The tech landscape is evolving faster than ever. With innovations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and 5G, the industry is opening up new career opportunities in information technology every day. If you’re looking to launch or advance your tech career, having in-demand skills on your resume will give you a significant edge over the competition.
So, what technical abilities should you focus on acquiring and developing? Here are the top 7 IT skills that will make you highly employable and valuable in the dynamic tech sector.
Internet of Things (IoT) Skills
IoT connects appliances, vehicles, driving automation, and remote control. Skills in embedded systems, wireless protocols like WiFi, Bluetooth, and emerging 5G are increasingly valuable with IoT expansion across manufacturing, retail, etc. Edge computing skills using AWS IoT Greengrass enable localized processing. Architecture skills for IoT security, data integration, and device management using AWS IoT Core bolster employability. Fortune Business Insights predicts the global market[CDPE1] will reach $3,352.97 billion by 2030. Overall, IoT skills open diverse hardware, software, and cloud opportunities to code and orchestrate connected devices more intelligently.
Data Science and Big Data Skills
We generate massive volumes of data daily. Data science skills are highly valued to extract insights. SQL, Python, statistical modeling, machine learning, and data visualization proficiencies are pivotal. Another area is business intelligence and analytics using Power BI, Tableau, and Qlik for reporting. With over 15,000 current openings[CDPE2] , data skills are in demand. Becoming adept in R programming and NLP helps, too. Online masters in information technology degrees equip professionals with the latest data tools like Azure ML and DataRobot to handle real-world complexity. Overall, upskilling in emerging data capabilities leads to rewarding careers where one can drive data-led innovation.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Skills
AI adoption has boomed, with McKinsey stating it can generate over $13[CDPE3] trillion in value annually by 2030.
Developers skilled in algorithms like regression, neural networks, reinforcement learning, and leading libraries like TensorFlow and PyTorch are invaluable. MLOps abilities to build and deploy models are pivotal, too. Having cloud expertise using services like AWS SageMaker and Azure ML accelerates prototyping and deployment. Additional capabilities in speech recognition using Deep Learning, CNNs for vision applications, chatbots leveraging NLP, and chat framework skills boost marketability significantly.
Cloud Computing Skills
Cloud computing drives digital transformation today. By 2025, Gartner predicts over 95% of new IT spend will be cloud-native, compared to just 30% in 2021. As multi-cloud strategies dominate, skills in major platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP are highly valued. Understanding cloud architecture patterns boosts the ability to architect solutions leveraging PaaS and SaaS. Governance capabilities around compliance, cost optimization, and security management using cloud best practices are also crucial. Only in Europe, the cloud computing market is worth €53 billion and is expected to grow to $300-500 billion by 2027, creating 500,000+ jobs, according to OVHcloud.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Skills
RPA is revolutionizing business efficiency by automating high-volume, repetitive tasks. Instead of employees’ manual processing, RPA bots interpret workflows and handle data transfer between systems.
Skills in tools like UiPath, BluePrism, Microsoft Power Automate, and Automation Anywhere are valued. Also, the key is process analysis skills to identify automation opportunities, build bots with the right triggers, and handle errors.
Blockchain Technology Skills
Blockchain has exploded beyond crypto, underpinning solutions for supply chains, health, government, etc. Capabilities in distributed systems, cryptography, and consensus rules are key. Fluency with leading platforms like Ethereum, Hyperledger Fabric, and R3 Corda increases the ability to design decentralized solutions. High demand also exists for experts in smart contracts, a key blockchain component. Blockchain technology is poised to create over 40 million[CDPE4] jobs globally by 2030, per PwC’s “Time for Trust” report. Expertise in framework APIs, security, and architecture principles also boosts employability.
Cybersecurity Skills
With hackers growing more sophisticated, organizations require professionals to secure critical systems and data. Cybersecurity experts are invaluable for risk analysis, designing secure architectures, and leading incident response. The global cyber workforce gap hit a record high of four million in 2023[CDPE5] , with 62% of cybersecurity teams reported as understaffed, despite growth in professionals to 5.5 million in 2023.
The Bottom Line
Technology moves fast. But acquiring and advancing your capabilities across domains like AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and data puts you on the cutting edge. As Marc Benioff rightly said, “The future of work is now. Are you ready?” Stay hungry, keep developing relevant skills, and the opportunities are limitless.
