The metaverse is coming, and with it will come a whole new set of job opportunities.
It’s no wonder why Jumpstart Media named “metaverse” one of the top emerging trends and technologies to look forward to in 2023. With an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.4% from 2022 to 2030, Grand View Research forecasts that the global metaverse market is set to expand exponentially. From fashion shows, gaming, luxury products, sports and travel to art, many industries are tapping into the metaverse’s potential.
Tech giants like Google, Epic Games, Microsoft and Nvidia are developing their own metaverse experiences, opening the door to a new range of occupation opportunities. The demand for metaverse-related jobs will continue to grow, and the next generations will likely be more involved with the virtual world. Read on to learn about the top three metaverse jobs that will be in high demand in the future!
Metaverse influencer (Metfluencer)
Growing up with social media and networking, kids nowadays are digital natives. For them, the ability to build followings in the virtual world and engage with their audience is in their blood. This will give them a big leg up when it comes to finding work as influencers in the future.
There’s no doubt that social media influencers have revolutionized the marketing landscape—the influencer marketing market reached US$16.4 billion in 2022. As the metaverse becomes more mainstream, there will be an opportunity for the tech-savvy younger generations who will be growing up in the metaverse to promote the virtual world to the world.
Metaverse influencers or metfluencer share their experiences and introduce people to this new technology through social media platforms, such as Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, or in the metaverse. Companies may pay you to showcase their metaverse-related products or services via your accounts or write reviews on your blog or website. Here are some metfluencers who have identified a niche where they are thriving:
- The Co-founder and Chief Metaverse Officer of innovation and design consultancy firm Journey, Cathay Hackl, posts augmented reality art, new NFTs and interviews about breaking down the metaverse on her Twitter account.
- YouTuber Jake Browatzke shares video games involving crypto, NFTs and the metaverse on his channel. He uploads tutorials on how to play the newest metaverse games and lists of the best metaverse games.
- Mike Cussell uploads virtual reality (VR) and tech videos on his YouTube channel. He also runs the weekly podcast “FReality Podcast”. Along with this, he talks about Oculus setup and unpacking, the greatest Oculus games, and promotes haptic gloves and other VR and augmented reality (AR) items on Twitter and Instagram where he manages a significant following.
Designing in the metaverse
Designing in the metaverse will be the next big thing, and kids these days are trained to be good at it. Growing up playing some amazing virtual world-building games like Minecraft, Roblox, Decentraland and more, the younger generations are equipped with a great foundation of logical thinking and design skills.
With the advent of virtual reality, we are now able to design and create entire worlds that people can visit and explore. This is a whole new industry that is just beginning to emerge, and there are already many jobs available in this field. Some of the most popular jobs in designing in the metaverse include: creating 3D models of buildings and environments, designing avatars and characters, creating animations and effects and programming game logic.
For example, Cairê Moreira is a 3D designer who stands out for creating 3D products, immersive communication narratives and in the virtual realm. He works at the Brazilian department store Lojas Renner and has developed Rennator, the company’s virtual influencer. Due to this exceptional work, he has become the go-to name when it comes to avatar design.
As this industry continues to grow, there will be even more opportunities for those who have the skill set to create amazing virtual reality experiences.
Programming in the metaverse
Programming in the metaverse is one of the most in-demand jobs of the future. With the advent of VR and AR, businesses are looking for ways to create immersive experiences for their customers—and they need programmers to make it happen.
Being exposed to coding or design software like Photoshop or Illustrator from a young age, our kids have unprecedented access to information and technology. This gives them a big advantage when it comes to applying for jobs in these fields in the future.
JavaScript, C#, Java, Rust and Python are a few programming languages that will be in demand in the metaverse. Learning these programming languages can be very rewarding. Not only can you create something that others will enjoy, but you can also make money from your creations.
Businesses are willing to pay top dollar for programmers who can create immersive experiences for their customers. For example, Adobe pays between US$113,000-213,000 for the Senior Program Manager, 3D position, along with numerous other benefits. The salary range for a Senior Gameplay Engineer at Roblox’s Reference Team pays between US$163,000-241,000.
How can you prepare your children for these jobs?
If you want your children to be ahead of the curve, it’s important to start teaching them about these technologies now. Here are a few ways you can prepare your children for careers in the metaverse:
- Encourage them to explore VR/AR/mixed reality (MR) games, apps and online communities and learn about these technologies. By playing around with different apps and games, they’ll start to get a feel for how they work and what they’re capable of.
- Help them understand the basics of coding, as many jobs in the metaverse will require some knowledge of coding.
- Encourage them to attend conferences and events dedicated to VR/AR/MR technology happening around the world. Attendance at these events will not only provide your child with valuable networking opportunities but also allow them to grow and learn more about this rapidly-expanding field.
These are just a few of the metaverse job options that will be in high demand in the future. There are many more opportunities, like metaverse research scientist, storyteller and asset advisor, that you and your kids can explore. If you’re looking to give your kids a leg up in the future, consider investing in their education now and teaching them about the metaverse. With its endless possibilities and vast potential, it’s undoubtedly a goldmine for those who can capitalize on its opportunities.
Also read:
- How Is the Metaverse Changing the Medical field
- How the Metaverse Will Change the Future of Workspace
- 7 Ways to Make Money in the Metaverse in 2022
- Time To Travel: What Is the Metaverse’s Role in Tourism?
Header image courtesy of Freepik
