Which companies are working on the top 3 Consumer Tech Trends of 2020?

Welcome to the future!

As you look to build your career in tech, let’s discuss some of the consumer tech trends that will be growing in 2020 — and companies that will likely be hiring in these areas.

We will always remember when “Baby Yoda” took over the internet.

1. 5G: Growth in next-generation cellular technology

   • With the 5G rollout comes the ability for data to travel at ridiculous speeds — whether that is to let you download movies in seconds or to help self-driving cars make split-second decisions. As cellular providers improve the tech rollout, device manufacturers will also be working hard to get consumers and businesses the tools needed to take advantage of these lightning speeds. Initially, these devices will be smartphones but will progress to drones, robots and self-driving cars who require the increased latency of 5G speeds to have devices talk to each other super-fast. Sadly, it doesn’t look like this will be hitting more rural areas — but many large cities have already received these faster speeds.

   • Companies to watch out for: Verizon; T-Mobile; AT&T; Apple; Samsung; Waymo/self-driving car companies

2. Entertainment: The streaming wars continue

   • According to research firm eMarketer, Netflix was the most-watched video service in the United States in 2019, with people spending an average of 23 minutes a day streaming its content. And we all know how Disney+ and “Baby Yoda” took over the internet once the Mandalorian launched. And with Apple TV Plus and HBO Max out — the Clone Wars (aka the streaming wars) are only going to increase. Also watch out for each of these companies to be competing on sharing existing content and developing original content. Most of this is focused on video content — but Apple and Google also continue to innovate on music streaming to compete with Spotify.

   • Companies to watch out for: Google (YouTube); Disney (Disney+); Netflix; Roku; Apple TV Plus; Spotify

3. IOT + AI = Really Smart Homes

   • Artificial Intelligence is what powers all of those voice-assisted smart speakers you have in your home, whether you speak to Siri, Alexa or ‘Hey Google.’ And now that Apple, Amazon and Google are all in your homes, each of them is pushing harder to use the Internet Of Things to help your home take care of your every need — without you having to think about it. Your smart fridge sees that you are low on mustard and orders it from Amazon Grocery for you. Or your Google device turns on your lights as you pull into the driveway because it knew when you left the office, based on your Google Maps activity. All of these innovations are on the way (and will continue discussions on balancing privacy vs convenience as they work together on interoperability standards). And software automation companies like IFTTT and Zapier will continue to help with connecting devices and software tools.

   • Companies to watch out for: Amazon; Apple; Google; Samsung; LG; IFTTT; Zapier

Now if you really want to see the future, check out some of the startups that are already working on technologies that could change the way we interact with the world around us.

Next week: I’ll discuss the top 3 tech trends in B2B (business-to-business) on the horizon. Stay tuned!

Want a Career in Tech but aren’t sure where to start? Take a look at MY COURSE, ‘TECH SEARCH COMPASS’ FOR STEP-BY-STEP SUPPORT

How to start learning about tech

So you’re probably thinking…I know that I want to work in tech…but where do I start?

I hear this question A LOT from my students.

Many come from other industries that operate differently or don’t have much overlap with tech - and it seems daunting to learn a whole new industry. You’re not alone!

Here are a couple tips to get you started:

1. Start with the tech you engage with every day.

   • Are you a huge fan of using Instagram or Snapchat to document your day? Consider whether you want to work for a tech company that runs a social media platform. Or maybe consider working for an ad-tech firm that helps its clients develop marketing strategies on social media platforms.

   • Did you enjoy helping your previous employer train your team on how to use Salesforce? Consider whether you would like working for a large B2B cloud platform like Salesforce or Workday to help other businesses run their Sales or HR operations more smoothly. Or maybe consider working for a company like Gainsight that helps other companies integrate many tech tools together in one dashboard to help improve their customer’s experiences (very meta, I know).

   • Do you enjoy comparing personal finance tools and making recommendations to your friends? Maybe fintech firms like Intuit (that runs Mint.com) or Paypal (that runs Venmo) might be worth checking out. Or you could consider working for a big bank like Goldman Sachs on their Marcus platform.

2. If you see a term that you don’t know, look it up or ask someone to help explain it.

   • Do you know what B2B means? Business-to-Business

     • What about ‘machine learning’ or ‘fintech’?

   • While I’ve provided some links here, I highly encourage you to use your trusty Google search bar to look these topics up for yourself to get used to developing your own tech knowledge base.

   • Most people I know in tech are always looking up new terms and educating themselves because they find these topics fascinating and likely they will want to help you understand them too - if you just ask.

   Note: if you have done some research and still don’t find a tech topic interesting, that’s a great piece of feedback for yourself. Add it to your ‘not interested’ list - and consider that a helpful way to narrow your focus!

If you spend some time doing both of the suggestions above, you’ll be well on your way to making your tech dream a reality! The Tech Search Compass course will also guide you through this learning process too.

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Want to learn about tech but not sure where to start? Take a look at my Career Strategy Session options or my course, ‘Tech Search Compass’ for step-by-step support.

3 Secrets to finding a job in tech

If you have ever searched for a job before, you know that it’s not just as easy as clicking ‘apply’ and BOOM - the job offer appears. If only…

Instead, what usually happens is that you apply for a ton of jobs via LinkedIn and Indeed and <insert platform> and wait...and wait...and wait for a reply.

In fact, you’re probably still waiting…

While companies are trying out new types of technological tools to help accelerate the job application process, most of them have not gotten there yet. Instead, some of the traditional search methods still apply -- but with a few modern twists. 

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Here are a few secrets to help you better navigate your tech career search process. 

1. Having a specific career vision/direction

• While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised at how many job seekers skip over this part and jump straight into applying to any job that looks interesting. 

• It’s critical that you take some time to ensure that you know something about the industry, role(s), key skills, and career trajectory -- and that these items all align with your goals and preferences. 

  • You need to know all of these items before you can adequately prep for any interviews -- practiced interviewers can tell when a candidate doesn’t have a destination or goal in mind. 

  • Don’t worry if this sounds like a lot - we’re here to guide you!

• If you’re really not sure what you want to do with your next steps in life, I highly recommend checking out the book/site Designing Your Life and doing the exercises included in the book. 

2. Having a plan to execute on that career vision

• Once you have a direction that you’d like to aim for, it becomes much easier to build a personalized plan for how to execute your career search. 

• There will be a few common steps that all job seekers must take - but given how rapidly the tech industry changes, you need to build your own flexible career search plan. 

3. Having the confidence and support to achieve the vision

• This is critical to the success of your search - and often it hinges on whether or not you took the time to think about item #1, and articulate your career vision. 

• Job searching is a process that involves a lot of learning. Unless you have some type of compass direction heading that’s guiding you, it’s easy to lose confidence when you struggle or when you face a decision about when or if to pivot to a new role.

• The other piece that is critical is your support team. You need to identify people you can trust to help you when you’re unsure of what to do or to cheer you on when you get that first interview!

The Tech Search Compass course is optimized to help you with items #1 and 2, and by completing the course, you’ll also increase your confidence and identify supporters to help you along the way.

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Want personalized job search strategy tips and career guidance? Take a look at my Career Strategy Session options.