Getting to that point of synchronisation between the virtual and the physical on a large scale is not easy. Therefore, companies and countries that are working to build the metaverse increasingly require the knowledge and skills of a variety of professionals.
What is the metaverse and what are the careers that will build it?
The metaverse is the evolution of the Internet, with interconnected virtual environments, in which people create avatars to interact and share experiences with others who are not located in the same physical space.
Some of the career that will make it possible to develop it are:
1. Software engineering (AR, VR, MR and XR)
Taking into account what the metaverse is, software engineers will be needed for its development, especially those specialising in Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, ER and Mixed Reality.
It will be important for software engineers to be specialists in user experience (UX) design and to be proficient in the key programming languages for the development of metaverse environments, such as C, C++, JavaScript, Python and Rust.
2. Data scientists
Behind a realistic metaverse are millions of data, generated both by users and by the algorithms that make these virtual environments possible.
Therefore, in its construction, professionals in data capture, storage, processing and analysis are essential. They will have the responsibility to use that data to generate knowledge for decision-making to optimise the metaverse.
3. Cybersecurity
It is not possible to build the metaverse without cybersecurity specialists. Due to its size and the high flow of data it generates, it is the best scenario for cyberattacks and fraud.
From theft of NFTs with hacked avatars to the theft of private data, there are countless threats to users of these virtual environments.
One cause for concern is the global talent shortage in the field. According to data from the National Institute of Cybersecurity (INCIBE), by 2024, more than 83,000 professionals will be needed in the area, a high demand that may not be met.
4. Artificial intelligence
The role of these professionals in the development of the metaverse is and will be to create artificial intelligence models to automate processes within virtual environments, as well as processing data, predicting behaviour and training AI systems to interact with people and avatars.
5. Sociology and psychology
Professionals in these fields will help to understand people’s behaviour within these virtual environments, as well as to create realities and experiences based on the needs of each audience that provide real value.
6. Marketing
The metaverse is an ideal channel to deploy both inbound and outbound marketing campaigns.
Therefore, professionals with the ability to create and execute immersive advertising actions are needed.
7. Blockchain engineering
It is currently one of the most sought-after areas of expertise, because this technology drives the cryptocurrency market and is applicable in countless industries to protect all types of digital transactions.
And with the rise of the metaverse, it will become even more important because blockchain will be intimately linked to the development and execution of these virtual environments.
8. AR and VR scientific research
Their job, beyond developing basic digital models of the real world, will be to create a base architecture, in which physical reality is fully actionable and will underpin all use cases within metaverses.
9. 3D game designers
The role of these professionals in the construction of the metaverse will be to conceptualise the avatars within each virtual environment or community, as well as to put those ideas into code.
Other careers for the metaverse
The above careers are the ones most deeply involved in the development of the metaverse, but as it grows and consolidates, new occupations will appear and some of the existing ones will be transformed, paving the way to new professions:
- NFT specialists: will be responsible for analysing the market for these goods, which will be very common in virtual worlds.
- Metaverse planner: will plan and implement all the functionalities of the virtual environments.
- Product Managers: monitor the end-user experience and troubleshoot new products.
- Storytellers: storytellers in charge of creating immersive stories for each virtual environment.
- Tour guide in the metaverse: will fulfil the same functions as a guide, but in virtual environments.
- Smart Contract Lawyer: professionals who will be responsible for anticipating the legal risks of the metaverse and dealing with the legal issues that arise in its execution.
- Ecosystem developer: will coordinate partners and governments to ensure the scalability of metaverses.
- Metaverse Police: will receive and handle complaints and claims from users.
The metaverse economy is already moving considerable human capital and will shape many new professions; it is thus a field of work with a high probability of professional and economic growth. It is important to prepare academically for this new wave of the Internet.
