Jobs of Tomorrow: Top 5 Emerging Roles in Malaysia

The nature of work is changing. It is one of the great worries admittedly by many as the progress of technology is outrunning our pace. There is one thing for certain, these changes will continue to roll out in the coming years. Recently, professional networking site Linkedin published a report on the Top Five Emerging Jobs in Malaysia.

It is a result of an algorithm based on its users in the year 2013 and 2017. These insights are crucial for anyone currently on a job hunt or concerned for their role in the changing economy.

Data Scientist

A data scientist is a professional responsible for extracting and interpreting meaning from large amounts of data using statistical tools and machine learning methods.

It helps businesses to contextualize customer data to gain competitive edge over business competitors and gain better understanding of customer behavior. It is built on a focus group all on its own for big and startup companies. Along the vast pile of operational feedbacks, companies can mold or create a better digital presence that is better suited to the bigger marketplace.

The Malaysian Statistics Department has recently emerged as one of the world’s first government agency to have a full staff of certified data scientists. These are in close collaboration with analyst expert SAS Institute Sdn Bhd. Presently, there are as close to 7,000 data professionals in Malaysia and it is hoped that it will be able to roll out 20,000 more by the year 2020.

Field of study to become a Data Scientist:

Statistics, Computer Science, Information Technology or any related field 

Skills and traits of a Data Scientist:

• Curious as a cat
• Critical thinking
• Good in math

Full Stack Engineer

A Full Stack Engineer is a professional who is capable of working the front and back-end layers of application or computer software. They apply programming languages to write instructions to a computer database.

Coding is emerging as a new form of literacy and it is by right, the foundation of creating website, software or an app. Those who are equip with the basis of programming languages will be competent to meet up to the technological trends. Globally, programming job roles are growing 12% faster than the average in the market field.

Field of study to become a Full Stack Engineer:

Information Systems, Computer Science or any related field

Skills and traits of a Full Stack Engineer:

• Extensive knowledge in Information Technology
• Attention to detail
• Analytical mind

Drive Test Engineer

Drive testing is performing a method of measuring and assessing the coverage, capacity and the Quality of Service (QoS) of a mobile radio network. Drive Test Engineers are radio frequency experts who run tests and make sure the radio systems are working perfectly.

Through drive analysis, Telecom companies can identify network coverage detecting and recording the parameters of mobile service in certain areas. Mobile operators then can deliver improvements to meet end-user concerns and or complaints.  

Field of study to become a Drive Test Engineer:

Electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electrical engineering technology or any related field

Skills and traits of a Drive Test Engineer:

• Excel in mathematics, science and physics
• A creative mind
• Leadership skills

User Experience Designer

A User experience designers are in charge of how a product looks and feels. They are particular with the design of each page or screen when a user interacts with it. They are in the business of improving customer satisfaction by making sure the users find ease of use when he or she interacts with the product.

According to a survey run by Adobe, it was found that 87% of those participating companies put hiring user experience designers as a prime priority in their organisations. The demand is comparable to the demand for software designers who build these interfaces.

Field of study to become a User Experience Designer:

UX Design or any related field

Skills and traits of a User Experience Designer:

• Understanding of coding
• Imaginative and creative
• Communication skills

Content Writer

Content Writers are professional writers, who make varying forms of content as articles and blog posts for the web. They are required to familiarise themselves with digital content management systems and design fundamentals.

As big and small corporations shift their sights online, they look to content writers to focus in these efforts. The demand for content writers with the right editorial punch is gaining popularity. Companies are seen outsourcing talents to post SEO effective, engaging materials to gain traction in the online space. Recently, Freelancer.com released data from its internal survey on job postings revealing that content writing was one of the fastest online job posts over the last year.

Based on the above, the common pattern between these roles is that it has a strong correlation with the tech industry. We believe, students and SPM-leavers should leverage on this opportunity and build a future around this industry to ensure better job security.

Field of study to become a Content Writer:

Journalism, Mass Communication or any related field

Skills and traits of a Conten Writer:

• Excellent written and communication skills
• A good storyteller
• Strong research skills