Emerging technology isn’t for the faint of heart.
It’s a career direction where your efforts can receive very high rewards.
It’s where fortunes are made…
If you’re looking to break in and get ahead, here’s a concrete, actionable guide to help you gain a competitive edge in emerging tech.
What Do We Mean By Emerging Tech?
Emerging technology refers to innovative fields that are on the cutting edge of science and industry, often characterized by rapid growth, high uncertainty, and the potential to disrupt existing markets.
It should go without saying: Most of these technologies are not fully mature yet, but they are gaining traction, attracting significant investment, and are expected to have a substantial impact on the future.
(Pro tip: Facebook, when Zuckerberg was working on it as a Harvard sophomore would have been considered a speculative tech company, not an emerging tech company. Even when Facebook received its first $500,000 investment from Peter Thiel in 2004, it would have still been speculative tech. Emerging means significantly bigger capitalization; akin to Facebook 2010 when it had already become a force to be reckoned with.)
Today, examples of emerging tech include – broadly speaking – fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, quantum computing, biotechnology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These areas already have significant investments behind them. There are and many startups, as well as established firms, competing in these fields… Meaning…
You can get a job in the ground floor, without having to be a startup founder, early investor, or an “employee” who works without a salary, until the founder gets their “funding in order”.
Furthermore, what makes these areas interesting is that, in these fields, traditional rules don’t always apply. Which gives you the capacity to get jobs “above your paygrade” and with limited credentials.
Risk vs. Reward
In emerging tech, things shift quickly – what’s groundbreaking today might be obsolete, outdated, wrongheaded and outright embarrassing tomorrow… Just ask anyone who invested in Google Glass.
Back in 2013, Google Glass was hyped as the next big thing in wearable technology. It promised to revolutionize the way we interact with the world, offering hands-free access to information right before our eyes. Early adopters, or “Glass Explorers,” shelled out $1,500 for the privilege of being on the cutting edge.
But… Reality didn’t live up to the expectations. Privacy concerns, limited functionality, and the sheer awkwardness of wearing a device that made you look like a cyborg led to the term “Glassholes” being coined for those who dared to wear them in public. By 2015, Google quietly halted production, and the once-promising tech was relegated to the dustbin of failed innovations.
While we are fans of Google and consider these types of bets to be crucial for human technological progress (thank you Google for trying and failing!), you may want to stop and ponder…
Which would you rather have on your resume: Vice President of Product Development for Google Glass? Or Vice President of Product Development for Google Adwords?
Exactly…
Going into emerging tech does introduce some risk. And while this risk is not as significant for early career professionals (Junior Software Engineer for Google Glass will do just fine), the risks and rewards grow with your seniority.
Of course, with that risk and volatility comes enormous opportunities. Understanding and positioning yourself within these technologies can have genuinely massive rewards.
Winner-Takes-All Dynamics in Emerging Tech
McKinsey & Company discusses the “winner-takes-all” dynamic in emerging technology fields, noting that the leading companies and professionals in these areas tend to capture a disproportionate share of the benefits.
Keep this in mind as we go over emerging tech trends below, and consider how you can orient your career to be in a company that wins…
What Are Today’s Emerging Techs?
Here’s a snapshot of some of the most important emerging technologies impacting the market today:
Artificial Intelligence
According to a report by PwC, AI could add up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. This growth is largely driven by AI’s ability to enhance productivity – from automating mundane tasks to powering advanced analytics to driving decision-making processes.
By the way, we haven’t even started talking about artificial general intelligence (AGI) in our projections… Many Silicon Valley leaders, including Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt considers winning in AGI equivalent to hitting “infinite growth”. (Watch the following after finishing this article, to get further insights about AI.)
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is another game-changer, though it’s still in early stages…
Unlike traditional computers, which process information in bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers use qubits that can represent and process multiple states simultaneously. This capability allows quantum computers to solve complex problems that are currently beyond the reach of classical computers.
Industries such as cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals, and financial services are expected to be among the first to benefit from this technology. McKinsey predicts a $173B potential quantum technology market by 2040.
Blockchain
Blockchain technology, best known for its role in powering cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, is also making waves far beyond finance.
By eliminating intermediaries and enabling peer-to-peer transactions, blockchain has the potential to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and enhance security across various sectors. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2027, 10% of global GDP could be stored on blockchain technology.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is another frontier where cutting-edge research is leading to groundbreaking advancements. From CRISPR gene editing to personalized medicine, biotech is truly revolutionizing healthcare. The potential to cure genetic diseases, develop new therapies, and even extend human lifespan makes biotechnology an attractive endeavor to get involved with.
A report by Global Market Insights projects that the biotechnology market will surpass $543 billion by 2024.
Internet of Things (IoT)
From smart homes to industrial automation, IoT is creating a more interconnected and efficient world – with considerable consumer interest. As IoT continues to expand, it’s expected to reach over 75 billion connected devices by 2025 (Statista).
Remember: AI lives on data. Advertising lives on data. While many tech giants are already harvesting every possible bit (pun intended) of data from your smartphone and desktop computer use, they haven’t yet entered your physical space with a sufficient number of detectors.
They want to. IoT will make that possible.
AR and VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) want to transform how we interact with digital content, blurring the lines between the physical and virtual worlds. AR overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing our perception of reality, while VR immerses users in entirely virtual environments.
Keep in mind, these technologies are not just for spectacularly enjoyable gaming and entertainment… They are also for industries like education, healthcare, and retail. For instance, VR is being used for surgical simulations, allowing doctors to practice complex procedures in a risk-free environment. AR, on the other hand, is being integrated into diagnostic tools and remote assistance, where specialists can guide procedures in real-time, regardless of their physical location.
The market for AR and VR is expected to grow exponentially, potentially reaching $1.5 trillion globally by 2030 (PwC).
Before moving forward… A word of import:
We are mentioning each of these technologies, because they’re not just incremental improvements; they represent fundamental shifts in how industries operate and how we live our lives.
And for new graduates, as well as early career professionals, they present immense opportunities.
Why Emerging Tech Is Great for New Grads – Even If You’re Not a “Techie”
Emerging tech fields offer incredible opportunities for new graduates, even if your background isn’t in technology.
Let’s make this crystal clear: You don’t need to be a software developer to break into AI, or a biomedical researcher join a biotechnology firm. The truth is, these industries are ecosystems that thrive on a variety of skills and perspectives, making them accessible to a broad range of professionals.
Diverse Roles Beyond the Core Tech
Emerging tech industries, just like all other industries, require more than just technical expertise – they need project managers, marketers, sales professionals, customer support teams, legal advisors, and more…
For instance, in biotech, companies need those who can deal with regulation, communicate complex ideas to the public, manage operations, and drive business development.
Similarly, AI companies need those who can handle data ethics, public relations, legal, sales, marketing, management, finance, user experience design – you name it, they need it!
This is where the Five Core Skills and Seven High-Value Disciplines (5-7) come into play…
Whatever your background, there are a number of universal, transferable and in demand skills employers are desperate for. This is why, mastering these foundational skills – such as communication, critical thinking, and creativity – along with specialized knowledge in high-demand areas, can position you as a valuable asset in any emerging tech field. (You can learn the story behind us uncovering the Five Core Skills a
nd Seven High-Value Disciplines here.)
Leadership and Varied Backgrounds
Also keep in mind: As you move up the career ladder, your origin story and background matters considerably less than your ability to lead, adapt, and drive results. In fact, having a non-technical background can be considered a strength in leadership roles.
Leaders with varied experiences are considered to bring a holistic view of the business, balancing technical advancements with market needs, customer insights, and organizational strategy. Many successful leaders in tech companies started their careers in seemingly unrelated fields but found a way to make it to the top.
(Pro tip: Of course, leadership is as much about power as it is about skill. With the right level of power, all skill deficiencies can be navigated. Companies will even pay and invest significant resources in training leaders, even sending them to Executive MBA programs on company dime – when the power relationship is managed correctly.)
The Right Time to Enter
Entering an emerging tech field now also means getting in on the ground floor of industries that are set to grow exponentially. Try joining Facebook now – that takes a lot of skill, simply on account of the number of applicants; you’d experience considerable competition. If you tried in 2005 however, right after their first seed funding – you’d be uniquely positioned to get into a world changing firm at the ground floor.
The experience you gain in these early stages can also set you up for significant career advancement as these technologies mature and become more integrated into everyday life.
In short, emerging tech isn’t just for techies. As you move up, your background matters even less. And the time to join is now.
Let’s talk about the how…
How To Get An Emerging Tech Job As a New Graduate
Follow the Money
Track where venture capital is being invested. Use platforms like Crunchbase, PitchBook, and CB Insights to identify which sectors and companies are receiving the most funding. The earlier in the cycle the better.
Action Step: Set up Google alerts so you’re notified when a company in your area of interest secures a new round of funding. This is your signal that the company might be scaling up and hiring.
Analyze Job Listings for Emerging Skills
Look beyond the standard job descriptions and analyze the specific skills companies are seeking in emerging tech fields. Use tools like LinkedIn Insights, Indeed’s Job Trends, or Glassdoor to identify which skills are in high demand but short supply.
For instance, when node.js was emerging as a borderline fad, having any experience with node.js was a big advantage. Employers often list new or emerging skills in the job descriptions for roles they struggle to fill. This information is invaluable.
Action Step: Build a skills list from job listings in your target field. Focus your learning and certifications on these high-demand areas and/or apply the Language of Value framework to signal competence with these skills.
Rapid Prototyping: Show, Don’t Tell
Your ability to quickly turn an idea into a working prototype is invaluable. Employers want to see what you can do, not just hear about it. Create projects that you can showcase in a portfolio, demonstrating your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
Action Step: Choose a tool that aligns with your field and build a simple, functioning prototype or portfolio piece over a weekend. Document your process and results thoroughly. (If you are a software developer, or interested in software in general: contribute to open-source projects).
Engage in Niche Forums and Slack Channels
Engage in niche communities like specialized Slack channels, Discord servers, or forums where industry experts and early adopters hang out. Sites like Stack Overflow, Reddit (specific subreddits like r/MachineLearning or r/ethdev), and Hacker News can be gold mines for insider knowledge and connections.
Action Step: Join three niche communities related to your target field. Start by lurking to get the lay of the land. But after a few weeks, don’t just lurk – participate by asking questions, sharing insights, and offering help.
Develop a Personal Learning Plan
Dedicate specific time each week to learning new skills or updating existing ones. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer specialized courses you can take. Or you can just use YouTube and watch free tutorials and courses. Choose content that directly contributes to your marketability and knowledge base.
Action Step: Set a 6-month learning plan that includes acquiring at least two new skills directly relevant to emerging trends.
Develop Career Skills Beyond the Technical
While mastering hard skills is essential, it’s only part of the equation…
Knowing how to “play the game” is just as crucial, if not more crucial.
There are countless examples of truly incompetent people with minimal technical expertise who have climbed to the top purely on their soft skills and charm. (If you only knew the half of it… We have stories…🙄).
If the incompetent can use these to win, imagine what you can achieve with the right combination of hard skills and career savvy.
To truly succeed, you need to develop a comprehensive skill set that includes these soft career skills around communication, negotiation, leadership, and networking. These are the skills that enable you to influence others, build strong relationships, and position yourself as a leader, regardless of your background.
In short: hard skills let you do the job, but career skills get you the job.
Action Step: Enroll in the Launch Your Career program, which is designed to equip you with the essential career skills you need to stand out. This program teaches you how to navigate corporate culture, build your personal brand, and leverage your unique strengths to advance your career.
Conclusion
Breaking into emerging tech isn’t about luck or random job applications.
It’s about targeted hard skill development, career skills and strategic networking. By following the steps we’ve outlined, you can not only enter the field – you can thrive in it.
Remember: being on the ground floor of the next breakthrough can easily give you the financial means for a very early retirement.
That being said, chances are, you’ll love what you do so much – you likely won’t want to retire…