Young Brothers: The Future Needs You
Four professions in futuristic fields that need more diversity and may have a big impact on the future quality of our lives.
Writer’s Note: It is no secret that many (if not all) professions could use more diversity within our current society. This diversity comes from hiring people from all types of cultural backgrounds and genders, and with all different types of life experiences. So while the following article is specifically targeting my young brothers out there, please feel comfort in knowing that these fields can and should be sought out by all people interested in having an impact in our future societies.
When I was growing up, I remember being fascinated by all the technology around me. I loved movies like Back to the Future, Total Recall, and I, Robot because of how cool-looking the futuristic cities were. One thing I never considered though, was having a hand in building that type of future. It seemed too far out of my scope. I was supposed to stay in my lane.
Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, some teachers never expected much out of me. There was basketball, rap, and some kind of trade skill work in construction. If I worked really really hard, maybe I might even have a chance as a medical assistant. One teacher actually told me this! Those were my career choices as far as she was concerned. Some of those who will say stuff like this to you might even be your own people.
Now don’t get me wrong, these are all fine choices for careers. I’m a firm believer in becoming and doing whatever it is you love to do. That being said, sometimes what we love and dream about doing, just seems so out of reach — especially when we don’t have a lot of role models to look up to that looks like you.
As a grown adult, I know better. There are so many brothers and sisters out there who are pursuing and dominating fields that we never knew we can be apart of. In addition, there are tons of people out there looking to help you as well. What you young men need to know, is that there are plenty of professions that are actively looking for more diverse employees. They are looking for people who are passionate about their jobs and who can offer some unique perspectives.
Now, more than ever, you should be looking at every career field available and realize that you can do it. All you need is passion, hard work, and the drive to seek out others who may have already started to pave the way — or be the one to pave it yourself!
So to continue to facilitate that mindset, below are few areas where I feel we can continue to make a huge impact. I’ve listed four futuristic professions that are in need of young and diverse talent to join their workforce. See if any spark your interest!
1. Robotics Engineer / Technician
In a fundamental sense, a robotics engineer is a person who is skilled at creating robots and robotic systems. That being said, there is a wide range of areas where those skills can come into play. Factory based companies seek robotic engineers to help design robots that can perform duties that humans need a little help doing, are unable to do, or prefer not to do.
Robotics engineers can also work for the amusement parks and entertainment business by designing animatronic equipment. They can make robots toys, or even robots sent out to do exploratory missions. This professional skill set, along with creativity and passion, can create an infinite amount of avenues for work in the future. Did I mention they can even play a role in creating interactive video gaming experiences? I’m here for it all!
Min. Entry-Level Education: Electrical or Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
Median Annual Salary:~$99,040.00
Role model currently in the game: Silas Adekunle
Check out this video!
2. Artificial Intelligence Engineer / Machine Learning
Every explicit definition of an artificial intelligence engineer can seem a bit bland at first glance. Here’s a recent description I found:
“An AI engineer builds AI models using machine learning algorithms and deep learning neural networks to draw business insights, which can be used to make business decisions that affect the entire organization. These engineers also create weak or strong AIs, depending on what goals they want to achieve. “
~Simplilearn
Yes, an AI engineer will use advanced computer programming languages, algorithms, and big data, to help develop complex digital systems to help make better business decisions. They can work for big companies like Amazon and Apple to help them create a better buyer experience. I urge you, however, to look at the bigger picture.
I think we can all agree that the human brain is a fascinating structure that controls our human body. Now imagine you had a hand in creating a digital brain that can control various objects around us and help them work in more seamless and efficient ways to improve our quality of lives.
You want a digital version of yourself to answer all your significant others text messages while you binge-watch the newest season of the Umbrella Academy? An AI engineer can create that.
Want to build a program that can rap battle against you to help you improve your flow? An AI engineer can do that too.
Want help tracking down sources of infections during a global pandemic? AI engineers got you!
You get the idea. There are so many aspects of our lives that can be improved with artificial intelligence. Having more young black minds in this field is going to be critical in the future.
Min. Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science (with tons of programming experience) or Master’s Degree
Median Annual Salary: ~$114,121.00
Role model currently in the game: Timnit Gebru
Check out this youtube video put out by the UP N UP Podcast that goes over the effects we can have on the present and future of Artificial Intelligence!
3. Smart City Urban Planner
Simply put, urban planners have a heavy hand in designing cities. They help figure out how to maintain good traffic flow, improve sustainability, how to utilize space, and much more.
We need to continue to have diverse individuals develop these kinds of skillsets so that we continue to have a voice in developing areas where we can thrive. As our population continues to expand, and as technology continues to advance, the world will need urban planners who are innovative and skilled at analyzing the economic, legal, demographic, and environmental conditions that can shape the creation of sustainable and technology integrated cities.
Flying Cars? We’ll need help figuring out how to build cities to support that kind of infrastructure.
Think even further down the line, though. Think about how urban planners may play a role in helping to design cities not just on Earth, but also on other planets such as Mars and other space colonies!
We need individuals from a diverse group to help make futuristic communities that reflect the various cultures that will be living there. It’s up to us to make sure we have a voice!
Min. Entry-Level Education: Master’s Degree in Urban Planning
Median Annual Salary: ~ $77,750.00
Role model currently in the game: The Thrivance Group
Check out this cool video by Unveiled that goes over some ideas of that futuristic cities may look like!
4. Drone Pilot (UAV)/ Drone Operator
No, drone pilots are not like what you may have seen on Star Wars, not yet anyway. But drone pilots are an emerging class of workers who have a pivotal role in various areas such as Shipping and Delivery, Marketing, National Defense, Media Productions, and much more.
A drone pilot is a person who pilots drones. But more specific than that they are certified to fly commercial unmanned aircraft systems. They work for companies like Amazon, or work in security and defense. There are also tons of drone pilots who own their own businesses and are contracted to work weddings, movie productions, music video shoots, real estate, land surveying, and so much more. To be honest, the field is growing so fast there are areas that we haven't even thought about yet.
The best part about being a drone pilot is that you can do this without a college degree. You just need to be 16 years of age, have a government-issued ID, and pass a written test. Many people are drone pilots and operators in addition to their other jobs to make a little money on the side. There are tons of opportunities to grow within the drone technology field.
Min. Entry-Level Education: Obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
Median Annual Salary: ~ $79,020.00
Role model currently in the game: Brennon Edwards
Check out Dronr Tech’s YouTube channel for more information about what it’s like being a drone pilot and also info on all the cool drone technologies available!
I hope that you liked learning about these four different career options that are likely to have an impact on our future. Remember that this is just a small sample of what is out there. Whatever it is that interests you, take the time to research it, and never see it as something that is too far out of reach.
Young brothers, there are many of us out here working and pursuing our dreams! Don’t let anyone discourage you from diving into these more technical type jobs. If you love technology and want to make an impact, come and join the movement!
