Chapter 6

Become an Informed Consumer

The last few years have given us improvements in the speed and availability of Internet services, as well
as advances in cloud computing and sensor technology. These technical gains, together with recent
developments in automation and artificial intelligence, have created a highly digitized world. Digitization
currently impacts every aspect of our daily lives. Digitization continues to provide new opportunities for
professionals who are trained to develop and support the technology that is used to deliver the IoT.

The IoT provides an immeasurable amount of information that is readily available for consumption. This
information can be quickly analyzed and used to automate many processes that were previously
considered impossible to turn over to machines. For example, just a few years ago self-driving cars
existed only in our imaginations and now they are a reality. Think about what else has changed in your
life because of the IoT.

The IoT is also freeing humans from the drudgery of routine and repetitive tasks such as restocking
shelves and order fulfillment. We may now have more time for higher intellectual pursuits and the chance
to explore all the IoT has to offer.

We are at a point in time in which opportunities are limited only by our imagination. We now have the
ability to embrace all of the benefits that the IoT has to offer and to help shape the future. How will you
use the IoT to help improve the future?
Challenges in the Digitized World

The IoT provides many benefits but at the same time it presents many challenges. Since the IoT
is a transformational technology, we are now faced with an ever expanding collection of new
technology that we must master. The IoT is changing every aspect of our lives.

This is not the first time we have experienced a technological development that has such an
impact. Mechanization on the farm allowed increased productivity of available farmland and
started the migration of the population from rural to urban areas. The development of the
automobile allowed for greater mobility of the workforce and increased recreational activities.
The personal computer allowed the automation of many routine tasks with improved accuracy
and efficiency. The Internet started to break down geographic barriers and improve equality
between people on a global scale. These are only a few of the transformational technologies
that we have experienced in recent history.

Every one of these technologies presented major changes to an established society and was
met with initial fear and apprehension. After the initial fear of the unknown was overcome and
the technology was embraced, the inherent benefits became obvious. Each perceived challenge
opens up many new opportunities.

Can you imagine how your life would be without a car, personal computer, or access to the
Internet?
The Evolving Job Market

The IoT is changing the job market. Traditional jobs are being replaced with jobs that are
designed to embrace this new world and all it offers.

In IT, opportunities may be specific to fog computing, developing new processes, or a

specialization in a discipline that has not yet been realized. These jobs reflect skills spanning
multiple disciplines that include computer science, computer engineering (a blend of computer
science and electrical engineering), and software engineering in the following areas:

 Artificial Intelligence

 Application Development

 IoT Program Developer

 IoT Security Specialist

 Collaboration

 Enterprise Networks

 Data Center and Virtualization

Not all jobs created by the IoT are IT-related. The IoT should be considered an enabling
technology which has applications across all industries and aspects of our daily lives. For
example, a city planner uses the data collected by IoT-enabled devices to plan out new city
services. Sales people use IoT technology to enhance the sales experience with the customer,
and stores use IoT technology to maintain proper inventory levels to match customer demand.

The IoT has created an abundance of jobs within its sphere. These jobs exist across various
spectrums of the design, development and enabling of the IoT. There are broad categories that
summarize the job opportunities that exist in the evolving digitized world:

• Enablers – These jobs develop and implement the underlying technology.

• Engagers –These jobs design, create, integrate, and deliver IoT services to customers.

• Enhancers – These jobs devise their own value-added services, on top of the services
provided by Engagers, which are unique to the Internet of Things.
Entrepreneurs needed!

The IoT is also creating a demand for a new kind of IT specialist. These are individuals with the
knowledge and skillsets to develop new IoT-enabled products and process the data they collect.

An entrepreneurial workforce is needed that specializes in both information science and

software or computer engineering.

Additionally, operational technologies and information technologies are converging in the IoT.
With this convergence, people must collaborate and learn from each other to understand the
things, the networks, and methodologies that harness the limitless potential of the IoT.
Lifelong Learning

With the ever changing landscape of the digitized world, we must stay current in order to realize
the full potential of what the IoT has to offer.

The job market will continue to offer more opportunities as new technologies evolve. The skill
sets required for these jobs will evolve at the same time, thus creating the need for lifelong
learning.

Cisco Networking Academy

The rapid growth of networks has created a global shortage of people who are qualified to
implement and maintain networking solutions, especially in places where networks are being
built to promote economic development. At the same time, people need access to better training
and career opportunities to successfully compete in the global economy.

With over 10,400 academies in 180 countries, the Cisco Networking Academy helps individuals
prepare for industry-recognized certifications and entry-level information and communication
technology (ICT) careers in virtually every type of industry. The Cisco Networking Academy
helps address the growing demand for ICT professionals, while improving career prospects in
communities around the world.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program has trained more than five million students to date.
Many graduates have gone on to successful IT careers in a variety of industries, while others
have harnessed the entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge they acquired to start their own
businesses and create new jobs.

Networking Academy Curriculum

The Networking Academy delivers a comprehensive, 21st century learning experience.

Students develop the foundational IT skills needed to design, build, and manage networks,
along with career skills such as problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students
complete hands-on learning activities and network simulations to develop practical skills that will
help them find their place among networking professionals around the world. These are some of
the offerings of the Networking Academy:

 IoT Fundamentals – This series of courses teaches you about the IoT and how it can be
used to enhance society. This series continues to evolve. It currently includes courses and
activities to develop your skills for securely collecting data and connecting sensors to the
cloud, analyzing big data, and creating your own IoT solution.

 IT Essentials - IT Essentials covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software.

It also introduces more advanced concepts, such as security, networking, and the
responsibilities of an IT professional.

 Entrepreneurship - The Entrepreneurship course teaches critical business skills, financial

skills, attitudes, and behaviors to help students develop an entrepreneurial mindset which
can empower them to improve their overall quality of life.

 Introduction to Cybersecurity - The Introduction to Cybersecurity course covers trends in

cybersecurity and demonstrates the need for cybersecurity skills in various industries.
  CCNA Routing and Switching – Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) Routing
and Switching provides a comprehensive overview of networking concepts and skills. It
covers skills and knowledge required for administrators of devices in small to medium-
sized networks. This curriculum has an emphasis on practical application, work-force
readiness, and soft-skills development.

 CCNA Security - CCNA Security introduces the core security concepts and skills needed
to install, troubleshoot, and monitor a network to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and
availability of data and devices.

 CCNP – The Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) curriculum is the next step
for people who have completed the CCNA Routing and Switching courses.

For more information on our latest offerings, go to the Networking Academy website
at www.netacad.com.

Communities of Interest

A community of interest is a group of people who share a common interest or passion about a
specific topic. These people get together to share information and ideas about this topic.

This shared interest allows the group to develop into a true community. Members of these
communities are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the topic being discussed and
are willing to share their knowledge with other community members. This makes the community
an excellent resource for the development of the area of interest.

The Internet allows these communities to exist virtually and span several geographic areas and
time zones. Members can share files and technology in real time.
Several IoT communities exist. The IEEE runs an IoT community that can be found here.
LinkedIn also has an IoT community here.

Some communities are supported by industry and provide a place to help development of their
products and technology, as well as those of their business partners. Two such communities
provided by Cisco are the Cisco Learning Network and Cisco DevNet.

The Cisco Learning Network is a collection of resources, information, and discussion forums. It
is designed for people who wish to develop their skills in various Cisco technologies and pursue
Cisco certification. To see what the Cisco Learning Network has to offer and to become a
member, visit their website at learningnetwork.cisco.com.

DevNet is a Developer Program from Cisco that consists of a website, an interactive developer
community, coordinated developer tools, integrated discussion forums, and sandboxes. To learn
more about what DevNet offers visit their website at developer.cisco.com. Search the Internet to
see some of the ways people are using the resources provided by DevNet in the development
of IoT technology.

ndustry Certifications

Industry certifications are highly respected by employers around the world and help validate the
skills needed to launch successful careers in networking and IT. Certifications are achieved by
passing an exam proctored by a certifying authority. Students must complete training materials
specific to the certification exam. Field experience is often very helpful, but not always required,
to pass a certification exam. Cisco Networking Academy provides courses that prepare students
for the industry certifications that are shown in Figure 1.
There are two basic types of certification available: vendor-specific and vendor-neutral. Vendor-
specific certifications are tailored to technologies offered by a company to prove that an
individual is qualified to deploy and manage that technology. Vendor-neutral certifications are
offered by many different organizations. They show that an individual has a well-rounded skillset
centered on common systems and programs, rather than specific brands of technology.

Most often, certifications must be renewed over time. Requirements for re-certification may be
earning continuing education units (CEUs), passing a re-certification exam, or both. CEUs can
be earned by attending classes, professional membership, on-the-job experience, or research
and publishing of materials that support the certification technology.

The Cisco Certification Tracks are shown in Figure 2. To explore all of the different Cisco career
certifications, visit the following website: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com.

Additional Learning Resources

Certifications can show an employer that an individual has the appropriate skills for a job.
Community college or university degrees can show that a person has gained a broad
understanding in a field of study. This broad understanding creates a solid foundation for
emerging career opportunities in the IoT. A combination of industry certifications and university
degrees provides a student with the best background, experience, and education to pursue a
career with greater opportunities and higher salary.

When looking for a degree to pursue at a community college or university that will pertain to the
skillsets needed for a career in the IoT, watch for some of the following degrees:

 Business Intelligence
  Computer Information Systems

 Computer Programming

 Computer Science

 Database Administration

 Electromechanical Automation

 Electronics Engineering

 Linux Networking

 Machining

 Network Administration

 System Analysis

 Web Server Administrator

This is not an exhaustive list. Even traditional degree programs such as supply chain
management, business, and project management are helpful for careers in IoT. Computer-
Aided Design (CAD), drafting, math, and physics are applicable and show a diverse education,
which is perfect for an IoT career.
Lab – IoT Related Job and Learning Opportunities

As an individual or group, you will search for and document IoT educational and job
opportunities that are available to you. You will then share these results with your colleagues.

Lab – IoT Related Job and Learning Opportunities

Summary

This chapter began by discussing the challenges and opportunities in the digital world.
Digitization continues to provide new opportunities for professionals who are trained to develop
and support the technology that is used to deliver the IoT.

In IT, opportunities may be specific to fog computing, developing new processes, or a

specialization in a discipline that has not yet been realized. These jobs reflect skills spanning
multiple disciplines that include computer science, computer engineering (a blend of computer
science and electrical engineering), and software engineering. There are broad categories that
summarize the job opportunities that exist in the evolving digitized world:

• Enablers – These jobs develop and implement the underlying technology.

• Engagers –These jobs design, create, integrate, and deliver IoT services to customers.
• Enhancers – These jobs devise their own value-added services, on top of the services
provided by Engagers, which are unique to the Internet of Things.

An entrepreneurial workforce is needed that specializes in both information science and

software or computer engineering. The Cisco Networking Academy Program has trained more
than five million students to date. Many graduates have gone on to successful IT careers in a
variety of industries, while others have harnessed the entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge they
acquired to start their own businesses and create new jobs. Go to www.netacad.com to see the
variety of courses offered.

There are two basic types of certification available: vendor-specific and vendor-neutral. Vendor-
specific certifications are tailored to technologies offered by a company to prove that an
individual is qualified to deploy and manage that technology. Vendor-neutral certifications are
offered by many different organizations. Certifications can show an employer that an individual
has the appropriate skills for a job. Community college or university degrees can show that a
person has gained a broad understanding in a field of study. This broad understanding creates
a solid foundation for emerging career opportunities in the IoT.

Summary Text