POST PANDEMIC CAREER OPTIONS

 

The global pandemic has created an upheaval in many careers/sectors, bringing some industries like tourism, hospitality, entertainment, travel, etc. to their knees, while some careers and occupations are seeing a resurgence and new opportunities are rising. Let’s talk about some of them.

1.       Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Developer

In the present situation, AR and VR technologies have potentially seized challenges associated with remote working. VR is the creation of a virtual world that users can interact with while AR is defined as the blending of virtual reality and real life, as developers create images within applications that blend in with contents in the real world.

Key skills : proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Java and C#, ability to use 3D tools like 3D MAX and Autodesk 3D, video/sound production skills, strong UI/UX skills, game development, passion for creating immersive experiences, ability to think outside the box, eye for detail, adaptability to the changing environments and trends.

Pathway : Engineering or design or audio engineering would be useful for content creation or technology jobs. Applied mathematics is useful too. There are few formal programmes in AR and VR.

Institutions : Undergrad at IITBombay, NID, etc., University of Portsmouth in UK and Savannah College of Art & Design UK. Trinity College Dublin Ireland, Goldsmiths University London, London College of Communication, Drexel University USA offer post graduate programmes. Online and certificate courses.

Prospects : Real estate, medical training, building design  and healthcare can benefit from this technology.

2.       Robotics Engineers

Robotics engineers work in science of robotics, or flexible automation. They’re responsible for designing robots, testing them, maintaining them, developing new applications for them, and conducting research to expand the potential of robotics.

Key skills : passion for science and technology, strong mathematical skills, design skills, creativity, strong verbal and communication skills and complex problem solving.

Pathway : a degree in mechanical/electronics engineering, robotics engineering, mechatronics. Post-graduation and PhD for research, design and development.

Institutions : IITs, NITTTR Chandigarh, DIAT Pune, etc. offer post-graduation/PhD. Brimingham University in UK, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Institute of Technology in USA are reputed for MS/PhD.

Prospects : Robots are used in the automotive, aerospace, mining, textile, warehousing, food service industries, etc.

3.       Cyber security Consultant

Cyber security consultants are hired by clients to protect their organisations by preventing, detecting and managing cyber threats.

Key skills : strong presentation skills targeting both technical and non-technical persons. Analytical skills, attention to detail, ability to identify patterns and trends.

Pathway : a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or another related major would be the starting point of becoming a cyber security consultant.

Institutions : IGDTUW Delhi, IIITM Kerala, IIT Jammu, GFSU Gandhinagar in India; University of London, Brimingham University in UK; Berkeley School of Information, NY Institute of Technology in USA.

Prospects : Cyber security consultants play an increasingly important role in supporting critical infrastructure, making businesses stay online and helping people stay connected.

4.       Epidemiologist

They’re public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of diseases, identify people who are at risk and determine how to control or stop the spread or prevent it from happening again.

Key skills : critical thinking, judgement and decision making, strong scientific skills, analytical and problem solving skills are most important.

Pathway : Physicians, veterinarians, scientists (biomedical sciences, life sciences, microbiology or biochemistry) can pursue post-graduate degree in public health with specialization in epidemiology or you can join the Epidemic Intelligence Service for on-the-job learning and training available at NCDC (National Centre for Disease Control) India.

Institutions : various AIIMS centres, IIHMR University Jaipur, TISS Mumbai, ICMR School of Public Health in India; University of Nottingham, University of Glasgow in the UK; Columbia University, Harvard, Johns Hopkins in the USA.

Prospectus : the work of epidemiologists has been more important as it is during the time of COVID-19.

5.       Healthcare Data Analyst

Healthcare Data Analysts covert raw data into actionable form by applying their specialised knowledge of data acquisition, analysis, management and interpretation to healthcare data. It helps doctors and clinical researchers to make decisions.

Key skills : strong written and oral communication, attention to details, collaborative skills, complex problem solving.

Pathway : undergraduate degree in mathematics, computer science, statistics, followed by post-graduation in healthcare data analytics or health informatics.

Institutions : Manipal University, IIHMR Delhi, Public Health Foundation of India in India; Harvard, Carnegie Mellon in the USA; Imperial College and University of Leeds in UK.

Prospects : Hospitals, health system companies, state/central government departments/agencies, health information vendors, etc.

6.       Digital Pathology

It is a sub-field of pathology where high resolution images are captured of tissue specimens which are critical in enabling pathologists to maintain operations during pandemic. It has even enabled some medical schools who were forced to take classes online to offer an experience similar to what students would receive in the classroom.

Key skills : strong scientific, analytical and research skills, comfort with technology and ongoing learning.

Pathway : diploma, certificate and online courses for medical graduates and post-graduate qualification in pathology.

Institutions : Bradford University in UK, certificate programme from Digital Pathology Association.

Prospects : research institutes, hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are some of the employers.

7.       Virologist

Virologists are medical doctors who oversee the diagnosis, management and prevention of infection and they’re also scientists who may drive research on various aspects of viruses. They’re responsible for diagnosing viral infections and also investigate the pharmacological response of viruses to antiviral drugs and the evolution of drug resistance.

Key skills: analytical, passion for science, ability to liaise with healthcare workers, teamwork and meticulous attention to detail.

Pathway: undergraduate degree in biology/microbiology/allied fields

Institutions: medicalcolleges/universities in India; Imperial College London, Liverpool University in the UK; Yale, Harvard, Johns Hopkins in the USA are some of the examples for pursuing specialised training in Virology.

Prospects : Academic and industrial research for development of new drugs and vaccines, government organisations, public health, disease prevention and control, etc.