Science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) are currently among the most popular and in-demand subjects to study. Most importantly, tech businesses are starting to recognize that technological abilities are crucial for future success and growth in both present and potential personnel. Businesses are also seeking a variety of other talents in addition to these.
The job market is fiercely competitive. So much so that, compared to other essential talents and experience, some organizations place less importance on educational degrees. As businesses strive to create workforces who are prepared to compete in the rapidly changing environment these days, communication, teamwork, and a variety of additional hard as well as soft abilities are becoming more and more valued.
That being said, here are tech skills you should consider honing as a professional in the times to come:
Cyber security
Cyber security threats and the need for relevant as well as effective solutions have propelled this field to the top of the list of professions that are rapidly growing in demand. With damages from cybercrime activities already amounting to trillions of dollars, the need for professionals who can secure existing systems and digital infrastructures is growing.
Several universities and online learning platforms are already offering cyber security courses. People have the opportunity to learn at their own pace and choose between a full-fledged degree or a short course that comes with a particular certification. The cyber security curriculum from the institutions teaching this subject is diverse and extremely effective at allowing you to learn pertinent skills for the relevant industry.
The leading skills to learn under the umbrella of cyber security these days include system and network administration, knowledge of virtual machines and operating systems, Internet of Things (IoT) attacks, network security control, risk analysis, coding, and cloud security. These are skills that are bound to stay relevant for several years in the future.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing has become one of the biggest markets globally thanks to the extensive use of data in modern systems and businesses. By 2025, the worldwide market for cloud computing is expected to cross $830 billion, with most organizations now storing their data virtually, allowing unrestricted, remote access from anywhere in the world.
Cloud computing skills currently in high demand include a robust understanding of technical and business applications and expertise in leading cloud-based platforms like Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure. A comprehensive understanding and knowledge of programming languages is another essential skill that is hot these days.
Data science
Data is currently the most valuable commodity in the global market. Businesses are spending millions of dollars not just on data caches, but also on tools and relevant talents to analyze and make sense of this information. Still, almost 91% of companies have not reached a transformational level of data maturity. As a result, data science jobs are expected to grow by nearly 28% over the next three years.
Some of the skills that are being picked up like hotcakes by companies include big data analytics, computing, statistical analysis, programming, deep learning, data wrangling, data visualization, and the capability to process large data sets. These skills, in combination and even separately, make up for an amazing professional journey.
Blockchain technology
Since cryptocurrencies emerged in the mainstream, these digital tokens and their underlying technology, i.e., Blockchain, become the talk of the town. Many leading financial institutions and various other intermediaries are researching their options extensively to somehow regulate and implement these technologies into their current operational infrastructure.
The decentralized ledger technology that makes up Blockchain reduces processing times and improves security in the financial chain. These benefits have made Blockchain and its relevant expertise a desirable skill, particularly in the financial market.
Some of the hot Blockchain skills to master for the time to come include an understanding of standards and ecosystems, firm knowledge of how the technology is built and how it works, comprehension of distributed systems, cryptography, and data structures, familiarity with various programming languages, and command of security principles.
Software programming and development
Since the growing digital ecosystem makes it imperative for enterprises to have some sort of online presence, this one had to be at the top of the list. An increasing number of businesses are also using sophisticated resources and technologies to automate most of the repetitive processes that comprise components of daily operations.
And because coding is at the heart of every electronic product and technological advancement, pertinent businesses are actively seeking out people with these abilities. You can easily locate many of them on networking sites like LinkedIn and similar sites if you are an excellent programmer. Professionals with experience in cybersecurity and programming languages are continually in demand by the tech industry.
These days, proficiency in coding languages and the corresponding knowledge of how to use them successfully are highly valued talents. Some languages employers are looking for proficiency in include Angular, MySQL, PHP/JavaScript, Bootstrap, Code Igniter, and jQuery. Furthermore, the opportunities in the industry are astounding, given that coding abilities are necessary for cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality, and AI as well.
UX/UI design
Ranked on Glassdoor’s list of “Top 25 highest-paying entry-level careers”, UI/UX design is a highly acknowledged profession and a rewarding skill to learn. UI/UX design or user interface and user experience design are skills pertinent to developing platforms like mobile and desktop applications or even websites.
Some in-demand skills in the field include information architecture, prototyping, wireframing and user flows, application and agile development, visual design, and design software. These skills are growing in demand because brands and companies are realizing that without a digital presence, they are unable to make the mark that they intend to, especially in modern markets.
There are various other skills like IoT, AI, robotic process automation, DevOps, and augmented as well as virtual reality that are worth learning in today’s markets. Companies in almost every industry are looking for professionals with these skills, resulting in several educational institutions offering relevant courses in these areas.
Conclusion
Tech skills are dominating job markets around the world. For any professional looking to progress their career or shift to a completely new one, acquiring tech competencies is the way forward. Learning the right set of skills can pay exceptionally, both financially and in terms of experience as well.