Sponsored by the University of Johannesburg
Although we may not quite be at the stage of flying hoverboards and time travel, advances in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, virtual reality (VR) and other futuristic technologies have vastly accelerated over the last decade.
Thanks to the new challenges and opportunities that are being brought about by these technologies, there’s an increasing talent gap for innovative data literacy skills, over traditional technology skillsets. And despite the excitement that surrounds these innovative technologies, the fact they’re still in their relative infancy means it’s sometimes difficult to stay up-to-date with them, let alone one step ahead.
There are also concerns that universities are struggling to keep up with the pace, as the demand for universities to teach the theory and practice behind technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and virtual reality heightens.
Some universities are gearing their graduates to becoming ‘future fit’
The University of Johannesburg is one university that’s making a demonstrable effort to ensure its graduates are ‘future fit’ and able to deal with the challenges and opportunities that come with such advancements. They’re doing this by offering a number of technology-driven programs to help its students stand out from the crowd.
The university offers several extra-curricular courses as part of its Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering, including the Higher Certificate in Information Technology, Certificate in Cyber Security and Certificate in Digital Forensics.
In addition, its Computational Intelligence for Industry short-learning program will run for one semester, from February 2019 through to June 2019. Applications for the program close on December 10 2018, so be quick.
Break into big tech careers and thrive in a world of machines
Using data from PayScale and Neuvoo, read on to discover some exciting tech careers you could pursue which involve artificial intelligence, big data or virtual reality.
Data scientist
Average salary: US$91,476
In 2017, IBM released figures predicting that by 2020, the demand for data scientists, as well as data developers and data engineers will soar by 28 percent to 700,000 roles. Data scientists can work in practically any industry, organization, business or government.
Data scientists have superior knowledge of big data, as they measure and analyze data using machine learning to then forecast future opportunities, highlight potential problems and come up with viable and imaginative solutions.
UI designer
Average salary: US$63,723
Artificial intelligence has fast become an indispensable tool in technology. As a UI designer, you’ll be part of a software development team, and are expected to be a fantastic programmer, as well as be fluent in a range of web-based learning programming languages.
The University of Johannesburg offers a number of undergraduate degrees in information technology, and computer science and informatics, as well as an Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Information Technology Endorsement program, all of which are viable options for pursuing a career in UI design.
Robotics engineer
Average salary: US$81,027
Want to achieve your childhood ambitions of building real-life robots? As a robotic engineer, you’ll run the operations of developing AI machines for various products and services. You’ll need to have an expert knowledge of computer programming, as well as a strong background in big data and AI.
To break into this career, you’ll need to have a master’s or PhD in a relevant subject field. The University of Johannesburg’s Institute of Intelligent Systems will be launching a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence program, as well as a Computational Intelligence for Industry short-learning program which will provide students with a working knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning tools.
Virtual reality developer
Average salary: US$39,975
What was once assumed to be a fad is now a mass market technology. As a VR developer, you’ll have to study up on your software skills and ensure you stay up-to-date with all technological advances. Using computer animation and modelling programs, you’ll design complex graphics and animations which can depict two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects and illustrations.
Career prospects as a virtual reality developer are vast, considering how industries such as higher education, medicine, engineering, architecture and more are benefiting hugely from the revolutionary advances in virtual reality.
