The last time you visited your bank safety deposit box, you were most likely required to punch in a digit code, but you may also have had to place your thumb on a scanner, or perhaps asked to stand still while your iris was scanned, in order to gain access to your box. This is an example of biometric technology in action.
Most people go about daily life without knowing just how common this technology is. Referring to the ubiquitous nature of biometrics in our everyday life, the International Biometrics & Identification Association states that:
“It is commonly embedded within solutions that protect national borders and ports; enhance programs like driver’s licenses and social benefits registrations; secure facilities like daycare centers, banks, health clubs, and schools; prevent identity theft; secure data and transactions for financial and health care institutions; and protect personal data in laptops and mobile phones.”
Therefore, as security concerns increase across all business sectors, more openings for professionals who understand the wide range of complexities related to biometric technology are becoming available across the entire global marketplace.
Job Growth in Biometrics
Once thought of as fantasy in James Bond movies, technologies like iris scanning that confirm, protect, and recognize identity, have now become an expanding reality. Consequently, governmental indicators reveal that job growth in all cyber security fields as well as in the technologies that support biometrics will continue to move forward rapidly. This is great news for job seekers and career changers who are interested in this technology.
There is a wide range of opportunities in biometrics for professionals to consider. The offers are diverse and interesting. Jobs include, but are not limited to:
- Engineering of the technology to support scanning
- Adaptation of recognition software to specific corporate sites
- Installation work in a variety of settings
- Remote and onsite maintenance
- Documentation writing
- Employee training.
Moreover, the field of biometrics is constantly evolving. For instance, recent developments use infrared technology to scan a fingerprint below the surface of the skin to reveal vascular and subdermal details that result in a multi-dimensional and more complete reading of one’s thumb print. This is another layer of security necessary for vital operations, such as national and international governmental and financial entities.
Certificates and Training
Because there is a wide range of job descriptions associated under the umbrella of biometrics, a great number of certifications and degrees are available for professionals seeking to make an impact on this field. While four year degrees are generally necessary to provide the engineering training to develop the first round of technological innovations, a variety of IT, management, cyber security, and other certificates can act as a point of entry to any number of specific career tracks.
After identifying which branch of biometrics interests you the most, carefully comparing certificate and degree programs will allow you to get the most value for your tuition dollars. Top tier and regionally accredited universities offering certificate programs give students the added bonus of networking potential. Often mentors and peers become a supportive network of professionals that can help promote your career development long after the last day of class. In addition, these programs adhere to the professional and national guidelines and other standardized best practice protocol that industry leaders will demand when you have completed your education.
Conclusion
With the wide array of systems that support identity recognition, biometric technologies are experiencing growth like never before. In order to support this growth, highly skilled professionals are needed to advance the technology, support current technology, train employees, and install and maintain current and future biometric developments.
Professionals looking to apply their knowledge to a growing and exciting field should consider course work in biometrics. With both national and international opportunities, biometric technologies are a vital part of the long term solution to the challenges that come with protecting identity. For job seekers and career changers, this translates into a wide range of long lasting opportunities in a field that is still actively evolving.