2015 has been another pivotal year for the digital economy. For the first time ever, technology is being embedded everywhere, creating more opportunities for direct integration between the physical and digital worlds. The need to make sense of it all and derive efficiency, accuracy and economic benefits has resulted in new economies of scale that intersect ICT and the broader digital economy. Amid evolving consumer demand and fierce global competition, businesses are increasingly seeking talent with a multifaceted skillset that can bridge technology, business and people. With cumulative ICT hiring requirements expected to reach 182,000 in Canada by 2019, employers are under increasing pressure to find highly skilled talent that can take their business to the next level.
ICTC’s ongoing research into the digital economy labour force, primary consultations with employers and track record in developing occupational profiles and competencies have revealed several emerging hybrid ICT occupations that are growing in parallel with the 820,000 ICT workers employed throughout Canada. Below we highlight five emerging ICT jobs that didn’t exist five years ago. These jobs require ICT skills combined with subject-matter expertise and business acumen, making them highly sought after. With these emerging occupations crying for more talent, now is the ideal time for job-seekers to transition to a career in one of these fields.
Data analytics specialist: The data analytics specialist – a broad category that includes data scientists, data architects and database technology engineers – is a master of predictive analytics, helping businesses generate, analyze and converge on massive amounts of data. For more in-depth analysis of the data analytics specialist, including required skills and qualifications, stay tuned for our forthcoming big data analytics sub-sector study.
FinTech specialist: Financial technology professionals leverage emerging technologies such as mobile, cloud and big data to develop front-end consumer products, payment platforms, risk management software, credit lifecycle solutions, apps, P2P lending, crowdfunding solutions and operational technologies. They are driving progress not just in the traditional banking sector, but in unbanked populations and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) all over the world.
Cloud architect: The cloud architect is part of a much larger Canadian cloud ecosystem employing more than 40,000 workers. Tasked with building enterprise solutions, network, security, data and applications infrastructures, the cloud architect requires a deep understanding of computer networks, privacy and security standards and business management to find new and innovative ways to cut down costs for companies constantly on the go.
Business architect: The days where IT and business were considered separate entities have long faded. The business architect – ideally an ICT professional with business training – is a leader who optimizes digital infrastructure to maximize business outcomes. Whether through cloud, big data, social media, CRM or other, the business architect is a quick decision-maker that is expert in change management, making the adoption of emerging platforms quick and seamless.
E-commerce manager: Global e-commerce is the only multi-trillion industry on this list and is the only one that boasts billions of transactions annually. The e-commerce role combines business, digital marketing and website development into one powerful profession that allows businesses to learn more about their market and existing consumer base. In the intelligence economy, this includes leveraging big data analytics, cloud computing, social media and mobile technology to advance shipping and payment options worldwide and develop consumer-friendly platforms to increase sales.
As these roles expand and become more commonplace, understanding their labour market implications will become increasingly important. This includes understanding whether current education programs are keeping pace with the rapidly evolving demands of the digital workplace and whether employers are effectively recruiting these new skills.
ICTC has been monitoring the digital economy labour force for 23 years, having developed four proprietary labour market intelligence (LMI) forecasts for key ICT occupations across Canada. Our trusted LMI forecasting models, monthly, quarterly and annual LMI monitors and comprehensive catalogue of technology studies have been trusted by employers, jobseekers and policymakers for more than two decades. ICTC’s forthcoming job readiness and job advancement designations will streamline the hiring of young graduates and ensure existing ICT professionals receive on-the-job upskilling to maintain and improve their marketability in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Stay tuned for more news about ICTC’s forthcoming publications, forecasts and job advancement tools.