In a dynamic career field like tech, continuous upskilling is a must. But with so many branches and subfields, the risk of succumbing to paralysis by analysis is all too real. How do you decide which job skills to sink your valuable time and energy into?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In the following article, we’ll go over four of the most in-demand job skills in the tech world right now. For each, we’ll talk about what the field is, where it’s headed, and what you can do to prepare yourself for success. Ready? Let’s get started.
What are the most sought-after skills in the tech world?
Current projections strongly suggest the following areas will continue to experience sharp job growth over the coming decade. If you’re looking to make a pivot into one of the following tech jobs, consider earning a relevant online certificate. These short courses provide the basic skills needed to enter a new field with confidence.
Cybersecurity
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of information security analysts is expected to grow by a whopping 35% in the coming decade. In 2023, the field will employ up to 10 million cybersecurity professionals. Virtually every business that uses or has access to sensitive data — which is basically every business — needs cybersecurity services.
Making matters worse for businesses and better for cybersecurity professionals, the number of cyber attacks continues to grow. Hackers and other bad actors are constantly evolving. To stay ahead in this cat-and-mouse game, cybersecurity experts must engage in constant skill growth.
UX design
The analog world is dead. With computers creeping into every aspect of our lives, workers can’t get away with claiming they’re just not tech people anymore. To help these “not tech people” navigate websites, apps, and other wonders of modern technology, companies are hiring UX designers in droves. The digital marketplace has become too competitive to not provide a smooth and intuitive user experience. You can have the best concept in the world, but if your app doesn’t make sense, no one’s going to stick around to use it.
Cloud computing
Over 60% of the world’s corporate data is stored in the cloud, and the trend toward cloud-based computing shows no sign of slowing down. Organizations of all sizes have adopted cloud data strategies to save on costs and facilitate greater flexibility. This shift is a relatively recent phenomenon. It was only in the past 15 years that the technology came into its own and the concept started to catch on in the business world. Since then, cloud computing has experienced explosive growth, and the job market can’t churn out enough new talent to keep up.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to lead the pack in cloud computing, although other big players include Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. Give yourself a leg up in the job market by studying for an industry-recognized certificate like the Solutions Architect Associate certificate for AWS.
Machine learning
Machine learning is a fancy way of saying AI technology. With recent advances in AI-generated art and the new ChatGPT bot, artificial intelligence has once again entered the public imagination. But machine learning is responsible for so much more than producing cheap entertainment for bored internet users. AI is the driving force behind everything from self-driving cars to fraud prevention software.
Many in the technology space believe we’re on the cusp of an AI revolution. AI-enabled software has already transformed a number of formerly human-driven processes. The coming decade will likely see an increase in investment and interest in this form of technology.
What new skills will help you nab a promotion or a higher-paying job?
Learning a new coding language can help you land any number of tech jobs. Understanding cloud architecture and security best practices will position you for the rapidly growing field of cloud cybersecurity.
Don’t forget to work on your soft skills. Employers value workers who can operate well in a team environment. Learning how to communicate effectively, delegate, and ask for help in a constructive manner will set you above the competition. Consider mentoring junior members of your team. Not only will you get the warm fuzzies, but it’ll also help you develop critical managerial skills.
Finally, don’t neglect your negotiation skills. Negotiating is one of the most underrated job skills out there. Let an experienced Pathrise negotiator teach you the finer arts of negotiating your next salary. Click here to connect with an expert Pathrise negotiator today.
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