TECH4GOOD

Many of us are fixated on artificial intelligence's potential to disrupt humanity. But an emerging new world order is shaping up in the virtual world: the metaverse.

The metaverse is a rapidly evolving virtual universe that combines technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI). We may not be fully immersed in it yet, but in the metaverse, the digital landscape is no longer confined to flat screens and scrolling feeds. It will be a vibrant, interconnected tapestry of virtual worlds. It will not just reshape how we interact online—it is expected to revolutionize the job market in a significant way, creating roles that were once confined to science fiction.

Forget dusty job descriptions of the past. Professionals may need a blend of technical, creative, business, and soft skills to succeed in this field, from avatar fashion designers crafting digital wardrobes to being digital architects sculpting breathtaking virtual skylines or even virtual economists charting the fluctuating fortunes of burgeoning metaverse marketplaces. The metaverse promises to be a fertile ground for a generation of jobs that were the stuff of science fiction just a few short years ago. In a tech-savvy nation like the Philippines, this burgeoning frontier offers a tantalizing glimpse into the future of work.

Most leading tech companies worldwide are beginning to invest heavily in this virtual frontier, creating demands for specialized skills in areas like blockchain engineering, AR/VR development, and digital ecosystem planning. The metaverse provides rich ground for career paths that blur the lines between reality and imagination, offering endless opportunities for those ready to embrace this bold new world.

New roles will emerge outside of the usual technical roles in demand today, such as cybersecurity specialists, coders, and hardware engineers. Metaverse architects will design and oversee the creation of entire virtual worlds, including their infrastructure, spatial layout, and technical frameworks. They are the master planners of the metaverse. Extended reality or XR developers will specialize in building applications and experiences for virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality platforms within the metaverse. This includes developing immersive interfaces, interactive elements, and seamless transitions between real and virtual environments.

Metaverse-focused blockchain engineers will develop and implement blockchain solutions for metaverse economies, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) - unique digital identifiers used in blockchains, digital asset ownership, and secure transactions. Artificial intelligence specialists, on the other hand, will develop AI-powered avatars, intelligent agents, personalized experiences, content generation, and moderation systems within virtual worlds.

Digital twin engineers will create and manage virtual replicas of real-world objects, environments, and processes. These virtual replicas will be used for simulation, training, and organizational purposes relevant to infrastructure, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. Spatial Computing Engineers will focus on making underlying technologies that enable interaction within 3D virtual spaces, including sensor integration, spatial mapping, and real-time data processing.

Creative professionals will play an essential role in the metaverse world. 3D animators will create virtual environments, objects, avatars, and assets. They will also bring virtual elements to life through animation and motion design, enhancing immersion and user engagement. Among the critical roles needed in the metaverse, avatar fashion designers will design virtual clothing and accessories for avatars, which have to conform to individual styles and preferences.

Professional managers will be needed to run different business roles. Metaverse real estate developers will acquire, develop, and manage virtual land and properties within metaverse platforms, while virtual commerce managers will oversee the buying and selling of goods and services within metaverse marketplaces. Metaverse lawyers will handle legal issues related to the metaverse, such as intellectual property, data privacy, smart contracts, and governance.

There will also be roles related to supporting the metaverse communities. The metaverse community managers will build and manage online communities within metaverse platforms, promote engagement, and maintain excellent user experience.

Transitioning from a traditional job to a metaverse-related role may not be straightforward, as major adjustments will come into play. Candidates will have to assess their current skills and see how they align with metaverse roles. However, there are available online courses or boot camps focused on metaverse technologies such as AR/VR, blockchain, and Web3. Examples include Unity Learn for VR/AR development, Certified Metaverse Expert programs, and Blockchain and NFT engineering courses.

In the Philippines, adopting these roles might initially be driven by global outsourcing trends, with Filipino talent contributing to international metaverse projects. However, as local adoption of metaverse technologies grows, we expect to see a rise in demand for professionals in areas like virtual event management, NFT art and creation (leveraging Filipino artistic talent), and potential customer support within local metaverse initiatives.
The metaverse is still evolving rapidly. Adaptability and continuous learning will be crucial for professionals looking to build careers in this exciting new frontier.

(The author is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, lead convener of the Alliance for Technology Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), vice president of the Analytics and AI Association of the Philippines, and vice president of UP System Information Technology Foundation. Email: [email protected])