Careers of the Future: Where to Find Your Calling in Tech

On May 15th, Lviv IT Cluster held the IT Future Conf career guidance conference for the third time, targeting teenagers, educators, and anyone interested in pursuing a career in the tech industry. About 4,000 participants attended the event, with 200 joining in person. The conference featured 10 top experts from Lviv IT Cluster member companies as speakers. Industry professionals shared their secrets to building a successful career in the tech industry and explained how to take the first step towards securing a dream job. Participants learned about the most in-demand and promising tech specialties in 2024 and where to obtain specialized education.

According to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, in 2023, computer science ranked first in the number of applications for state-funded scholarships at higher education institutions, with over 30,000 applications. Software engineering and cybersecurity were also among the top ten most popular specialties.

We have compiled information on the most promising tech careers of the future, which were discussed during the IT Future Conf 2024. We have also curated a selection of educational institutions where one can obtain relevant education in these fields. Over the past eight years, Lviv IT Cluster, in collaboration with tech companies, has modernized 19 bachelor’s programs at four Lviv universities as part of the IT Expert project.

AI Specialist

The past year’s trending tech direction is Artificial Intelligence (AI). It plays a crucial role in transforming fields such as medicine, industry, commerce, and business. Globally, 70,000 companies are involved in AI development. Industries utilizing this technology demonstrate improved productivity, and the range of relevant job vacancies is constantly expanding.

“The future belongs to AI. Regardless of the profession one chooses, they will be utilizing AI technologies. Many new specialties in AI service will emerge, about which we are not even aware yet,” says Ievgen Gorovyi, Founder and СЕО at It-Jim, PhD, member of the Expert Committee on AI Development at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

“Artificial intelligence automates a lot of cognitive work. There will be new tasks and challenges, but businesses that integrate it into their operations will gain a competitive advantage,” adds Oleh Shyshkin, Software Engineer (Big Data) at N-iX.

The BSc Artificial Intelligence Systems at Lviv Polytechnic National University facilitates keeping up with innovations. Participants have the opportunity to work and study in a dual education format at leading companies within Lviv IT Cluster.

Cybersecurity Expert

Cybersecurity experts are responsible for protecting information and computer systems from cyber threats, malware, and unauthorized access. These specialists are among the most in-demand in the job market, as the functioning of government agencies, critical infrastructure enterprises, banks, media, and other sectors is impossible without their expertise.

“There is a shortage of cybersecurity specialists in Ukraine, so the demand for such professionals will remain high for many years. The world is not becoming safer, so countries are investing more efforts and resources in data protection,” says Іhor Kantor, Co-founder and CEO at Iterasec.

Quality education in this field can be obtained through bachelor’s programs at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Lviv Polytechnic National University, and Lviv State University of Life Safety. The student training is based on the principle of working at a tech company: students create projects and launch startups under the mentorship of experienced tech specialists.

Robotics Engineer and Electronic and Computer Systems Engineer

Robotic devices are actively applied in various fields, from medicine to underwater and space exploration. A robotics engineer programs “smart” machines, while electronics specialists develop printed circuit boards and other components for them.

“Such careers are suitable for curious individuals who enjoy exploring how devices work from the inside. It’s both interesting and useful. A person can significantly contribute to society – from prosthetics to drones,” emphasizes Anastasia Artym, Characterization Engineer at RENESAS.

Students from the Minor Academy of Sciences of Ukraine have progressed from school desks to launching their dream startups. Andriy Hontarenko developed a frame exoskeleton. This invention will help rescuers lift large debris not manually but with the aid of special equipment, which is extremely necessary during the ongoing war. Yaroslava Polikarpova invented a bladeless wind turbine. The students presented their developments during the IT Future Conf 2024.

One can become a robotics expert at the Department of Information and Measurement Technologies at Lviv Polytechnic, and pursue a degree as an engineer in electronic and computer systems at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.

Non-technical careers

The tech industry requires people with diverse talents, including creative ones. After all, tech encompasses more than just development.

“The spectrum of non-technical careers is vast. Creative individuals with communication and time-management skills can work in tech. Specialists who think about the final product from a market perspective are always needed,” says Viacheslav Polinovskyi, CEO at GoITeens.

“If you believe you could be a good leader and have communication skills, consider project management. If you have good creative abilities, try yourself in design. But keep in mind that for such positions, English proficiency should be very high,” adds Natalia Makarchuk, Engineering Competence Lead at Sombra.

To pursue education as a UX/UI designer, apply for bachelor’s programs offered by Lviv IT Cluster at Lviv Polytechnic and Lviv National Academy of Arts.

According to research by the Lviv IT Cluster, there is a growing demand for sales, lead generation, and marketing specialists. These professionals help companies attract new projects and employees to work on them.

IT Future Conf 2024 general partners: GoITeens and Neoversity. 

Gold partners: It-Jim, Sombra, Brainstack_.

Silver partners: Renesas Electronics. Conscensia, N-iX, Iterasec.  

Media partners: JAS, NIT, SPEKA, U-education, and Diia.Education.