Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality are shaping the world we live in, impacting daily routines, creating a need for new skills, and enabling more informed decision making with real-time features. The spaces where AR and VR can be found are seemingly endless. There is an abundance of companies seeking employees with the knowledge and skill set to fill positions that integrate these new technologies.
For students planning to kick-start their careers, here is a list of the 10 of the top industries using AR and VR:
The world of academe is evolving with digital transformation trends as curriculum adapts using technologies like AR/VR to reshapce curriculum. Educators and students implement AR in the classroom with interactive learning that allows them to create and publish their own AR experiences. VR is also used for immersive teaching and learning strategies that allow students to go to places digitally where they may not have access to in the physical world.
AR is a new resource for educating and learning in the medical field as itleverages virtual technologyto deliver on-demand information. This technology is also improving patient care and training and knowledge transfer in healthcare.
Aircraft technicians will use AR to find and fix problems a tablet or headset with innovations in IoT innovations. VR opens the door to flight simulation and experiences used in industry and in interactive scenarios for museum-visitors.
Travelers, agencies, and the hospitality industry are using AR/VR to create experiences that are memorable through the physical and digital lense. There are apps that have augmented and virtual reality features, like for city maps and travel suggestions.
Journalists have had to adapt to the way people want their news delivered to them. With AR, they can now deliver that news in the home in a digital format that gives the sense of a real life experience without leaving home.
AR and VR have entered the marketing industry by storm. Companies are leveraging the technology to capture people's attention in unique ways. VR is also being used for many how-to scenarios in marketing.
Both AR and VR are being used in real estate to bring a new level of luxury interaction between realtors and customers. Showing, touring, and closing deals are changing this industry in many ways.
When it comes to manufacturing in the automotive industry, AR is improving the way vehicles are being built. AR is used for training, maintenance, repair, and the sales and marketing side of the industry. Similarly, VR is used for manufacturing and virtual showrooms.
AR is closing the skills gap and preparing the future workforce to fill positions in various fields. It is improving recruitment, training, and retainment in trades. Employers are using AR and VR to educate employees to build the next generation of workforce.
Shopping culture has changed drastically over the past few years with AR and VR entering the space. Customers can now shop and view the items they're interested in purchasing using AR/VR applications. AR is a great product lifecycle management tool (PLM) for retailers that helps them from beginning to end of production.
Learning, incorporating, and producing assets with AR/VR in any of these 10 fields will be beneficial in building a solid foundation in a career path. Students exploring career options should consider looking into these industries and learn about the different requirements associated with AR- and VR-related roles. Not only are these roles exciting and plentiful, they are lucrative, some with salaries averaging as much as $155K/year as shown in this illustration:
The ability to navigate, create, or design with these technologies is one way to set oneself apart when entering the workforce. Many companies are able to create entire teams with employees who have knowledge and skills in that incorporate AR. Building a strong team is a business best practice that students will see when they are interviewing and beginning their careers.
Technical and design teams are just a couple of examples of the kind of task force most companies recruit for. The greatest benefit of skills in AR/VR is the vast array of options. Students can explore so many different fields and almost any career path they decide to follow, they'll find a place to thrive.
Learn more about how students are using PTC software in the classroom on PTC Academic’s website here.
Delaney McDevitt is the marketing copywriter for the PTC Academic Marketing team. In her role, she creates content that embodies the Academic team's mission to empower students and educators to succeed in the digital transformation era.
As a professional writer, she has experience in copywriting, editing, email marketing, content strategy, blogging, document design, and creative writing.