AR/VR TECHNOLOGY: What Does it Mean for Tech Jobs?

By Lisa M Watts

AR/VR technology is a rapidly-evolving field with the potential to create new and exciting job opportunities. Zippia. com reports that the number of U.S. jobs that will use AR/VR will be around 2.32 million by the year 2030. As digital content continues to move from 2D flat screens to 3D holographic displays, companies are in great need of software developers, designers, 3D artists, animators and engineers who are knowledgeable about AR/VR technology to create these applications and experiences for their workers. And as more people buy headsets like the Meta Quest 2, more games are being developed natively in VR. If you have experience as a gamer or a digital artist, this could be a particularly exciting time to really hone your skills. Let’s take a look at just a few of the careers in this exciting market.

Developers

Developers create software and applications for AR/VR devices, such as headsets, smartphones, and tablets. They use programming languages such as Unity, UnrealScript, and C# to design and develop AR/VR content. In addition to computer science classes that you may have access to before college, there are great resources and tutorials online that can help you get started. Unity and Unreal game engines both have free versions for students, great learning content and sample projects (see resources below).

UX/UI DESIGNERS

Designers create and design the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) for all kinds of digital software and experiences, including AR/VR. If you are interested in becoming a designer, you may want to study UX design principles and techniques to create user-friendly interfaces and game mechanics that are intuitive and easy to learn.

Visual Artists And Storytelling Writers

Artists create 3D models, textures, and animations and are in very high demand. They use tools such as Maya, Blender, Procreate and Photoshop to create and design the various types of content needed for AR/VR experiences as well as traditional 2D games and even movies. Being able to create in 3D is extremely important. Did you know that even though a game may not run in AR or VR, it still is designed fully in 3D?

In addition to visual artists, writers and storytellers are needed. Like movies, any great game has a strong storyline, a script and narrative. I’m sure you often think that careers in tech require background in math, science or computers but that is actually not the case. For technology to be great, it requires people from all different backgrounds as part of the design and development process.

Engineers

If you are interested in computer or electrical engineering or computer programming, learning more about AR/VR can open up exciting career opportunities. Engineers working on AR/VR-related hardware and software work on integrating with other systems, such as sensors and cameras. The area of optics is particularly exciting as many companies are investing big as they try to invent ways to make wearable displays smaller and cheaper.

Learning Designers

Learning Designers use AR/VR technology to create immersive training and educational experiences. They work with developers, designers, and artists to create programs and simulations to train individuals in various industries, such as healthcare and manufacturing. Based in game theory, we often call these sorts of training experiences as “serious games” or the “gamification” of learning. You may have experienced this type of training in VR at your school already.

To prepare for a career in AR/VR, there are a number of steps you can take to start to develop your technical skills and knowledge. Building a portfolio of work is a great way to demonstrate skills and experience to potential colleges and employers. Start by creating your own AR/VR projects, such as a simple game or a 3D model. These projects can serve as examples of your work and can help you stand out. Participating in hackathons and competitions is also a great way to meet other developers and gain experience working on real-world projects. By attending industry events such as conferences, meetups, and workshops, you can also network with other developers and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

AR/VR will have a major impact on how we interact with the digital world and it’s clear that there will be a growing demand if you have experience in this field.

Lisa M Watts is a passionate technologist, proven business leader and XR/metaverse expert. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience working at and with companies such as Intel, Sansar, Walmart, Tilt5, and Magic Leap, she believes spatial computing is the future of industry and our world. As CEO of One/Twenty1 Immersive, she and her team collaborate with creators and companies big and small, enabling them to achieve market leadership, grow ecosystem partnerships, and bring to life the solutions and technologies that are increasingly essential to our everyday lives. Lisa is a member of the Television Academy and is an accomplished producer, artist and designer.