What Is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the network of millions and millions of devices all over the world that are now controlled remotely, via the internet. Fridges, house lights, cars, airplanes, even medical ‘smart pills’ – they’re all part of the IoT ecosystem.
As wireless computing became more powerful, it became cheaper and easier to connect ordinary devices with digital networks, allowing people to control them remotely in real time. These devices collectively became known as IoT.
The Internet of Things makes everyday life smarter and easier to measure, but there are some catches. Greater connectivity has raised questions around cyber security, privacy and data storage. The future needs skilled IoT professionals who understand the risks, and the potential, of this new technology.
Why Work In IoT?
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global IoT market is set to reach $1.1 trillion by 2026, and we’re really just scratching the surface of IoT’s potential. Over the coming years, IoT technology won’t just be used to control physical objects. It’ll be used to monitor cities, crops, people and places – IoT will become an interconnected global digital ecosystem.
Upskilling into IoT is your chance to future-proof your career and help shape the next great technological evolution.
Here are some careers that draw on IoT technology:
- Software Engineer
- Software Architect
- Web Development Engineer
- Java Programmer
- Cyber Security Consultant
- Product Manager
5 Reasons To Learn IoT
It’s in demand
IoT professionals are expected to add $120 billion to the Australian economy over the next six years, but recent surveys indicate 47% of organisations don’t have the necessary IoT experience. That skills gap will create opportunities. And now’s the time to seize them.
It pays well
IoT careers tend to be specialised and highly lucrative. Entry-level IoT Engineers in Australia earn around $86,000 per annum, while senior Software Architects tend to benchmark around $138,000. There’s excellent scope for wage growth, depending on your interests.
It’s future-proof
Global investment in IoT technology is expected to grow 13% year-on-year, with more than 21 billion devices by 2025. Most experts predict that IoT will outgrow its consumer-facing applications and become the driving tech behind cities, countries and global infrastructure.
It’s flexible
Because of its potentially unlimited applications, IoT technology can lead to all sorts of careers. Want to help automate manufacturing? How about driverless cars? Smarter energy solutions? Cutting edge medical tech? It’s all possible with some fundamental IoT skills.
It’s accessible
Some experience in data science, C# or Java programming will certainly help with IoT, but it’s not essential. RMIT Online runs beginner courses in all the necessary skills, including software engineering, programming and cyber security. With practice and patience, anyone can learn IoT.
IoT Careers
Along with data science, 5G and machine learning, IoT is probably the most future-proof skill you can add to your resume. And not just for programming careers. IoT professionals can specialise in product design, data analysis, applications architecture, cloud engineering, communications or artificial intelligence (and that’s just for starters). In fact, the only threat to IoT is the global skills gap. Which means now is the perfect time to jump on board.
Here are just a few IoT careers you might consider:
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IoT Engineer | $86,000
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Software Architect | $138,000
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Web Developer | $100,000
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Machine Learning Engineer | $95,000
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Cyber Security Specialist | $108,000
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Product Designer | $98,000
How To Learn IoT For Beginners
RMIT Online’s curriculum is purpose-built for online study, and you don’t need any special skills to get started. Each unit combines interactive webinars, 1-on-1 tutorials, group work and practical tasks. We designed these courses alongside some of the best engineers, programmers and IoT engineers Australia.
Here’s an idea of what you’ll need.
- Commitment. Our course is divided into bite-sized chunks and designed to fit around your schedule. We recommend studying a few hours every day.
- Notes. Your RMIT Online mentors will encourage you to take lots of notes. It’s a good way to flag any potential problems.
- Collaboration. As part of your course, you’ll be working with qualified IoT experts. You’ll also have access to an online peer community.
- Knowledge. IoT technology is constantly evolving. We’ll help you stay up-to-date with the latest applications.
- Resources. RMIT Online will provide plenty of great IoT resources. These tools can be used during the course, or even after completion.
Learn About IoT
Ready to learn IoT? This is the best place to start. Read as much as you can. Ask questions. Contact one of our RMIT Online course counsellors. You can find all our IoT news and coverage below.
IoT Blogs
Interested in reading more about IoT? Check out RMIT Online's blog below.
What does 5G mean for Australian businesses?
RMIT Online IoT Courses
RMIT Online is one of Australia’s top IoT training providers. We offer a range of IoT courses and certificates, depending on your career goals and experience. Some of these are fundamental beginner courses, and others are more advanced. Learn IoT online, at your own pace, with the help of industry experts.
Topics And Courses Similar To IoT
Ready to expand your CV? IoT technology touches on several different fields, including Software Defined Networking, Cloud Solutions, web programming and 5G. You can check out RMIT Online’s related courses below.