f you are a graduate entering the job market, there is one industry that is looking like an increasingly lucrative option to work in, specifically the growing industry of drone technology. Much in the same way that there has been a demand for IT graduates in the cloud, mobile app and big data industries, many commentators have pointed out how this demand will soon spread to the development of drone technology.
With opportunities growing in this industry every day, IT and computer science graduates who can build, fly and maintain aerial drones will soon be very much in demand. The defence industry, journalists, meteorologists, film-makers, these are just some examples of the sectors that could be soon using drones in their day-to-day lives. It is estimated that, in the United States alone, the proliferation of drones could lead to the creation of up to 70,000 new jobs, with this rising to 100,000 new jobs within the next 10 years. By 2025, it is estimated that the industry could be worth up to $80 billion.
To continue with the USA as a case study, now that commercial drones have FAA approval, more and more test sites are cropping up across America. Drones are being tested in places like New York, North Dakota, Alaska, Texas and Virginia. The point is to test out drones in a variety of different climates and locations.
This has resulted in a number of academic programs being created for drone operators and specialists. A quick scan of some of the US magazines, newspapers and news websites tell you that drone operation is soon to become a qualification of note, and that more and more tech-minded students will seek to take it up. The practical study of drone operation and management is skill that will become more and more valuable when one considers the future value of the industry that I quoted above. Degrees in drone management are being offered by American institutions such as Kansas State, The University of North Dakota, with other courses being taught in webinar and online form.
However, the new field of study still brings with it concerns about privacy and regulation, with digital watchdog groups worrying that it will lead to the creation of a “Big Brother in the sky”. And yet, most forecasts surrounding drones are positive, assuming those working in the industry are able to strike the right balance between security, safety and economic growth. There is a general consensus that the drone industry only deserves to succeed if it can do so in the public interest.
With opportunities growing in this industry every day, IT and computer science graduates who can build, fly and maintain aerial drones will soon be very much in demand. The defence industry, journalists, meteorologists, film-makers, these are just some examples of the sectors that could be soon using drones in their day-to-day lives. It is estimated that, in the United States alone, the proliferation of drones could lead to the creation of up to 70,000 new jobs, with this rising to 100,000 new jobs within the next 10 years. By 2025, it is estimated that the industry could be worth up to $80 billion.
To continue with the USA as a case study, now that commercial drones have FAA approval, more and more test sites are cropping up across America. Drones are being tested in places like New York, North Dakota, Alaska, Texas and Virginia. The point is to test out drones in a variety of different climates and locations.
This has resulted in a number of academic programs being created for drone operators and specialists. A quick scan of some of the US magazines, newspapers and news websites tell you that drone operation is soon to become a qualification of note, and that more and more tech-minded students will seek to take it up. The practical study of drone operation and management is skill that will become more and more valuable when one considers the future value of the industry that I quoted above. Degrees in drone management are being offered by American institutions such as Kansas State, The University of North Dakota, with other courses being taught in webinar and online form.
However, the new field of study still brings with it concerns about privacy and regulation, with digital watchdog groups worrying that it will lead to the creation of a “Big Brother in the sky”. And yet, most forecasts surrounding drones are positive, assuming those working in the industry are able to strike the right balance between security, safety and economic growth. There is a general consensus that the drone industry only deserves to succeed if it can do so in the public interest.