The top 10 tech skills that will help you land a job in the metaverse
The metaverse is a concept that allows us to live our physical lives in a virtual world. This includes being able to work, shop, and communicate with others who have avatars in the metaverse. Currently, there is no singular definition for what the metaverse is, as it has not been fully developed yet.
Companies are beginning to look at the metaverse as a new stream of revenue, as it has been predicted that the value of the metaverse could reach over £4 trillion in 2030, according to a recent report by McKinsey. They also found that 57% of metaverse-aware companies are already adopting and investing in the metaverse.
As it continues to gain popularity, it would be beneficial for those already in the tech industry to understand what skills they need if they want to land a job in the metaverse. We’ve put together a list of the top 10 tech skills that will help you land a job in the metaverse.
1. 3D modelling and design in the metaverse
3D modelling and design is at the heart of the metaverse. The platform is a virtual representation of the physical world. In order for products to be recreated to a high level, companies will need to hire highly skilled 3D designers. For example, one company has already created a virtual shop called Nikeland, where consumers can try on and purchase virtual products.
2. VR/AR development in the metaverse
You can access the metaverse without the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) however using it will give users a more immersive experience that helps bridge the gap between our physical world and virtual world. To become a VR/AR developer for the metaverse you must be able to work with video game engines such as Unity or Unreal. These platforms allow you to recreate environments in 3D.
3. Computer programming in the metaverse
The metaverse uses VR/AR to create a lifelike virtual simulation, and in order to create these you need to have a strong understanding of coding and various programming languages. These are some of the top languages to learn for the metaverse:
- C#
- C++
- JavaScript
- Python
- Rust
Understanding these programming languages will help you on your way to becoming a metaverse Developer, where you will be able to write the code that creates user experiences.
4. Blockchain/Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) engineering in the metaverse
The metaverse is a decentralised network of virtual worlds, which was established using blockchain technology because it offers a safe and secure way to store your personal data and documents in a decentralised database. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) is a type of cryptocurrency in which data is digitally recorded on a blockchain. Real-world tangible assets like artwork and real estate can be represented by NFTs, which "Tokenizes" them to make trading, purchasing, and selling them more efficient while lowering the risk of fraud.
Blockchain and NFT Engineers will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the new platforms and NFTS for various metaverse products.
5. UI/UX design in the metaverse
UI/UX Designers who create for the metaverse will need to switch their thinking from 'users' to 'players', and people who live and exist in this virtual world. Additionally, they will need to comprehend user psychology and how they envision living their digital lives. For virtual reality design, they'll need to consider the entire 360-degree experience, therefore, switching from 2D drawing to 3D modelling software would be a useful thing to learn
6. Data skills in the metaverse
Data professionals will be required to evaluate and derive insights from the data generated in the metaverse. Environments will be created using data gathered from real-world sources to reflect their own reality more closely and, as a result, be more engaging and immersive. Companies will be able to use customer data to help build and design experiences that better satisfy their customers' wants and desires.
7. Cybersecurity in the metaverse
There are three factors to cybersecurity in the metaverse:
- The hosting platform
- The property (renters on the platform)
- The users of the property (consumers interacting inside the property)
As new technologies evolve, hackers also adapt and find new ways of accessing sensitive information. For instance, equipment that uses motion sensors for speech-related face motions could result in the theft of sensitive data, including users' passwords and credit card information, or the voice command on VR headsets could enable hackers to eavesdrop.
Within the metaverse, you can also make transactions via blockchain using cryptocurrency. Blockchains are designed to be incredibly safe, however, some hackers do find loopholes meaning they can scam users into unknowingly granting them access to their funds.
8. Product Management in the metaverse
Product Managers will be in high demand for the metaverse, as they will be key to helping companies lead innovation, drive technical development and launch platforms, products and tools. Although it's not necessary for a Product Manager to have extensive coding skills, it might be helpful because you'll be collaborating with technical teams.
9. Artificial Intelligence in the metaverse
AI has many uses in the metaverse, including chatbots and avatars, where they can interact in real time through the use of Natural Language Processing (NLP). AI can also be used to design user interfaces that make it easy for everyone to navigate the system. Users will be able to communicate with the Metaverse in their local language and through photos and videos thanks to technologies like NLP, speech recognition, computer vision, translation, and augmented reality.
10. Project management in the metaverse
Whilst many companies are taking on the metaverse to sell to customers, some companies are using the metaverse as a virtual workplace to engage with colleagues. This virtual office environment can be created where colleagues can connect and collaborate on projects in real time. This means Project Managers would need to be at the forefront of understanding the technology and new tools in order for projects to run effectively and smoothly.
These are just a few of the skills you can concentrate on to help you find employment as the metaverse will be one of the key technologies to transform the digital world in the coming years. Make sure you are ready to land a well-paid and highly sought-after career working in the metaverse as more corporations join the frenzy and invest in those with relevant skills.
