Top Skills You Need to Land a Career in Tech

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning




Even though artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are not the same thing, they work in tandem. AI encompasses the entire scope of machines replicating and generating human abilities, while ML is part of this field and uses algorithms to identify and predict trends.




Applications driven by AI have changed, and are still changing, the tech universe. To land a job in this arena, you need strong programming skills in languages such as Java or Python.




There are positions in almost all disciplines, including finance, healthcare and marketing.




Cloud Computing




This is the remote storage, safekeeping and delivery of data, software and content. Many businesses have moved over to cloud computing, which takes away the worries of traditional, in-house server crashes and cybersecurity breaches. In a nutshell, it means that companies don’t own and manage physical infrastructure, but buy the services from a cloud provider.




Amazon Web Services (AWS), a full-house suite, and Microsoft Azure are two of the frontrunners in this niche. Onboarding general and provider-specific cloud computing skills will help you with a career in this market.




Cybersecurity




Cybersecurity refers to the measures that protect virtual networks, hardware and software. It uses certain technologies and skilled professionals to counter issues such as phishing, malware, ransomware and data theft.




Threats develop and grow just as fast as new technologies. As soon as a new virtual safeguard rolls out, a way to counter and get past it pops up. For this reason, those interested and working in cybersecurity must constantly update their theory and skills to provide sufficient defenses.




It’s a wide field with many different niches and is important in just about any business on the planet. Cybersecurity covers everything from penetration testing and data recovery to incident response. Experts in the field are in high demand and often get compensated well for their services.




Data Science and Analysis




Data science and data analysis are closely linked. The latter focuses on gathering and understanding existing information to drive decisions and business strategies. Data science, on the other hand, uses existing data to design AI tools and make predictions about trends.




Digitization and AI prevalence depend on data analysts and data scientists, making these viable careers, whether combined or hybrid. You’ll need a firm understanding of various formulas and algorithms to operate in this field. The skills include a strong grasp of math and statistics, programming, structured query language (SQL) and data visualization.




Mobile App Development




Smartphones have become the core of entertainment, news and communication across the globe. Just as we are dependent on our phones, phones are dependent on apps. There are applications for just about anything under the sun: banking, socializing, gaming, fitness and health, media, business and productivity, and more!




With billions of smartphone users worldwide, there’s a lot of money in successful app rollouts. Plus, these days, companies need more than websites to communicate their goods and services, and keep their clients happy.




In the wake of these reasons, many businesses turn to app developers to design unique apps for them. These applications help them bridge demographic boundaries and reach wider audiences.




Interested? You need a strong tech foundation and programming skills in Swift, Kotlin, Java and JavaScript, among others. An understanding of the mobile landscape, databases, application programming interfaces (APIs), UI/UX design and development methods, such as Agile, is a must.




Blockchain




Blockchain technology saw its dawn when cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin, hit the scene. Since then, it has evolved and expanded to include applications dealing with peer-to-peer payments, crowdfunding and even digital voting.




In tandem with the prevalence of these applications, the demand for blockchain engineers has also taken off. If you’re interested, you’ll need some core computer skills. These include programming, cryptography, consensus algorithms and the fundamentals of smart contracts. Knowing how to analyze data structures and construct decentralized applications is also essential. Many employers also look favorably at experience on platforms such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Soft Skills

Tech experts are often part of teams in larger company setups. This means that they have to interact with other people and contribute to the overall goals of the company.

On top of the field-specific competencies, it’s a plus to have some interpersonal skills such as problem-solving, flexibility and communication. To many, these attributes come naturally. There are also a host of online courses where you can hone these skills.

The tech market is vast and offers many diverse roles. If you’re looking to make a career change or have always been interested in technology and what it brings to society, consider researching courses at reputable institutions. You’re certain to find something that’s just right for you.

By: @Brian (Brian Rogers)