ACM CareerNews for Tuesday, August 20, 2024
ACM CareerNews is intended as an objective career news digest for busy IT professionals. Views expressed are not necessarily those of ACM. To send comments, please write to [email protected]
Volume 20, Issue 16, August 20, 2024
Future of Work Hinges on AI Upskilling
HR Dive, August 6
The vast majority of information and communication technology (ICT) jobs will experience AI-related transformation, according to a new report from the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium. The consortium consists of companies such as Google, Indeed, Intel, Microsoft, and Cisco. Based on their findings, 92% of ICT jobs will experience high or moderate transformation due to AI. In particular, entry-level and mid-level jobs are slated to experience the most change, according to the report, which analyzed nearly 50 top ICT jobs.
With the introduction of AI-powered technology and tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, workers must prepare for digital work environments increasingly adept at matching or even exceeding human capabilities. As a result, workers may need upskilling in the following areas: AI literacy, AI preparedness, data analytics, and prompt engineering. The consortium named AI ethics and responsibility, and architecture of large language models as areas that pose opportunities for learning and development. The consortium went as far as to say that skills in basic programming and languages, content creation, traditional data management and documentation maintenance could become less relevant.
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Where American STEM and R&D Jobs Are and What Pays the Most
R&D World, June 5
While there have been highly publicized layoffs in the tech sector in 2023 and 2024, the demand for STEM and R&D talent in the U.S. remains strong overall. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth over the next few years, with STEM jobs expected to increase by nearly 11% by 2032. While the tech sector has embraced remote work more than many others, job opportunities continue to cluster around major research hubs such as Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, and Chicago.
In terms of geographical distribution of IT jobs, major tech hubs still appear to have the advantage. For example, there are many STEM-related positions in New York and Boston, as well as across much of the Northeast. The greater Boston region boasts a concentration of roughly 1,000 biotechs, particularly in the Kendall Square and Longwood areas. It is perhaps no surprise given the talent pipeline flowing from MIT and Harvard and the strong innovation ecosystem built up over decades. Moreover, Silicon Valley lives up to its reputation with a heavy emphasis on software development and engineering roles. Unsurprisingly, tech giants such as Apple and Google are major employers in the Bay Area, alongside universities like UC Berkeley and research centers like SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.
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What Developer Specializations Pay the Most?
Dice Insights, August 14
For anyone who writes code and wants to maximize their compensation, it is important to keep up-to-date on which developer specializations pay the most. According to the annual Developer Salary review from Stack Overflow, which queried more than 65,000 software developers worldwide, developers in the United States who want to unlock the highest possible compensation should aim for management roles or consider concentrating on mobile and backend development.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are enjoying an extraordinary amount of hype right now, but developer salaries for those specializations seem to trail others, including mobile and cloud. That could be a sign that salaries are not quite living up to the AI buzz. According to the most recent Dice Tech Salary Report, the average technology salary stood at $111,193 in 2023, down slightly from $111,348 the year before. The report also pegged the average software developer salary at $123,067, with a year-over-year increase of 6.5 percent. It is always critical to remember that your compensation can climb even higher depending on your location, experience, the size of the company you work for, and other factors, such as stock options.
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The Most Common Mistakes That Can Prevent You From Landing a Remote Job
Hackernoon, August 1
One of the worst things a candidate can do that holds them back from getting a highly-paid remote job is failing to demonstrate their ability to work independently. Moreover, some candidates fail to show that they can manage their time effectively. Remote jobs require a high degree of self-motivation and discipline, as there is often less direct supervision than in-office roles. By understanding and avoiding these errors, you can enhance your application process, make a stronger impression on potential employers, and increase your likelihood of landing that coveted remote job.
Finding a remote job can be competitive, and certain missteps can significantly hinder your chances of landing a position. There are certain things candidates often do that can hold them back from securing remote jobs, such as having an unprofessional online presence. This could mean neglecting social media. Inappropriate posts or an unprofessional social media profile can deter potential employers. In addition, failing to complete your LinkedIn or other professional profiles can make you seem less serious. Generic applications are another problem. Sending the same resume and cover letter to every job application without tailoring it to the specific role can reduce your perceived fit for a role. Not addressing the hiring manager by name or failing to mention the company in your cover letter is just one way the lack of personalization comes through.
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How to Find Out What Makes You Unique and Valuable as an Employee
TheLadders.com, August 5
Understanding and articulating what makes you unique and valuable as an employee can set you apart from other candidates. Identifying your unique strengths and value proposition is crucial for highly educated and skilled job seekers aiming for salaries of $100,000 or more per year. In order to showcase your unique qualities and enhance your career prospects, the first step should be a period of self-assessment and self-reflection.
Begin by taking a step back and reflecting on your career journey. Consider your achievements, challenges, and experiences that have shaped you professionally. Take time to think about your most significant career accomplishments. At the same time, consider what skills and experiences have contributed to these achievements. What challenges have you overcome, and how did you handle them? Reflecting on these questions will help you identify patterns and themes that highlight your strengths and unique qualities.
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ChatGPT Is Writing Lots of Job Applications But Companies Are Quickly Catching On
Entrepreneur.com, August 14
More candidates are using AI to crack a tough job market, and it is not only increasing the number of applications employers have to look through, but also requiring hiring managers to pay close attention to the wording of resumes and cover letters. Currently, about half of job applicants use AI tools like ChatGPT to add keywords to their resumes, write polished cover letters, and complete assessments. AI-generated applications have also led to about twice as many applications per job posting as candidates. But employers say it is getting easier to spot an AI application, sometimes with just a glance.
Without proper editing, the language from AI bots can be clunky and generic, and hiring managers can usually detect this. Moreover, AI has a difficult time injecting applications with a compelling story and unique voice. According to Stanford University research, there are several key words that are a giveaway that someone may have used AI for writing help. If you are still tempted to use AI for job applications, keep in mind that many large companies do not tolerate AI use by candidates. An April survey from Resume Genius found that AI-generated resumes were the biggest red flag for 625 U.S. hiring managers. But that does not mean companies oppose using it to make hiring decisions. Over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use AI software to filter candidates.
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The Growing Influence of Technology is Expanding Career Horizons for Women
Fast Company, August 12
The movement to promote women in technology appears to have had some early success, but not as much as originally expected. In 2010, approximately 720,000 women with undergraduate degrees worked in STEM occupations. By 2021, that number had increased to more than one million. However, given the overall employment rates in tech, the gain for women represented a mere 1% increase. As a result, more progress is needed to achieve gender parity in technology.
As technology continues to evolve and the definition of a tech job blurs across industries, two things become evident: tech career opportunities for women continue to broaden beyond traditional roles, and the way we measure the success of women in tech initiatives has become more complex. For years, we equated a tech job with one that involved coding, engineering, or some other technical skill, usually with a company that was involved with semiconductors, electronic devices, or software. But as technological influence has expanded over the years, companies across industries started looking at tech roles very differently. Now, tech jobs extend beyond IT departments to corporate functions such as marketing, sales, and operations. Low-code and no-code development platforms and generative AI have significantly democratized tech jobs, allowing professionals without traditional coding skills to build applications and automate processes.
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Remote Workers Are Happier Than Office Dwellers
Tech.co, August 9
According to a new study, remote workers are generally happier in their jobs than their office counterparts. Not only that, but they are also more engaged with co-workers, despite the physical distance between them. However, not every company will agree with the findings, with a growing number of tech companies moving forward with return-to-office mandates.
Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates are having a negative impact on employee job satisfaction, according to a new research report that surveyed 4,400 employees. The findings paint a stark picture of company mandates, and testify to the importance of letting employees choose their preferred work location. Comparing results from typical workplaces with certified great workplaces, the report found that 7 out of 10 U.S. employees are told where to work by their employer. While it is not a silver bullet solution, remote workers are generally happier than their onsite counterparts, with remote employees 27% more likely to look forward to doing their job. The research also suggests that fully remote workers have a more generous outlook on their workplace. They are more likely to give extra effort, and are more willing to cooperate and collaborate with colleagues.
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Imagining Intelligent Machines
Communications of the ACM, August 8
In a wide-ranging interview, Daniela Rus, the director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT, talks about her pioneering work in modular robots, soft robotics, and novel neural networks. Her talk on the future of robotics and AI was featured at a recent TED conference, and this year she published a pair of books for the general public. During the interview, Rus talks about the breadth of her work, the current fascination with humanoids, and why we need fresh ideas in artificial intelligence.
When most people think of robots, they think of metallic humanoids, but robots do not have to be inspired by the human form. They do not have to be boxes on wheels, either. It is possible to build soft robots, micro-robots, and even robots designed out of biological cells. That being said, the primary interest has always been humanoid robots. As Rus points out, this is part of the human dream to create a machine in our own image that is smart and obedient. This has been a constant throughout the ages, and what we create depends on the available technology. But it is not just about technological improvements. Societal and economic factors also play a crucial role. Many countries face an aging population, increasing the demand for robots that can assist with elder care and provide companionship.
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Science Needs You: Mobilizing for Diversity in Award Recognition
Communications of the ACM, July 23
Computing has undergone remarkable transformations over the years, with incredible advancements being achieved in numerous areas of research. These developments have been made possible by individuals from diverse backgrounds, who have brought their unique perspectives and experiences to the computing industry. However, despite the significant strides made in promoting diversity and inclusivity in computing, there remains a disparity in the percentage of award recipients from persons from populations underrepresented in computing.
Scientific awards serve as a formal recognition and validation of the significant contributions made by individuals toward advancing a particular discipline or recognizing service contributions to the computing community. Importantly, awards can act as powerful motivators for aspiring professionals, particularly those persons from populations underrepresented in computing who may view awardees as inspirational trailblazers and role models. Proactive efforts around transparent and inclusive processes, targeted outreach, and expanding eligibility criteria can help address these gaps.
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