IT professionals who keep their skills up-to-date are more likely to find employment. The current top IT skills are JavaScript, Data Science & Analytics, Cloud Computing and AI & Machine Learning.
JavaScript
A versatile and beginner-friendly programming language, JavaScript enables web developers to add interactivity to websites and apps. It’s part of the trio of standard web technologies along with HTML and CSS – the foundations for all website content. With JavaScript, you can create video streams and animated 2D and 3D graphics, as well as comprehensive database-driven apps and sites.
As cyber threats rise, IT professionals with strong cybersecurity skills are in high demand. These professionals are able to protect an organization’s information and systems from cyber attacks and ensure data security.
Having the right soft skills is also essential for IT professionals. Strong communication and teamwork abilities are especially crucial for IT managers, who must be able to communicate technical concepts in a way that others can understand them. This can help facilitate smooth project workflows, reduce conflict and tension in the office, and aid problem solving.
Another IT skill set that continues to be in high demand is data analytics. IT pros with a solid understanding of how to analyze large data sets can make informed business decisions that improve performance and create a more profitable bottom line.
Tech experts with a strong grasp of machine learning can take their skills to the next level by learning how to code different types of AI algorithms. Several popular AI libraries, including TensorFlow and PyTorch, are available for software developers to use to incorporate advanced functionality into their applications.
IT professionals who possess a robust knowledge of the SQL programming language continue to be in high demand for their ability to build, test and deploy databases. This skill set is a requirement for IT pros working in cloud computing and other technology fields that require access to massive amounts of data and resources.
In the booming field of artificial intelligence, there’s increasing demand for IT professionals with an in-depth knowledge of machine learning. Oftentimes, software and applications incorporate various machine learning models and algorithms to automate tasks, identify trends, and perform more complex analysis. This is why it’s important for IT professionals to develop a strong foundation in these skills, whether they’re looking to become AI experts or simply expand their tech savvy.
Data Science and Analytics
The data-related skills that IT professionals need to succeed in this industry continue to be high in demand. Effective problem-solving skills, data handling and programming languages are all necessary to help companies analyze and act upon the large amounts of information they collect every day.
For example, a strong command of JavaScript enables IT pros to add functionality into websites and applications. This technology helps them fulfill the growing demand for dynamic online experiences. It’s also a core skill for IT professionals who want to expand their careers into coding and the development of new technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
Another top tech skillset that continues to be in demand is analytics. This category encompasses a wide range of skills from data visualization to statistical methods and machine learning frameworks. It’s a critical area of expertise because it allows IT professionals to unlock the actual value of the vast amounts of information their organizations collect.
To do so, they need to be able to understand the complex information and present it in ways that are easy for business leaders to grasp. This requires analytical skills, such as identifying patterns and detecting objects in images, as well as data analysis software, such as Microsoft Excel, Power BI and Tableau.
Other important IT skills that remain in demand include the ability to perform ETL—extract, transform and load—to combine information from multiple sources into a central database. This allows businesses to monitor performance and find areas of inefficiency. It’s also used by logistics companies to optimize routes and ensure the fastest delivery times, and by financial institutions to detect fraud and security breaches.
Project management skills are also in high demand, particularly Agile and Scrum methodologies. These skills can help IT pros manage large projects effectively and provide more value to their employers and clients.
Finally, IT workers who possess compliance management skills are in demand for their knowledge of regulated industries and government regulations. These professionals are able to identify potential regulatory issues before they become a problem and take steps to avoid them. They also know how to communicate with business leaders to make sure they’re on the same page as IT teams.
Cloud Computing
The ability to access, analyze and store data is one of the hottest IT skills. The ability to use data analytics tools and techniques helps IT professionals find security threats or areas for improvement, and can increase productivity across departments. Learn it through IT Governance Consultancy from a credible IT company.
IT professionals who master cloud computing are in high demand. This is because cloud-based systems provide scalability, flexibility and cost savings for businesses of all sizes. IT administrators and engineers who work with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS and Google Cloud can build, deploy, and manage applications.
Technical design and programming skills are highly sought-after, according to rankings from LinkedIn, Upwork and Adobe. Proficiency in Java, a mobile app development language, and Swift, Apple’s programming language for iOS apps, could boost your resume.
As technology continues to evolve, IT pros must constantly update their technical skills. A good way to do this is through certifications. CompTIA offers a variety of IT certifications that could boost your career, including IT support, software development and cybersecurity.
Another option is bootcamps, which are intensive courses that teach you specialized skill sets in a short amount of time. These courses typically take several weeks or months and include hands-on exercises and assessments to help you hone your skills. Online options, such as Coursera’s guided projects, can also offer a hands-on way to learn new skills.
Lastly, earning an IT degree can be a great way to acquire in-demand IT skills. IT degrees can provide a structured learning experience, while providing a strong foundation in computer science and related disciplines. A bachelor’s degree can be a solid entry point for many IT careers, including IT support and network engineering.
The best IT skills to get are the ones that will help you advance in your career and meet the needs of companies across industries. Project management skills will benefit you no matter your role, and can boost the performance of teams of any size. In addition, learning how to use agile methodologies and communicate with business stakeholders will make you a more valuable IT professional.
Automation
Technical support skills are a common entry point for careers in IT. The troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities honed by working at the help desk translate well to other tech positions, including cybersecurity and automation. Automating repetitive tasks can boost efficiency, freeing IT professionals to focus on more strategic initiatives.
IT security specialists and other technology workers often need to maintain compliance with regulations governing their company’s digital operations. The ability to understand and navigate regulations related to data management, IT infrastructure and software development is valuable in this role.
Those who work with databases know the value of being able to extract, process and analyze data that can be used to achieve business goals. That’s why those with strong database and data analytics skills are in high demand this year.
IT professionals with a solid foundation in programming languages can be a key asset to their employer. Programming touches nearly every aspect of the IT industry, so building these skills is important. Those who possess these skills can help create and manage next-generation IT infrastructures for advanced cloud tools, AI and automation, according to Dice.
CompTIA Server+, which focuses on automating and optimizing server management, is included in the infrastructure pillar of the skills in demand this year. This reflects the increasing importance of infrastructure in an organization’s IT strategy.
The IT industry continues to evolve rapidly, presenting new challenges and opportunities for professionals in the field. To stay relevant, it’s essential for IT pros to regularly update their technical skills by participating in training programs and earning certifications. CompTIA offers a wide array of IT certification solutions to help professionals build and validate their knowledge in this area. For IT managers, knowing which IT skills are in high demand can also help them align their workforce with the needs of the business. This can be especially helpful when determining how much to offer new hires and what kind of training they should provide.
