How will the world of information technology (IT) look in the future? As far as the present goes, there are quite a few highly in-demand tech skills that today’s students and professionals can learn to make sure they’re keeping up with the times. From cloud computing to mobile development, here are seven of the most essential tech skills to master as soon as possible in order to ensure your future success in IT.
Blockchain
When we think of tech skills we usually think of engineering and computer science. But it’s been noted that more people will be hired in business and industry roles to manage tech projects. And with this, many jobs will focus on a new skill: blockchain. Blockchain is technology that keeps track of transactions across networks securely, which could speed up financial transactions, settlements, and contracts. This list by CNBC ranked blockchain number 1 in the top emerging tech skills for 2019. Read on to learn more about this emerging tech skill and prepare yourself if you’re thinking about entering the world of blockchain!
Cyber Security
Information technology is no longer limited to hardware and software. Cyber security has become an important aspect of information technology because malicious computer networks are out to steal your data. You’ll want to start by getting a degree in information technology with a focus on cyber security, or an IT certification in cyber security as a back up plan. Once you’ve secured these foundational pieces, there are plenty of other skills that you can learn while working toward your cybersecurity goals, such as how viruses work and how they infect computers, or how firewalls protect personal data from outside access. Practice these skills often and in tandem with your other IT tasks so that it becomes second nature when you need it most.
Crypto Investing
With Bitcoin values and Ethereum values fluctuating so wildly, the market can change within a day, or an hour even. Knowing how to invest responsibly is an essential life skill in our digital era. Companies like Coinbase offer users the ability to buy crypto, store it safely and even provide charting tools. I highly recommend that any emerging technology student learns how to trade crypto. It’s important because when it all goes well you have more money than you know what to do with but if not, you can still cash out with your trades and make some profit before shit hits the fan again!
Product Design
This is a skill that’s applicable to a wide range of industries and often within different positions. There are many different techniques to create product design, so even if you don’t have any formal education in this area, it’s worth getting creative with tools like Sketch and Balsamiq. Plus, there are tons of ways to use your new product design skills to start making money right away! Here are just a few examples:
– You can do freelance work on sites like oDesk or Elance.
– You can be hired as an in-house designer by companies looking for an extra hand on projects or in other departments.
– Use some of your designs as online courses! There’s money in selling products and courses as well (on places like CreativeLive).
User Experience (UX) Design
UX design is a type of design that focuses on improving user satisfaction and performance in digital products. A UX designer may analyze different concepts to find the right user experience, decide what information to show users and how it’s shown, and prototype ideas with the help of software like Adobe XD. This process has become increasingly important as more digital products are developed each year. As a result, many companies are now hiring full-time UX designers so they can put these professionals in charge of these tasks.
Data Analytics
Data analysis is one of the most sought after skills in tech, and there are several routes to becoming a data analyst. Some schools, like Stanford and MIT, offer their own programs. Other schools teach some data analytics skills but not a specialization as such. You can learn data analytics from independent online courses and MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) that don’t require you to enroll at a university or college. The best way to advance your career in data analysis is often by pursuing a higher degree at an accredited institution.
Artificial Intelligence
Though artificial intelligence is still in its infancy, jobs are already being lost to it. And these losses will only continue to grow. Software developers, accountants, and even receptionists are all on their way out with AI inbound. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to panic – there are plenty of roles that people will always need human hands for.
There is plenty of opportunity for you to specialize if you have a knack for computers or simply like writing. Computers may soon be able to do everything better than humans can and cheaper, but creativity and insight still belong in the human domain.
