machine learning systems and cloud computing.”
“Employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Computer scientists are likely to enjoy excellent job prospects, because many companies report difficulties finding these highly skilled workers.”
The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $118,370 in May 2018.
Video Game Designer
The video game industry has been growing by leaps and bounds for over thirty years. Many people of all ages, cultures and walks of life greatly enjoy playing video games and some may consider turning their passion into a full-time career. This is certainly possible, especially if you think you might want to make and publish your own video game. You can also look for jobs at both large and smaller video game studios. Roles you could pursue include animator or programmer. Once again the BLS calls them Multimedia Artists and Animators They say, “Multimedia artists and animators often work in a specific medium. Some focus on creating animated movies or video games. Others create visual effects for movies and television shows. Creating computer-generated images (known as CGI) may include taking images of an actor’s movements and then animating them into three-dimensional characters. Other animators design scenery or backgrounds for locations. Artists and animators can further specialize within these fields. Within animated movies and video games, artists often specialize in characters or in ‘scenery and background design’. Video game artists may focus on level design: creating the look, feel, and layout for the levels of a video game. Animators work in teams to develop a movie, a visual effect, or an electronic game. Each animator works on a portion of the project, and then the pieces are put together to create one cohesive animation.”
Employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Projected growth will be due to increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television. The median annual wage for multimedia artists and animators was $72,520 in May 2018.
Social Media Manager
If you enjoy spending time on social media and interacting with people over the Internet, then a job as a social media manager might be right for you. These professionals monitor and maintain the social media profiles of an individual or brand. They are often responsible for creating content, posting statuses, replying to comments and answering direct messages. Demand for these positions will grow as more businesses look to achieve a strong social media presence without forcing other employees to invest the time in it. The BLS calls them Public Relations Specialists
Public relations specialists typically do the following:
- Help clients communicate effectively with the public
- Help maintain their organization’s corporate image and identity
- Evaluate public opinion of clients through social media
“Public relations specialists handle an organization’s communication with the public, including consumers, investors, reporters, and other media specialists. In government, public relations specialists may be called press secretaries. In this setting, workers keep the public informed about the activities of government officials and agencies. Public relations specialists draft press releases and contact people in the media who might print or broadcast their material. Many radio or television special reports, newspaper stories, and magazine articles start at the desks of public relations specialists. For example, a press release might describe a public issue, such as health, energy, or the environment, and what an organization does concerning that issue. Press releases are increasingly being sent through the Internet and social media, in addition to publication through traditional media outlets. Public relations specialists are often in charge of monitoring and responding to social media questions and concerns.”
“Public relations specialists are different from advertisers in that they get their stories covered by media instead of purchasing ad space in publications and on television.”
Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The need for organizations to maintain their public image will continue to drive employment growth. Candidates can expect strong competition for jobs at advertising and public relations firms and organizations with large media exposure.
The median annual wage for public relations specialists was $60,000 in May 2018.
Mobile App Developer
Mobile apps are all the rage and with good reason. The majority of people in the developed world now own smartphones and use apps for any number of purposes from online networking to shopping to playing games. It is not particularly hard to develop a mobile app, either—all you need is some programming knowledge, although software does exist to make development easier.
Software Developers
“Applications software developers design computer applications, such as word processors and games, for consumers. They may create custom software for a specific customer or commercial software to be sold to the general public. Some applications software developers create complex databases for organizations. They also create programs that people use over the Internet and within a company’s intranet.”
“Systems software developers create the systems that keep computers functioning properly. These could be operating systems for computers that the general public buys or systems built specifically for an organization. Often, systems software developers also build the system’s interface, which is what allows users to interact with the computer. Systems software developers create the operating systems that control most of the consumer electronics in use today, including those used by cell phones and cars.”
Employment of software developers is projected to grow 21 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Software developers will be needed to respond to an increased demand for computer software.
The median annual wage for applications software developers was $103,620 in May 2018. The median annual wage for systems software developers was $110,000 in May 2018.
You can start finding tech jobs at an existing company as a member of their app development team or develop fun apps yourself. If one you create takes off, you can make serious money.
Tech-savvy people have several enjoyable jobs available to them. Many of these jobs do not even require a degree. They are worth looking into for anyone who thinks they would be a good match.
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