Have you ever considered a career in information technology? It’s an exciting time to work in the technology domain, as skilled IT technicians are in demand more than ever before. From product managers to augmented reality designers, you can explore a variety of job roles when investing in the right skills.
What role are you seeking, and which skills do you want to focus on the most? Learning what tech skills employers are looking for will assist you in deciding on a suitable course of action. This article offers insight into the most in-demand skills relevant to today’s industry, so you know what skills to prioritize.
1. Programming Languages
Programming is at the heart of any digital service or tech product, so it's important to know how to use at least one of these languages. The most in-demand programming languages include C++, Python, Bootstrap, MySQL, and CodeIgniter. Having an understanding of these languages is crucial in the technology industry, as this can open doors for you in many exciting ways.
CSS and HTML are suitable for beginners, while Python is the second most used language on GitHub, and JavaScript is the most popular programming language that you should always try to master. Overall, it depends on your specific goals. Want to build the next best app? C++ or C# may be your calling.
2. Contributing to Code bases (GitHub)
As a tech graduate, GitHub is an excellent platform for you to showcase your talent to potential employers. Most companies today require graduates to demonstrate their coding skills through their contributions on GitHub and code repositories that they have developed. It's almost like a coding portfolio.
With access to this body of work, employers can get to know your coding style and skills, and show how capable you can be for the job. An active GitHub account proves that you have the skills to assist them! If you want to begin or grow your programming skills, here are the best HTML and CSS projects for beginners.
3. Technical Writing
Even if you are in a technical role, you may be working with teams or individuals who are not technically inclined. Technical writing is an amazing and in-demand technical skill that can you help communicate instruction manuals, journal articles, and important content in simple terms.
This ability to convert complicated technical jargon into easy-to-understand terms is a sought-after skill in the information technology industry, as it shows your understanding of complex products or information. Imagine that you're working on an application that works with data; somebody needs to translate this for the public! You'll be the expert communicator that people look up to.
4. Data Analysis
Are you an analytical person? Many companies worldwide are leveraging big data analysis to represent information visually, and this data is always growing. Data analysts store, manage, and analyze data to gain insights into a project and are seen as valuable assets to teams. To boost decision-making skills and bring more accuracy to the table, many companies are adopting data analytics, such as health, software, and education.
If you are breaking into the technology field, data analysis skills are invaluable as a fresh graduate. When competing with other tech graduates, you should have knowledge of data visualization and cleaning, Python, linear algebra, calculus, and MATLAB, which work with functions and data.
5. Systems Architecture
In this ever-evolving IT domain, possessing a strong knowledge of systems and networks is necessary. As a systems architect, you will be responsible for configuring computer and network systems. Imagine how much you could help small or large businesses.
With systems architecture skills, you need to have a strong understanding of computer workload, system design requirements, and programming skills. Organizational and business expertise is a big plus, as technology companies will feel reassured that their graduate employees are reliable. If you don't know where to begin, here are some data engineer and data architect certifications to upgrade your skills.
6. Project Management
For tech graduates, project management skills are looked up to; many of these roles will populate your feed on LinkedIn. Project management is important due to the risk and complexity of managing many areas of business at once, so you can have the upper hand with this skill.
It is essential for graduates to be able to design and execute a project where requirements are ever-changing, such as a combination of hard skills, technical know-how, and soft skills, such as problem-solving. It is also ideal for graduates to understand the business landscape in which they’ll operate, so you'll know best on how to support them. If you'd like to learn more, have a look at the top technical skills for product managers.
7. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity experts help businesses secure their systems and data from cyberattacks, so these skills are critical to prevent data breaches. Working in this domain requires you to possess an extensive understanding of networks, cloud systems, critical thinking skills, and programming languages. Imagine the difference you could make in terms of protecting a company's most valuable assets.
Some of the popular job roles in cybersecurity are cyber risk analysts, cybersecurity analysts, and network engineers. Strong cybersecurity skills also mean you can work remotely and work your way up the IT ladder. If you're aiming to work for big organizations in the future, cybersecurity skills are worth the investment.
8. Machine Learning
While machine learning belongs to the field of artificial intelligence, specialist machine learning skills are increasingly becoming popular. As a branch of AI that allows computers to learn on their own without having to be programmed directly, learning how to make use of this will surely benefit your job search post-graduation.
Machine learning is a popular skill due to its application in industries related to citizens, banking, automobiles, and more, so you could be making a difference in how we, as humans, experience AI systems.
If you want to create change in the artificial intelligence field, taking on these skills as a tech graduate is really helpful in terms of self-learning computer systems by combining statistical models and algorithms, for example. Likewise, you should be well-versed in working with data tools like TensorFlow or H20, and have fluency in Java, Python, and other computer languages.
9. Cloud Computing
Want to make a difference in the field of cloud computing? Graduates competent with cloud computing skills are able to get lucrative job offers. This is because many companies are switching from server infrastructure to cloud solutions, developing their products and services directly in the cloud. You can take advantage of these changes.
Graduates with cloud architecture skills will always be in demand, especially with computing skills such as Amazon Web Services, DevOps, and Docker. These skills can increase flexibility and productivity in workplaces, giving them broader access to the way they use their data. As a tech graduate, you can be the one to do this for many small businesses that need extra support in terms of accessibility.
10. User Experience Design
Do you want to help companies meet the needs of their users straight out of college? Every company in today’s digital world benefits from the services of UX professionals. If you gain expertise in design thinking, research methodologies, and experience in CSS, CAD, and Adobe SuiteUX design, you'll be able to assist a diverse field of designers for many businesses.
You'll be able to minimize app development costs and keep users engaged in online spaces. UX is an integral component of any customer-oriented business, especially for front-end developers and graphic designers, so sharpening this skill set can open many opportunities for tech graduates.
Improve Your Technology Skills Post-Graduation
With these skills as a graduate, you can be more confident in your future role, being able to seize the next opportunity within the technology space.
As business is becoming more reliant on technology, having technical skills on your resume will make you evolve as a well-rounded employee and a valuable asset to any organization. So, if you've been unsure of what employees are looking for, now you have a further understanding of what technology goals to set.