As more users gain access to technologies like IoT devices and smart applications, enterprises are quickly discovering the importance of developing edge computing infrastructure and capabilities. According to a study from Grand View Research, the edge computing market is expected to grow significantly from its 2020 value of $4.68 billion, reaching approximately $61.14 billion by 2028.
The edge computing hiring market is necessarily growing at a rapid pace, in order to keep up with both innovation and maintenance needs for edge technology. Whether you’re looking to hire an edge computing expert or you’re interested in getting hired in this field, data and cybersecurity best practices can prepare you for success in edge computing.
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The Edge Computing Job Market
What is Edge Computing?
Edge computing is the practice of managing and processing data “at the edge” of the network, or near the site of the edge device. Edge technology works through edge sensors, which are distributed more widely than traditional cloud and on-premise setups. Many edge devices and applications are also designed with the ability to process data themselves.
By bringing computing actions closer to the user, edge technology improves latency. It also decreases the chances of downtime, and can even reduce bandwidth costs through minimal data transmission.
Learn more: The Pros and Cons of Edge Computing
Tips for Edge Computing Recruiters
CIOs and tech recruiters should look for edge computing candidates who exhibit typical IT skill sets and experience. They should specifically demonstrate knowledge or certifications in cybersecurity, application development, and the latest happenings in the industry. But many recruiters fail to consider the following hiring needs when they’re searching for edge computing employees.
Don’t Forget About Maintenance Hiring
Brainstorming and building edge technology is always the first step, so it makes sense to hire individuals who can develop the tech. But many organizations overlook the importance of hiring for edge monitoring and maintenance as well.
Edge devices, sensors, and networks are widespread and can be found in the possession of virtually anyone. As such, it’s important for security and maintenance infrastructure to be established and for employees to know how to manage it. Without frequent upgrades and monitoring, edge tools cannot work to their full potential.
Ask interviewees problem-solution questions to see how they would solve common problems your organization faces with edge technology. To really understand their analytical thought process, specifically ask how they would handle business edge problems versus consumer edge problems.
Ask Questions About Ethical Tech Experience
Edge computing, IoT devices, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have all quickly snuck into mainstream technology pools. These tools enable businesses to glean greater data intelligence and automation opportunities, as well as personalize customer experiences.
However, they also present businesses with more personal and highly sensitive data than ever before. Maintaining and developing edge technology is a huge responsibility in the modern world and requires superior ethics to ensure tools are developed with all users in mind and data is used responsibly.
Hire individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds so they can offer a fresh, more user-centric perspective on how these tools should work, and where they should be deployed. At the very least, ask candidates questions to gauge their cultural awareness and ability to build tech that empowers and protects personally identifiable information.
More on ethical technology practices: AI Software Trends for 2021
Look for Potential Everywhere
Edge sensors and devices are found virtually everywhere, so companies need to start looking beyond traditional tech hubs when hiring. Edge computing makes many life-changing solutions possible, such as offering robotic surgeries and self-driving cars with real-time efficiencies. But for edge computing to truly be life-changing, edge technology must be made fully available everywhere — even in rural and impoverished areas.
Look for hiring potential in less techy areas of the country and the world, because you’ll need maintenance technicians and edge experts to build up this infrastructure everywhere. With the growth of remote work and many tech companies moving their headquarters and satellites to new locations, you’ll likely find eligible candidates no matter where you look.
Tips for Edge Computing Applicants
Invest in Data Science Education and Knowledge
Many people underestimate the importance of data quality knowledge and skills. Data quality best practices make it possible for edge computing devices to receive appropriate information in real time. This improves data commands and ensures unnecessary data doesn’t hurt operational speed.
Since edge tech moves so quickly, it’s more difficult and even more crucial for experts to double-check data sets for technical and legal compliance. To make yourself stand out as an edge computing candidate, make sure you know data science best practices and data quality standards. Also consider finding a relevant data management certification.
More on data science: 9 Key Considerations When Building a Global Data Science Team
Build Up Your Cybersecurity Skills
Monitoring edge devices and security is more difficult than more centralized data center and cloud monitoring, but that difficulty makes it all the more important for candidates to demonstrate strong cybersecurity skills. Study computer science in college, or find extracurricular resources and certifications to familiarize yourself with important cybersecurity concepts and skills.
Some certifications for building up your expert skills for edge careers include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Platform and vendor-specific certifications (example: the AWS Snowcone certification)
- Edge computing introductory courses from Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning
Read more: What Is Enterprise Security Management?
Get to Know DevOps Principles
Many companies hiring for edge tech and other trending tech movements are moving toward a DevOps approach. This project management and software development technique focuses on regular, iterant communication and teamwork between development and operations teams.
If you are a new graduate or are unfamiliar with the DevOps model, you won’t necessarily be able to demonstrate your knowledge of how DevOps works. But in the interview process, be sure to emphasize your ability to work in hybrid team settings. Give examples of how you’ve worked on tight, sprint-style deadlines in the past. Though not every edge provider has moved to the DevOps approach, many are developing new technology quickly and appreciate candidates who can move efficiently and take feedback from different sides of an organization.
More on DevOps: Best DevOps Tools & Software of 2021
