If there’s someone from 10 years ago who traveled to our future, then they’ll see how the job market looks different. Remember that the idea of working from home was such a rare luxury? Even social media is still looking for its footing. Fast forward to today, and new careers have emerged thanks to innovation and consumer behavior. In this list, we explore the 10 jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago.
10. Virtual Assistant
Administrative assistant is one of the oldest jobs out there. But to perform your job from anywhere in the world is made possible. While the “virtual assistant” term has been around since the ’90s, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that it made a boom. Companies are forced to do remote work with the demands of assistant who manage their schedules and organize their digital files. This niche job turned mainstream, which we now see or maybe apply for today.
9. Ride-Share Driver
The taxi industry has been around forever, but in the last decade, smartphones have been integrated into this profession. Ride-share drivers are now made possible, thanks to the launch of Uber in 2009 and Lyft in 2012. It’s an app-based system where users get to request a driver near their area. This also launched a flexible career for millions.
8. Delivery Driver (App-Based)
Home delivery is nothing new, but with the launch of app-based services, there seems to be a post-hiring for more delivery drivers. App-based delivery drivers work for companies like DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber Eats, where users get to have their food or groceries delivered right at their front door.
7. Podcast Producer
Podcasts have been around since 2004, but they were dominated by hobbyists and tech enthusiasts. But that all changed in 2014 with Serial, a true-crime investigation that pulled millions and put podcasts in the mainstream. With that, the podcast producer is born as they’re responsible for booking and researching guests to handling the technical side of recording and editing.
6. Social Media Influencer
Getting paid to post on the internet seems like a dream, but today, it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry. There’s a rise of the creator economy, which was fueled by TikTok. There’s also the launch of TikTok Shop, where creators sell products by creating content and sharing links. Getting paid by brands through content promotion is another way that influencers can earn big.
5. Sustainability Data Analyst
Corporate sustainability, a decade ago, was a marketing buzzword. But today, it’s a career where people get to earn. There’s a growing pressure from consumers, investors, and regulators to be environmentally and socially responsible. With that, the sustainability data analyst was born, who is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. They track carbon emissions and water usage to diversity and inclusion data.
4. Cybersecurity Threat Hunter
In the world of cybersecurity, the threat hunter emerged. Threat hunters actively search and neutralize cyber threats before they can cause damage. They’re digital detectives using AI tools, real-time analytics, and intuition to track down and remove potential intruders. Basically, they keep our digital world safe.
3. Autonomous Vehicle Developer
Self-driving cars used to be something you’d watch in a science fiction movie. But now, it has become a reality where a new career of autonomous vehicle developer has appeared. They’re engineers and software developers who are the brains behind self-driving. They work with software, sensors, LIDAR motion planning, and AI to allow a car to drive without human intervention. It was just in 2015 when the technology became advanced enough to make it commercial.
2. Metaverse Architect / Experience Designer
Metaverse architects have sprung into existence in the last few years. They’re responsible for creating 3D digital environments that make up the metaverse. Brands and companies invest in this as they’re used for gaming and virtual commerce, to employee training. This job blends your skills and technical expertise as a VR developer and game designer with the approach of a UX/UI designer.
1. AI Prompt Engineer
The world changed with the launch of ChatGPT, which is a generative AI chatbot that can write poems, answer complex questions, and code for you. With that, the profession of AI prompt engineer was born. They create perfect questions and instructions or prompts for you to get the most out of AI tools. Top companies like Meta and Google hire people for this role.