29 Apr 9 Must-Have IT Skills for Today’s Job Market
From resolving an employee’s wifi issues to programming the organization’s new cloud infrastructure, working in IT requires many different skills. Whether you’re looking to change careers or start your career off on the right foot, these 9 must-have IT skills will set you up for success.
Master these skills by earning an IT certification like CompTIA A+ or CompTIA Security+. Get started with free introductory courses from Google and Coursera.
1. Data Literacy
Data literacy refers to the ability to translate raw data into understandable information. This can include identifying data sets, interpreting data visualizations and understanding statistical analysis methods. Data literacy also includes the skills needed to use data analytics to make informed business decisions.
A company that prioritizes data literacy across all teams can gain a competitive advantage. This includes fostering the right mindsets and training employees in how to effectively utilize data-driven tools like machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Developing these skills starts with a willingness to learn and stay up-to-date on new techniques, methodologies and best practices. This can be done by participating in industry events, attending webinars and reading reputable journals and books on the subject. It’s also helpful to seek out expert opinions from peers and colleagues who can provide a diverse perspective on complex issues and debates.
2. Artificial Intelligence
From the Greek myth of Pygmalion to the Victorian tale of Frankenstein, humans have long been fascinated by the idea of creating artificial intelligence that could think and act like a human. Today, it’s not a sci-fi dream but rather an essential tool in many industries that can help businesses reduce operational costs and provide a better customer experience.
It’s no surprise that the ability to work with AI and big data is among the top IT skills in demand. AI can also boost productivity, particularly when used to automate repetitive tasks that are time-consuming and error-prone for humans. For example, browser extensions such as Grammarly and Hemingway can check spelling and grammar while email plug-ins like Boomerang can automatically schedule emails.
Learning how to use these tools is important for IT professionals at every level of the organization — from the help desk to cybersecurity — as well as for nontechnical roles like project managers and data analysts. And understanding programming languages — such as Java, Python and C++ — is helpful for any IT professional.
3. Automation
While automation has revolutionized many sectors and job roles, it’s also raised concerns about worker displacement and inequality. The new generation of automation, with advanced robotics and AI, will likely eliminate millions of jobs for vehicle drivers, retail workers, health care professionals, lawyers, accountants, finance specialists, and more.
On the other hand, automation may help companies reduce costs by automating manual tasks and boosting productivity rates. It’s important for tech managers and employees to stay ahead of the curve and develop the right skills to thrive in a technology-driven workplace.
For example, it’s essential to possess the ability to analyze data and interpret it efficiently. This skill can help you find security threats and identify inefficiencies in your company’s operations, such as using visual data recovery tools. If you’re naturally analytical and love problem-solving, a career in IT could be a great fit for you. Have you ever spent hours trying to figure out why your printer or laptop isn’t working properly?
4. Compliance
The modern workplace has changed tremendously over the past few years. From pandemic-related work to the rise of remote work, technology advances and shifts in industry trends require that employees adapt quickly. Digital fluency is a key skill that IT workers should possess to effectively navigate and utilize their company’s technological tools. It’s also important to stay updated on new tech trends and understand how these innovations can improve workflows and boost productivity for their team and company. The Purple Griffon IT Quizzes can definitely help IT professionals know how much they know different programming languages and the IT field itself.
It’s also important for leaders to set the tone and encourage employee compliance. Instead of viewing compliance as a burden, they should highlight how it creates a safe working environment and contributes to the company’s success.
5. Professional Skills
As we see the workplace evolving, a variety of soft skills are becoming more important than technical ones. Analytical thinking, creative thinking and technological literacy are among the top skills employers look for in candidates according to a recent WEF report. Other soft skills like resilience, flexibility and agility, as well as curiosity and lifelong learning, are set to become vital too.
For IT professionals, mastering these professional skills can help you stay relevant in a rapidly changing field. For instance, project management skills are key to staying on the cutting edge of your industry, especially since many jobs now involve working remotely.
Additionally, IT pros must have networking skills, which encompass a range of topics from understanding how networks work to designing, deploying and troubleshooting them. Having these professional skills shows employers that you’re ready to adapt and thrive in new environments. You can even use them to find career opportunities outside of the IT realm.
6. Security
Computer security skills are vital for keeping data safe. This includes knowing how to set up two-factor authentication software and ensuring that passwords are protected and changed regularly. It also involves monitoring for suspicious activity and responding quickly to cyberthreats.
Other technical skills include understanding how to use a database and working with coding programs. These are both skills that can help you stay competitive in the job market, regardless of how automation impacts certain jobs.
Having the right skills can also mean finding the right balance between human and technology-based work. Skills like creativity, empathy, and interpersonal interactions are less likely to be automated, so you should prioritize building those up. Other soft skills that will remain in high demand are curiosity and lifelong learning, as well as flexibility and resilience. These traits are important for adapting to changes in the workplace and embracing change as an opportunity for growth.
7. Programming Languages
As technology becomes more pervasive in the business world, IT pros need to know the top programming languages to advance their careers and keep up with industry trends. Whether they’re looking to become a front-end web developer or want to become more proficient at AI algorithms, mastering programming languages will help them be in high demand by employers.
Python, for example, is currently in the most demand by employers because it is the primary programming language used in machine learning and artificial intelligence platforms. It’s also useful for a variety of back-end development tasks, as it works well on multiple platforms and has many libraries to support developers.
Structured Query Language (SQL) is another highly in-demand skill because it helps programmers organize and manipulate databases. It’s also commonly used in data analytics and marketing applications. Finally, Java is still a popular language due to its versatility, familiar syntax and many frameworks.
8. Web Development
Programming is a core computer skill for any IT professional. It’s a valuable skill because it allows you to develop software, web applications and websites. It also provides a foundation for learning new IT technologies and skills.
Programmers need to be familiar with various programming languages to design, test and deploy applications. This includes object-oriented programming languages such as Java, C++ and Python, as well as library APIs like jQuery.
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) is another important computer skill that will make you a more versatile IT professional. This involves understanding how to manage user permissions, workflows and version control within CMS software.
This is a necessary skill for IT professionals, particularly those who work remotely. It means being comfortable participating in video conferences and sharing your screen with others. It also includes knowing how to use the features of a CMS such as content organization and metadata management.
9. Networking
As working from home continues to rise, the need for employees with strong networking skills has become increasingly important. Networking allows you to connect with colleagues who can help you in your job search or career, as well as provide valuable insight into your industry and the business world at large.
Additionally, many jobs are never advertised and can only be accessed through professional networks or through word of mouth. As such, it’s important to stay active in your network by sharing content and reaching out to your contacts regularly, especially when they reach milestones, like landing a new job or completing an exciting project.
The IT field has been evolving quickly and it’s important to have the right skills to make an impact in your career. The most in-demand computer skills for today’s job market include digital fluency, data analytics and programming languages. By acquiring these skills and padding your resume with them, you’ll be ready to take on any challenge in the tech industry.