Now technology is evolving at a fast pace. As technology evolves, it allows for even faster change and progress, causing the rate of change to accelerate, until it eventually becomes exponential.

Technology-based careers aren’t changing at the same speed, but they’re evolving, and the knowledgeable IT professional recognizes his or her role won’t remain the same. And it means keeping your eyes on the future, knowing what skills you need to know and what types of jobs you want to be skilled in doing. Here are eight technology trends that you should be watching for in 2020, and some of the jobs that those trends will create.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has been getting a lot of buzz over the past few years, but it’s still a trend to watch because its effects on how we live, work, and play are only in the early stages. Other branches of AI, including Machine Learning, have also developed. AI refers to computer systems constructed to imitate human intelligence and perform tasks such as image recognition, speech or patterns, and decision making. AI can do these tasks more quickly and with greater accuracy than humans.

2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Robotic Process Automation, or RPA, is another technology that automates jobs, like AI and Machine Learning. RPA is the use of software to automate business processes such as application interpretation, transaction processing, data handling, and even email replying. RPA automates the repeat tasks people used to perform. These are not just a low-paid worker’s menial tasks that can be automated up to 45% of the activities we do, including the work of financial managers, doctors, and CEOs.

The course Introduction to Robotic Process Automation (RPA) should be the next step you take to kick-start a career in the RPA.

3. Blockchain

Although most people think about cryptocurrencies-like blockchain technology like Bitcoin, blockchain offers security that is useful in many other ways. Blockchain can be described in the simplest of terms as data to which you can only add, not take away or change. That’s the term chain because you’re creating a data chain. Blockchains are also driven by consensus so that no single entity can take control of the data. You don’t need a trusted third party with blockchain to oversee or validate the transactions.

Several industries involve blockchain and implement it, and as the use of blockchain technology increases, so does the demand for qualified professionals.

4. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is the future and has already enabled the connection and exchange of data over the Internet to devices, home appliances, cars, and much more.

We already use IoT and profit from it. We can lock our doors remotely, tracking our fitness on our Fitbits and hailing a Lyft ride. But companies have a lot to gain now and shortly too. As data is gathered and analyzed, IoT can enable better safety, efficiency, and business decision-making. It can enable predictive maintenance, accelerate medical care, improve customer service, and provide benefits that we haven’t even imagined before.

Although technologies are emerging and evolving all around us, these technologies now and for the foreseeable future offer promising career potential. And that means the time is right for you to choose one, get trained, and get on board in the early stages of the technology, positioning you now and in the future for success.