Today, technology rules the world, and the demand for technicians, technologists, scientists, researchers, and engineers grows every day. The human drive for curiosity has made us strive in every conceivable field of knowledge and develop innovations that make the lives of millions of people better. While some sectors need large numbers of professionals, others, though equally valuable and indispensable, are much smaller and only require a few specialists.
Here are some surprising tech careers you’ve probably never thought about!
Fragrance Chemist
A fragrance chemist specializes in the smell of various substances, knowledge that can be applied to the manufacture of perfumes, cosmetics, and toiletries. A fragrance chemist will typically have a master’s degree or a PhD in chemistry. They spend long hours in the lab working with various chemicals to discover possibilities for new scents that can contribute to the development of new personal care products for men and women.
Waste Management Consultant
Managing waste is not an easy task for businesses. To help address this issue, companies such as phsWastekit.co.uk offer waste management services to businesses of all sizes, from large organizations to small businesses to help them organize and properly dispose of the waste they produce. Trained and educated consultants offer advice to organizations on the environmental impact of waste as well as how to manage it in compliance with regulations.
A waste management consultant assists businesses with the long-term planning and auditing of their waste management systems. This helps companies to maintain high levels of hygiene and safety, avoid penalties, and keep business running smoothly. Waste management consultants generally have a qualification in science, engineering, or a related discipline.
Volcanologist
A volcanologist is a professional who works up close with volcanoes. As you can imagine, this is thrilling work, but it also involves a lot of risks. Various fields of research, including geology and natural history, require the services of a vulcanologist. They study rocks and lava samples to learn about the origin and behaviour of volcanoes. This is a rare but well-paid job that requires travel to a lot of barren and dangerous places.
Genetic Counselor
Genetic counsellors offer their expert advice in the healthcare field to patients who may be at risk of genetic diseases. They make a genetic assessment, advise regarding relevant tests, and provide a detailed report. This can help patients to take the necessary steps to stop hereditary conditions in the prenatal stages. Genetic counsellors usually require a master’s degree in genetics as well as a number of specific “soft skills”.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists are technical specialists who work alongside doctors and nurses to treat lung disease and other respiratory ailments. While a doctor prescribes relevant tests and treatment procedures and the nurses help administer medication, a respiratory therapist takes care of the technical aspects of treating the disease.
These specialists have qualifications related to managing respiratory conditions and are certified to operate respiratory devices such as ventilators and CPAP machines. They monitor the patient and ensure they receive the optimum level of care.
AI/ML (Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning) Engineer
The world is witnessing a boom in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and so there is an increasing demand for AI or ML engineers. These engineers are qualified software experts that develop and train AI/ML models for various specialized industrial applications. AI/ML technology is of immense importance in Natural Language Processing (NLP), Facial recognition systems, industrial forecasting, IoT (Internet of Things), and more. This is a promising career as this field is growing rapidly and is predicted to continue to do so. To become an AI/ML engineer, you will need a higher degree in computing, data analytics, statistics, mathematics, or similar as well as solid coding knowledge.
Master Distiller
A master distiller is an expert who usually works in distilleries or breweries. This professional helps to manage the operations of a distillery in producing spirits such as whiskey or brandy. They must be highly skilled in the overall handling and processing of fruits and grains, especially ageing and fermentation techniques, and quality control procedures. Educational qualifications in the fields of chemistry or food technology can help greatly in pursuing a career as a master distiller, though many people without a specialized degree also rise to such positions with the help of years of experience in the industry.
Though many technical designations require a rigid set of qualifications and accreditations along with relevant experience, some professionals become masters in their field by sharpening their skills and expertise over the years. As technology advances, new and surprising fields of knowledge are emerging every day, creating a number of surprising and previously unknown job opportunities. Even in well-established sectors such as IT and cybersecurity, new roles are developing all the time, as new concepts emerge and new specialists are needed.