Do you know that 85% of the jobs that college graduates in 2030 will have haven’t been created yet? In today’s constantly evolving job market, tech professionals are in high demand. Therefore, if you are looking to secure a successful job in the field of technology, you need to acquire relevant technical skills.
This means that tech skills will also be changing, especially considering automation and AI, which are proving to be significant forces behind this trend. Since machines can now take on more work, most of the tasks involving decision-making and critical thinking are likely to be performed by smart AI-powered machines.
However, even in this fully automated world, it is too soon for us to be completely redundant just yet. In fact, honing skills that include augmenting our abilities with smart software and machines while adding the ‘human touch’ wherever it’s needed is the only way to prepare ourselves for the future.
In this article, we will discuss seven tech skills that are not only in high demand but can also help you secure a promising future with better opportunities.
1. Data Analytics
Data analytics refers to the process of managing, storing, and using data to gain valuable insights and information. Some of the high-demand job roles that require professionals with data analytics skills include:
- Data analysts
- Business intelligence analysts
- Data analytics consultants
- Data engineers
- IT systems analysts
This is exactly why many IT students are now enrolling in specialized courses like a data analytics bootcamp online. Such programs can help learners establish their foundational knowledge and acquire skills to succeed in this digital world. When you have the ability to analyze complex and unstructured data, it can be useful in various IT-related tasks. For instance, monitoring performance data can help identify security threats or pinpoint inefficiencies in business operations.
2. Network Maintenance
This tech skill involves tasks necessary to keep a network running smoothly. The tasks may include:
- Providing solutions and troubleshooting problems
- Enhancing and monitoring network performance
- Possessing knowledge of software and hardware installation and configuration
- Planning for network expansion
- Securing the network against threats
Similarly, some of the most common tech careers that require network maintenance skills include:
- Computer and network systems administrators
- IT networking instructors
- Application and software engineers
- Computer maintenance technicians
At their core, these job roles encompass all the systems and tasks needed to update, monitor, and operate any organization’s computer network proactively before any problems arise.
3. Blockchain
If you believe that blockchain technology applications are solely limited to digital currency, you are mistaken. In fact, blockchain applications now include a wide range of areas, including:
- Identity management
- Crowdfunding
- Person-to-person payment systems
- File storage
- And digital voting, just to name a few
Consequently, there is currently a substantial demand for professionals with the relevant skills, known as blockchain engineers. Some of the key skills possessed by these engineers include:
- Expertise in smart contracts
- Cryptography
- Algorithms
- Data structures
- Security protocol stacks
- Consensus methodologies
- Computer networking
In short, these professionals facilitate secure digital transactions by designing systems for storing and recording blockchain data in a manner that safeguards against hacks and alterations.
4. Software Development
Thanks to the current demand and supply mismatch, it’s an excellent time to pursue a career in software development. This is why many students are now participating in professional training programs to kick-start their careers in the field. Similarly, employers are actively seeking candidates who are passionate about learning to code and have taken the initiative to create functional, real-world applications.
In other words, by acquiring software development skills, one can create and design computer programs that power desktop computers, mobile devices, and even vehicles. These professionals not only possess the ability to identify user needs but can also develop new applications for any market while continually enhancing products based on user feedback.
5. Cybersecurity
Considering the rising cybercrimes worldwide, impacting all types of businesses, cybersecurity is one of the top tech skills in demand. As per Indeed, the average salary for professionals with cybersecurity skills ranges from $100,000+ for network security engineers to over $130,000 for software architects.
So, if you wish to secure these high-paying positions, then some of the key skills you need to acquire include:
- Incident response
- Risk management
- Blockchain and cloud security
- Privacy Enhancing Computation (PEC)
- Threat intelligence
- Compliance and controls
- Application development security
- Security governance
- Computer forensics
- Access management
However, to qualify for the position of cybersecurity management, you also need to possess good analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
6. Audio and Video Production
Audio production skills involve using and recording audio manipulated and edited to sound a certain way or make a particular noise. The sound is often used as an overlay for music or in the background.
Some of the top careers that require audio production skills include:
- Audio/video technicians
- Production directors
- Acoustics engineers
- Technology coordinators
- Audio/video webcast production technicians
- Systems administrators
- Sound engineers
- Sound designers
- Video editors
- Radio network operations managers
- Technical directors
Similarly, video production involves the creation of video content by using already digitally recorded images. Some top careers requiring video production skills include:
- Camera operators
- Production assistants
- Video editors
- Videographers
- Multimedia producers
- Video production specialists
- Video project managers
- Studio technicians
7. Robotics
The field of robotics combines engineering and computer science research to design, operate, and construct robots. Since we are now living in a world of AI and automation, these robots are beneficial for various technological advances, like in medicine or when it comes to performing hazardous or repetitive tasks that humans previously performed.
Some of the most common job roles in the field of robotics include:
- Technicians
- Robotics engineers
- Sales engineers
- Operators
- Robotics account managers
Moreover, the creations by these professionals are used in many applications, such as manufacturing, mining, and retail and space exploration, as they help automate mundane and dangerous tasks.
Conclusion
Starting a new career or changing your current one can feel overwhelming. However, staying updated with the most sought-after tech skills is the best way to secure your future, as it helps you adapt to the ever-changing digital world.
While these seven technologies are here to stay for now, no one can guarantee they will always be in demand. So, as you build your skills based on today’s trends, remember to keep an eye out for new and emerging technologies. Good luck!
