Imagine a world where billions of connected devices continuously communicate and exchange data to make our lives more convenient, efficient and safe. As sensors get embedded into everyday objects like appliances, vehicles, wearables – the Internet of Things (IoT) market is expected to grow to over $1.5 trillion globally by 2028 according to Fortune Business Insights.
This exponential growth creates massive opportunities across industries to leverage IoT to improve products and services. However, realizing the full potential requires building strong IoT capabilities – which is driving up demand for IoT skills and solutions expertise.
This definitive guide aims to equip aspiring IoT professionals like yourself with expert-recommended resources to launch your IoT career in 2023.
Let‘s get started!
What Exactly is the Internet of Things?
Simply put, the Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the concept of connecting everyday physical objects like sensors, devices and appliances to the internet via embedded software and connectivity. This allows them to communicate with each other and exchange data to drive useful actions.
While the term IoT encompasses a broad domain, it can be broken down into key capabilities:
- Sensing/Monitoring – Using sensors to detect events, changes or activities
- Connectivity – Transmitting sensor data over wired/wireless networks
- Automation – Taking decisions and triggering actions based on insights
- Control – Providing interfaces for monitoring and manual overrides
Here are some statistics that showcase the accelerating adoption of IoT across industries:
- There will be over 30 billion IoT devices by 2025 according to predictions by IHS Markit
- Global spend on IoT technology is expected to reach 1.8 trillion U.S. dollars by 2026 according to Statista estimates
- The automotive industry is expected to spend the most on IoT technology in 2023, at around 263 billion U.S. dollars
- IoT in manufacturing alone has a projected economic value of over $3 trillion by 2026
This massive growth is driven by innovations across sensors, connectivity options like 5G and WiFi 6 as well as edge computing driving analytics and automation closer to where data originates.
The key takeaway is that IoT is fundamentally transforming companies across sectors by enabling new data-driven business models, operational efficiencies and innovative products. This translates to tremendous opportunities for those looking to enter the thriving IoT job market.
Getting Started: Developing Your First IoT System
While IoT seems complex, getting hands-on experience will demystify many abstract concepts. I recommend starting out by building a simple IoT system using one of the many starter kits now available.
Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:
Step 1) Get An IoT Development Kit
Choose from popular options like:
- ELEGOO Smart Robot Car Kit
- SparkFun Inventor’s Kit
- MonkMakes Starter Kit
I recommend the Smart Robot Car Kit as it lets you integrate sensors, motors and microcontrollers to see practical elements of an automated, connected system.
Step 2) Assemble the Circuits
Each kit provides detailed instructions on wiring up components like:
- Microcontroller Board (e.g. Arduino)
- Motor Driver module
- Ultrasonic sensor
- Motors
- Wheels and Chassis
Refer documentation to correctly connect them.
Step 3) Install Software and Drivers
You will need to install:
- Arduino IDE to write and upload programs
- Library and drivers to interface with hardware
Follow installation guides to configure your development environment.
Step 4) Write and Upload Code
Key capabilities you can start programming:
- Read data from the ultrasonic sensor
- Control speed/direction of motors
- Print updates on the serial monitor
Start with simple programs and incrementally add capabilities.
Step 5) Take it Further with Projects
Once you have a functioning basic robot, the possibilities are endless!
- Add voice, camera and GPS modules
- Control it over the internet from your phone
- Buildobstacle avoidance and environmental sensing
That covers the key steps to launch your hands-on IoT learning experience! Let’s now move on to structured courses and certifications to take your skills to the next level.
Top Online Courses to Advance Your IoT Expertise
IoT encompasses a wide set of competencies from embedded systems and connectivity protocols to device security and cloud interfaces. Online courses allow you to build these specialized skill sets in a structured pathway:
Starter Level Courses
I recommend starting with these introductory IoT courses:
- IoT Concepts and Technologies by edX
- Introduction to IoT by Coursera
- Internet of Things Foundation Series by AWS Training
Intermediate Project-based Courses
These courses teach you end-to-end IoT product development through realistic projects:
- Building the Internet of Things by Coursera offered by University of California
- Launching an IoT Product using LinkIt ONE by LinkedIn Learning
- Building Wireless Sensor Networks Using Arduino by JLCPCB
Advanced Industry-recognized Certifications
For taking your expertise to an expert-level, pursue these coveted certifications:
- IIoT Professional Certification by Canonical
- IoT Graduate Certificate by Stanford Online
- Cisco Certified IoT Network Associate (CCINA)
I recommend choosing courses strategically depending on where you currently are in your IoT journey to systematically advance to an expert level.
Must-Read Books to Become an IoT Thought Leader
While interactive courses are great, long-form reference books provide the depth and nuance across IoT topics that articles and videos cannot always deliver effectively.
Here are 5 definitive IoT books I recommend adding to your reading list in 2023:
Building the Web of Things: With examples in Node.js and Raspberry Pi
This book teaches you how to unlock the full potential of IoT using web technologies. You’ll use the latest tools from W3C along with Node.js to overcome challenges of connecting physical devices to the web.
Designing the Internet of Things
What does it take to build IoT products people want and need? This invaluable book by Adrian McEwen and Hakim Cassimally explores user-centric design for IoT – from devices to dashboards and analytics.
IoT Security: Defending the Network of Things
With cyberattacks exponentially growing, no IoT deployment can afford to ignore security. This timely book discusses vulnerabilities introduced by connected devices and practical techniques to implement robust endpoint, network and data security.
IoT Visual Programming
Focusing on MediaTek‘s LinkIt platform – this book teaches easy IoT application development for cloud connected devices using a drag-and-drop visual programming approach.
Building Wireless Sensor Networks using Arduino
Master setting up wireless sensor networks from scratch using the popular Arduino board. This project-based book is perfect for hobbyists looking to take their DIY IoT exploration to building real world prototypes.
Beyond these, there are hundreds of excellent IoT focused books – but the above shortlist covers a well-rounded curriculum encompassing critical modules of software, hardware, connectivity, design and security.
I recommend referring to relevant chapters periodically through your learning journey to strengthen theoretical foundations even while building practical skills.
Accelerating Your Progress with IoT Communities
Beyond formal courses and self-paced learning, participating in the vibrant global community of IoT practitioners and enthusiasts can provide a terrific boost by:
- Getting guidance from experts when you are stuck
- Collaborating on team projects to build your portfolio
- Learning about the latest events, research and innovations
- Finding mentors and landing job opportunities
Here is my recommended shortlist of online groups and resources every IoT developer should actively participate in:
IoT Central Forum
With over 60,000 registered members, this is the #1 Internet of Things Community. Highly active forums provide peer learning covering hardware, protocols, applications, vendors and news.
Elektor IoT Community
This community focuses more on hobbyists and DIY IoT projects. If you like to tinker and build gadgets – you’ll love the project logs, tutorials and lively discussions here.
Reddit IoT Threads
I recommend subscribing to r/IoT for the latest industry updates and r/IoTprojects for showcasing what you have built and learning from others.
YouTube Channels
Andreas Spiess and Explore Embedded are two phenomenal channels with in-depth tutorials on sensors, boards and embedded software.
Podcasts
For IoT adoption insights from innovators across industries – tune into IoT Inc. The IoT Podcast delivers technology perspectives through interviews with practitioners.
Newsletters
IoT Weekly and Embedded Artistry provide specially curated news, articles and research paper analysis focused on IoT and embedded systems respectively delivered to your inbox.
Actively engaging with these communities while building hands-on skills will undoubtedly take your learning velocity to the next level in 2023!
Showcase Your IoT Talent: Building an IoT Portfolio
Gaining visibility and credibility is key to landing your dream IoT job especially when just starting out. I strongly recommend maintaining a portfolio of 3-5 IoT projects built by you demonstrating end-to-end understanding across:
- Requirements analysis
- System design
- Practical implementation
- Testing and validation
Document your projects thoroughly highlighting capabilities, technologies used and operational aspects. Share them via:
- Your blog
- GitHub repositories
- Videos showing demos and walkthroughs
- Slide decks explaining key details
Some ideas for high-value portfolio projects:
- Smart Security Solution for Homes
- IoT enabled Health Tracking System
- Automated Irrigation Control System
- Solar Power Monitoring Dashboard
- Bluetooth Meshed Networks for Factories
Choose project ideas matching your area of interest and demonstrate the power of IoT systems!
Exciting IoT Careers: Jobs and Salaries Outlook
Let’s now cover the types of IoT related jobs and salary potential that makes venturing into this space an extremely lucrative long term career investment.
Here are the top 10 IoT jobs and their average salaries according to PayScale:
| IoT Job Roles | Average Salary (USD) |
|---|---|
| IoT Solutions Architect | $128,000 |
| IoT Engineer | $103,000 |
| IoT Security Specialist | $105,000 |
| IoT Developer | $80,000 |
| IoT Product Manager | $85,000 |
| IoT Analyst | $60,000 |
| IoT Technician | $55,000 |
| IoT Marketing Specialist | $65,000 |
| IoT Consultant | $110,000 |
| IoT Research Scientist | $112,000 |
Salaries for skilled IoT professionals can go up considerably higher with years of experience – especially in booming smart cities and manufacturing industries. Geography also plays a role with IoT hotspots like California, New York, London and Singapore paying premiums.
For entry level positions, look for internships and junior developer roles to build expertise before specializing. For mid to senior roles, focus on your domain expertise – be it Connected Vehicles or Smart Energy or Retail IoT.
I hope this guide presented you a clear roadmap on building a thriving career in one of tech’s fastest growing fields. Keep learning, keep practicing, keep innovating!
Wishing you tremendous success in your Internet of Things journey ahead!
