Robots aren't stealing your jobs, but technology has revolutionised the graduate job hunt.
Ten years ago, graduates had a handful of professional pursuits to consider, now technology has blown the field wide open. Innovations in computing have created a range of new opportunities to manage the use of technology in the workplace-ideal for today's enterprising graduates.
If you are still not sure what you want to do for a career, why not look into one of these eight new careers which didn't exist ten years ago.
1. App Developer
Apps have revolutionised the way people interact with technology in their day-to-day lives. With everything from CityMapper to Tinder, the explosion of apps for iOS and Android devices means companies are looking for fantastic coders to develop apps, either in-house or through an agency.
Related sectors: Computing & IT
Key Skills: Programming knowledge, an understanding of how people interact with mobile devices and a keen eye for commercial potential.
Why you should consider this career: Apps are popular and show no sign of slowing down. According to Business of Apps, there were 50 million Android and 25 million iOS app downloads in 2015. The role of Apps Developer favours computer science graduates eager to take on projects which require more creativity than developing business systems or building websites.
2. Data Scientist
Big data is big business. Data Science offers fantastic career opportunities for numerate graduates who want to do something a little different with their number skills. Data Science is a key way businesses, organisations and governments analyse every process, transaction and customer. With so much computer automation, companies need someone to read the data and tell them where to invest, where to trim and ultimately where to improve.
Related sectors: Research & Analysis
Key skills: An analytical mind, confidence with large sets of data and the ability to see the bigger picture and spot trends.
Why you should consider this career: Data Science is an expanding field and more and more companies are looking for graduates to read and analyse data to help inform decisions. If you are a graduate from a mathematical background, a job as Data Scientist can provide the opportunity to influence big business decisions and drive improvements in the public sector.
3. Social Media Executive
You are part of the social media generation. You've grown up with MySpace and Facebook, and now Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. Companies need graduates (like you) who are able to harness the power of social media. Whether used for marketing, customer support or community outreach, social networks are a powerful tool to help build a customer base and boost brand awareness-and ultimately sales.
Related sectors: Internet & Digital Media
Key skills: Competence with a range of social media platforms, a good understanding of audiences and the ability to interact and engage.
Why you should consider this career: Whether it is running Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts, companies need social media-savvy graduates like you to help engage their audience and build brand loyalty. Careers in social media offer the chance to think creatively and the opportunity to engage directly with people who love the brand.
4. Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability is a big focus for businesses and organisations these days, and as a relatively new field many companies are just starting to develop teams to help minimize their environmental footprint. Roles in sustainability may also focus on making business improvements while driving green changes[KS4].
Related sectors: Environmental
Key skills: Knowledge of climate change, and strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Why you should consider this career: Graduate roles in sustainability offer the chance to make a positive impact on the environment and climate change. The role is ideal for those in planning, engineering and the sciences. While businesses or consulting firms do look for sustainability-related qualifications, you can gain experience in the field by campaigning green changes at your university or local community.
5. Graduate Digital Marketer
Digital Marketing is a popular new avenue for graduates starting their careers. Simply put, the term 'Digital Marketing' encompasses the range of online tools which brands and companies use to reach their target audience, including pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, programmatic advertising and occasionally social media advertising.
Related sectors: Internet & Digital Media and Marketing
Key skills: An analytical approach, strong customer service skills and excellent problem-solving skills.
Why you should consider this career: The Digital Marketing industry is constantly growing with more companies turning away from traditional methods of marketing and towards what the internet can offer. Digital Marketing opportunities are usually at agencies, although more and more roles are moving in-house. Digital Marketers need a passion for delivering great service to clients and the ability to analyse data to make improvements.
Read our Digital Marketing feature with Periscopix to learn more.
6. Content Writer/Marketer
Content writers are the wordsmiths of the internet. Well, sort of. Content writers fill the web pages, blogs and news stories you read every day. They spend their hours writing copy designed to bring you to their website and get you to interact with their company's product. Content writing positions have developed alongside social media's 'read-and-retweet' approach.
Related sectors: Marketing, Media and Internet & Digital Media
Key skills: An excellent command of the English language, strong proofreading skills and the ability to adapt your writing style.
Why you should consider this career: Graduate jobs in writing are hard to come by and content writing allows you to hone your writing skills while working on some fun and exciting projects. Like Digital Marketers, Content Writing positions can be in-house or at an agency.
7. E-Commerce Administrator
E-Commerce is one of the biggest new avenues for money-making born on the heels of the internet. Amazon, eBay and ASOS have changed the way we all shop, and the field is constantly adapting to market trends, logistics and customer demand. E-Commerce Administrators help companies display and advertise products online, manage shipping and monitor stock and trends.
Related sectors: Retail
Key skills: An understanding of seasonal retail, an analytical approach and the ability to make quick decisions and react to trends.
Why you should consider this career: A career in E-Commerce can be a fantastic opportunity to work at the cutting edge of retail in a fast-paced and competitive environment. As an E-Commerce Administrator, you will also develop a range of skills in not only retail, but buying & merchandising and marketing as well.
8. SEO Executive
A company's ability to manage search engine optimisation (SEO) can make or break the business, depending on where they rank on a Google search results page. Companies invest a lot of money into making sure they are the first option when somebody does a web search for their type of product or service. SEO Executives use a wide range of technical and non-technical methods to ensure their company is Google's number one.
Related sectors: Marketing
Key skills: An analytical mind set, strong numerical skills and the ability to solve problems creatively.
Why you should consider this career: SEO can offer a dynamic and challenging career. SEO Executives spend their time pouring over ways to improve and optimise their website and increase traffic (and eventually conversions). In such a competitive environment, companies will pay handsomely for someone who can prove they have the skills.
The graduate job market has been transformed with the rise of the internet and technology. Forget the scaremongering about robots coming for your jobs-the graduate job hunt in the 21st century has never been more varied and exciting.