There is a lot of technological change, from Advanced Computer Programs to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science. Now, employers are eagerly seeking candidates with both sharp technical skills and well-rounded soft skills.
But, what are technical skills?
Technical skills are specific abilities, skills, or knowledge required to perform specific job-related tasks. they're like superpowers for making your work more efficient and accurate. Whether you're a doctor wielding medical knowledge, a programmer wielding coding skills, or even a chef wielding culinary magic, these skills are your secret weapon.
It is a skill that can usually be acquired through education and training.
Technical skills are specific to your job and are necessary to do your work more efficiently and accurately.
For example-
- If you are a doctor, you will need medical knowledge and practice
- If you are a computer programmer, you will need coding knowledge.
- If you are an accountant then you will need accounting knowledge.
- If you are a tailor, you will need tailoring knowledge.
- If you are a chef, you will need cooking knowledge,
There you go, these are the technical skills that are required to complete your talk.
These are some examples of technical skills. After Covid-19, there has been a lot of change in the whole world and every industry is moving towards new technologies. In the coming years, technical skills will be in high demand.
Even today, employers look for candidates with strong technical skills for a specific job profile.
Technical Skills vs Soft Skills.
Technical Skills are the skills, abilities, or knowledge required for particular job-related tasks.
This can be achieved through education and training. i.e. – Computer skills, Language skills, Coding skills, etc
It is comparatively easy to learn. You can learn these skills from educational institutions or training centers.
Soft Skills, on the other hand, are People Skills or Interpersonal Skills which are necessary for almost every job.
For example- Communication skills, Teamwork, Time management, Adaptability, and Professional skills.
It is harder to acquire than technical skills and can take years to master. Here we will learn about the 10 Most In-Demand Tech Skills in 2024.
10 most in-demand technical skills for 2024:-
1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Machine Learning (ML) are among the fastest-growing career options available globally. According to the LinkedIn Emerging Jobs Report, 2020 UK, an AI specialist was the top emerging job in the last year. This trend seems to be increasing rapidly in the next few years.
An intelligence displayed by machines is known as Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is a branch of computer science that aims to program machines that think or imitate humans. Machine learning is a part of AI.
However, according to Statista, the global AI market size is projected to reach $623.73 billion by 2028.
The site also estimates an annual growth rate of 33.25% between 2020-2027.
Additionally, SEMrush estimated that only 7% of companies do not use AI but are looking into it.
2. Data Science/Analytics Data Science:-
Data Science is one of the highest-paying jobs in the world. Many companies have realized the importance of data science and data analytics.
"Information is the oil of the 21st century, and analytics is the combustion engine." - said Peter Drucker, Management Consultant.
Also, a famous quote
"We are moving slowly into an era where Big Data is the starting point, not the end." - John Sculley, Apple CEO (1983-1993)
Data science is an interdisciplinary field that uses a combination of scientific methods, algorithms, statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, and systems to extract useful insights from structured and unstructured data.
According to IBM, data science is the process of using algorithms, methods, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. The main objective of data science is to collect, analyze, and find actionable insights for making business decisions.
There are many career paths available in data science. Some of the most in-demand career paths in data science include--
- Data Scientist
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Architect
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Engineer
- Data Analyst
3. Cloud Computing-
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources via the Internet, including data storage, servers, databases, networking, computing power, etc.
Examples-
- Cloud Storage:
- Serverless Computing:
- Platform as a service (PaaS)
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS):
Organizations across every industry are using cloud services for a variety of use cases like data backup, data recovery, software development and testing, big data analytics, online games, etc.
Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing career options.
4. Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR).
AR/VR AR/VR is one of the fastest-growing technologies with great potential in the coming years.
The description mixes up the concepts of VR and AR. VR creates a completely immersive virtual environment, not an enhanced real world like AR.
Virtual Reality or VR is the technology where your real world is completely transformed into a virtual one.
It changes with the atmosphere. This virtual world looks similar to the real world but it is computer-generated.
Examples of VR:- Apple Vision Pro, Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream View VR, PlayStation VR, Metaverse, etc.
Augmented Reality or AR is an interactive experience where you live in the real world but your world will be enhanced by virtual objects and information.
Examples - Ikea mobile app, Facebook AR glasses, etc.
According to Statista reports The number of global VR users is estimated to reach 488 million by 2027.
5. Cyber Security -
As the Internet has grown, online security threats have also increased rapidly. Many companies, banks, and many government organizations face thousands of cyber attacks every year.
Data is the most important asset for every organization and some companies like Google and Facebook are completely dependent on data.
Thus cyber security becomes of utmost importance for them. Companies around the world invest millions of dollars in cyber security measures.
Apart from companies, many government and banking organizations are investing heavily in securing their systems and data.
Thus the demand for cyber security engineers has increased rapidly. Many companies are willing to pay 6 figure salaries to experienced candidate to protect their systems and data from cyber-attacks and viruses.
6. Software Developer (Full Stack):-
In today's world, software is essential for the smooth functioning of business operations. It is difficult to imagine any business operation running without software.
According to Wikipedia, software engineering is the systematic application of engineering approaches to the development of software.
A software engineer is a person who designs, develops, maintains, and tests software using well-defined scientific principles and technology.
Software these days is becoming more and more advanced. Coding is a critical skill for emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). As a result, the demand for software engineers has increased rapidly.
Some of the popular programming languages to learn are-
- Python
- PHP/JavaScript
- Bootstrap
- Angular
- MySQL
- jQuery
7. Mobile Application Development-
Mobile applications are the backbone of mobile technology. Mobile technology has revolutionized a lot in the last decade. Now mobile cannot be imagined without applications.
According to Straits Research The global mobile app development market to reach $583.03 billion by 2030, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 12.8% from 2022 to 2030, demonstrating the immense growth potential of this field and supporting the claim of high demand for skilled professionals.
Companies want someone who can create user-friendly mobile applications for platforms like Android and iOS. A mobile app developer is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and testing mobile applications on operating systems such as Android and iOS.
8. Blockchain Technology-
Blockchain Technology Blockchain Technology is widely used in healthcare, insurance, real estate, manufacturing, and finance.
Blockchain technology has transcended its early association with cryptocurrencies, finding revolutionary applications across diverse sectors. From securing data in healthcare to streamlining supply chains in logistics, blockchain's decentralized and immutable nature empowers businesses and individuals in profound ways. While Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) represent a noteworthy application, they are just one piece of the multifaceted puzzle that is blockchain's impact on the world.
Initially, blockchain was considered a Bitcoin-related technology only, but it is also being used in many other industries (mentioned above).
As per European Business Review Non-Fungible Tokens (NTF) are a revolutionary way to buy and sell digital assets representing real-world commodities, as European Business Review reports.
Other important uses of Blockchain technology are-
- Supply chain management
- Cybersecurity
- Financial services
- Decentralized applications (dApps)
- Voting systems
9. Product Management-
PM is one of the highest-paying career options and the demand for qualified PMs has increased rapidly in the last 10 years. According to Glassdoor, the average base salary for a product manager in the US is $156,504. Of course, it can vary on location and personal experience.
A PM is someone who interacts, guides and motivates the team to deliver a great product in the market.
In a broader context, A product manager's responses include-
- Understanding Users & Market Research,
- Product Development
- Building a Great Business Strategy,
- Build Great User Experience,
- Develop Marketing Strategies.
- Pricing and revenue modeling.
10. UI/UX Design-
User Experience (U.X) and User Interface (U.I) are among the hottest career options available right now.
UI focuses on the visual elements and interaction points, while UX is about the overall user experience and problem-solving
UI is about the look and feel. It's the buttons you click, the text you read, and the pictures you see. The visual style makes an application or site engaging and simple to utilize. Consider UI the curation of the library, how the books are organized, and the climate that is made.
UX goes further. It's tied in with understanding how individuals utilize an application or site and ensuring it addresses their issues. Planning an excursion is smooth, productive, and charming. Consider UX the curator's skill, the capacity to assist you with finding the book you want, and make your visit to the library a positive encounter.
Some key aspects of UI/UX-
- Client research: Understanding who your clients are and what they need.
- Architecture of information: Sorting out happiness in a manner that is sensible and simple to explore.
- Design of interactions: Making points of interaction that are instinctive and responsive.
- Visual plan: Making connection points that are tastefully satisfying and easy to use.
- Accessibility: creating user-friendly interfaces for people with disabilities.