2 minute read
New careers for a new generation
byMechail Koker andNazrana Parker
“IS TECHNOLOGY DESTROYING OR EMPLOYING” it is often asked? Career Update explores how technology and innovation can drive new careers.
Employment and innovation in sectors such as the environment and sustainability, 3D printing and artifi cial intelligence, data and social media has increased over the past years. Before 2006, occupations like App developers, Uber drivers, cloud computing specialists and sustainability managers, social media managers did not exist. Today, our tutors are the new ‘social media infl uencers’ who use YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok that we go to for answers.
Lwando Ndodana, Junior Digital Media Specialist at Sanlam is a good example of a B Admin graduate whose interests evolved to fi nd himself in a new generation career. He was attracted to this role as it allowed him to integrate social media, analytics and marketing. He states that Social Media
Account Management, Digital Enablement and Data Analytics are now the hottest careers. His role is very versatile as he is pulled into diff erent projects. Getting colleagues who are not tech savvy to buy into using LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter for the business has been an interesting learning experience.
What particular skills are needed in the digital media space?
Business applications of digital media research and awareness • Digital tools/support kits • Digital media applications training and support • Content Library • Digital support and collaboration
What advice would he give to students?
Consider doing postgraduate studies or short courses that speak to these new careers.
Check out the following courses off ered at UWC:
• Postgraduate Diploma in Data Analytics and Media Application • Postgraduate Diploma in Data Analytics and Business Intelligence • Postgraduate Diploma in e-Skills with
Immersive Technologies Stream, which incorporates Augmented Reality and
Virtual Reality • Postgraduate Diploma Information
Development Infrastructure & Application • Postgraduate Diploma in ICT Software
Development • The Digital Social Innovation for Impact (DSI) course off ered at the Samsung -
Future Innovation Lab at UWC. CU
Also explore
Udemy The leading global marketplace for teaching and learning, connecting millions of students to the skills they need to succeed.
GetSmarter Partners with the world’s leading universities to select, design and deliver premium online short courses.
LinkedIn Learning A website off ering video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative, and business skills.
Coursera Provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to off er courses online.
edX The trusted platform for education and learning. edX is transforming traditional education, removing the barriers of cost, location and access.
