THANKS to technological advancements, there are many jobs that exist today which would have been unimaginable 10 years ago.
While some of these roles are little understood, many of these jobs provide new areas of employment.
StarMetro explores the functions of these jobs.
Social media manager
A decade ago, social media was gaining popularity. Today, social media platforms pervade our lives, be it for social or business.
According to social media management tool Hootsuite, 75% of the world’s population aged 13 and above are on social media.
The prevalence of these platforms have driven demand for the management of company social media accounts. Social media managers handle, monitor and feed multiple platforms to promote an organisation.
They then analyse user engagement and make various decisions based on social media data, playing a crucial role in modern business strategies.
Content creators
For many who delve into it, content creation begins as a side hustle. However, many go on to turn it into a full-time job.
They use digital platforms to build an audience and generate revenue from their content.
Earnings of content creators vary widely depending on the type of content they produce, the size of their following and their niche.
Often, content creators grow their income by gaining followers, partnering with brands to create promotional content such as blog posts, videos and other forms of advertising.
Podcast producers
Podcasts are audio programmes made available in digital format for download over the Internet. This enables listeners to consume the content on the go at their convenience.
This is a far cry from the era when content consumers needed to tune in at specific times to catch a broadcast.
With the rise in the use of portable digital devices, the popularity of podcasts has escalated.
Podcasts have become a major form of entertainment, enabling podcast producers to gain millions of listeners around the world.
Podcast producers guide content creation, shape stories, edit the product and review pitches.
Ehailing drivers
While people once depended on taxis (in addition to buses and trains), the overwhelming demand for direct transport over the years, supported by the development of ehailing apps, has led to a surge in gig-economy drivers.
The development of navigation apps means that familiarity with an area is no longer necessary, unlike in the past, when taxi drivers had to mentally map out popular destinations, residential areas and routes to reach them.
Shortage of parking as well as traffic jams in cities have also made ehailing an integral part of the urban daily commute.
Mobile ehailing apps have not only simplified daily local transport but also created an avenue for part-time or even full-time employment.
Another segment of ehailing drivers handle deliveries – with challenges being faced include matching various vehicle sizes with dimensions of the items to be delivered.
Food delivery riders
Similarly, mobile apps that connect customers with food and beverage vendors have created employment for food delivery riders.
Demand for these services surged particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when stepping out for food was a challenge.
Nevertheless, even with the return to normalcy, the demand for food delivery remains high, opening the door for many riders to earn a living.
App developers and designers
Over the last five years, mobile applications have surged in popularity across various digital distribution service platforms.
As many payment-driven services have made the digital transition, the use of apps now provide unparalleled convenience for users with a (mobile) data connection to pay for everything from parking to utility bills.
This has created a demand for app designers and developers. What’s the difference between the two roles?
Designers map out the app’s scope, concepts of what it will look like, visualise content screens, interface and navigation paths.
A developer is typically an “architect” who is tasked with developing an app that’s functional, intuitive, secure and user-friendly.
Together, both roles deliver a wide array of applications that have become indispensable digital tools of daily life.
Drone operators
With the rising popularity of drone usage, what may have started out as a hobby for many has potential as a profession.
Although drones were initially developed for military function, they are now used for a variety of commercial uses.
On the job, a drone operator is responsible for flying and controlling drones for activities such as aerial filming or photography, surveillance, inspections or even search-and-rescue missions.
Esports game coaches
Esport gaming was in its infancy 10 years ago and wasn’t taken seriously as a “sport” then.
Today, it’s a multibillion ringgit industry and appeals to all age groups.
Just as physical sports require coaches, trainers are also needed to ensure consistent performance for esports teams.
To be an esports coach, one needs to manage either an individual player or an organisation involved in playing competitive video games to develop the esports players’ skills and devise strategies to help them perform better in tournaments.
Blockchain analyst
Blockchains are shared digital ledgers that facilitate the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network.
Blockchain analysts collect, interpret and analyse data related to blockchain transactions, network activity and user behaviour to help organisations make strategic decisions.
They investigate and report on the performance of digital assets and manage data analytics, databases and data collection systems.
These professionals produce and instal assets and accelerators to assist with the development of infrastructure that communicates with the blockchain.
Search engine optimisation specialist
Search engine optimisation (SEO) has now become integral for businesses securing top search rankings for their products.
SEO specialists play a pivotal role in enhancing the online visibility of company websites to promote their products and services.
They work to ensure a company’s brand, products and services are easily discoverable by potential customers when searching the web.
