The Age of Digitalisation: What Are the Jobs of the Future?
Technological innovation has led to a complete transformation of the labour market. According to a report by Oxford University, 47% of today's jobs will disappear within 25 years. Although this sounds pessimistic, it must be emphasised that the digitalisation process creates entirely new opportunities. Modern professions are emerging, without which companies will not be able to meet the challenges of the digital era and Industry 4.0. Who are employers looking for most?
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
They are called magicians because of their ability to predict phenomena well in advance. Behind the brilliant analyses, however, lies science, not magic. They acquire knowledge through processing vast amounts of data – on that basis, they prepare answers to questions posed by managers and boards that decide on the company's strategic moves. Diego Villuendas, a doctor of physics, joined SEAT three years ago as a data scientist. Today he heads an 8-person Data&Analytics team that is constantly growing.
– We monitor our digital platforms to understand how they are used and whether they meet the needs of our users (more than 5 million unique users per month). We also run tests to confirm hypotheses about improvements – says Villuendas.
Data Architect and Data Engineer
Data Architect and Data Engineer
To collect data efficiently, you first need to determine where to look for it. That is exactly what data architects and engineers do. They also have technical tools at their disposal that allow them to acquire, transport and store information.
– The data collected by companies enables them to make improvements. That is why no large enterprise can do without engineers who can process all that information – adds Villuendas.
Business Translator
Business Translator
This is the person who prepares questions and passes them on to the scientists who analyse the data in order to obtain the needed answers. Only effective problem definition and asking key questions can increase a company's operational efficiency and revenue. It is said that data is the new oil, but Villuendas notes: – You not only need to know where to look for oil, but also how to extract it, process it and sell it. Business translators have that knowledge.
Agile Coach
Agile Coach
In the face of constant change, companies must be flexible, and every department should adapt quickly. This person examines how each team works, identifies flawed processes and proposes improvements. An agile coach is an attentive external observer who notices employees' habits or obstacles that significantly reduce their effectiveness. Thanks to their help, teams gain the necessary tools and skills to make their work flow more smoothly.
User Experience Experts
User Experience Experts
Their task is to define and design the set of experiences felt by the user in contact with the brand.
– We must not only think like users, but also involve them in designing and developing the products and services intended for them. The days when needs were generated only after a product was manufactured are long gone. Now brands work shoulder to shoulder with users to deliver what they need – says David Redondo, UX Design Leader at SEAT.
UX experts are essential in every SEAT department. They help designers create interiors that will meet the expectations of future buyers. They advise sales staff on how to make the experience with the brand not limited to simply driving the car, but to begin with a visit to the showroom or even earlier, in social media, and continue through after-sales services.
Virtual Reality Application Developer
The industry is increasingly willing to use the innovative possibilities of virtual reality. At SEAT, VR simulation creators play a huge role in the process of designing new models. Thanks to them, the time needed to produce prototypes is reduced by 30%. Designers use VR to check all creative and functional aspects, which gives them a 90% guarantee of a given project's viability at a very early stage of work on it. During the development of the new version of the SEAT Ibiza, for example, 95,000 3D simulations were created.
Software developers
Programmers who invent, develop and skilfully implement software are extremely sought after on the market.
– For example, to create an electric car, you need to write 100 million lines of code, more than in the case of an F35 fighter jet. We will need more programmers, which is why we must encourage employees to follow this path – argues SEAT president Luca de Meo.
Recruiting the best – a challenge for business
Digitalisation has made every company, regardless of sector, compete for the same employees. This is how Oliwia Puppel, head of Talent Acquisition at SEAT, comments on the phenomenon:
– A few years ago, companies published job advertisements and chose candidates from a shortlist. Today, however, I have to know where I will find the best people and approach them myself with a cooperation offer attractive enough for them to agree to join us.
SEAT is currently looking for 200 specialists to guide the company through the digitalisation process and develop software. Although individual positions differ, every candidate must be distinguished by a specific trait: the right way of thinking.
– Technology evolves so quickly that our employees' current duties may soon be forgotten. That is why we are looking only for those who can think ahead, those who challenge the status quo, are not afraid to make mistakes, draw conclusions from failures, are creative and can work in a team – lists Puppel.
Summary
The digitalisation of the labour market is not only a threat – according to the Oxford University report, 47% of today's jobs will disappear within 25 years, but at the same time demand is growing for data, user experience and software specialists. SEAT is currently looking for 200 experts to lead the company through the digitalisation process – from data scientists, through business translators, to VR simulation creators who cut prototype production by 30%.
As Luca de Meo emphasises, creating an electric car requires writing 100 million lines of code – more than in an F35 fighter jet. However, candidates must go beyond technical competence: the key is their way of thinking and readiness for constant adaptation.
