7 in-demand skills for 2022
Demand for digital skills has never been greater, driven in part by the increased reliance on technology since early 2020. Companies are turning to tech more and more to drive productivity, stay connected and maintain business as usual.
This increased adoption of tech has led to fast development and innovation, exacerbating the digital skills gap, and making competition for top tech and digital talent even more fierce.
Digital skills in the workplace have been on a steady upward trend for years, but the sudden increased reliance on technology since the start of 2020 has made competition in tech recruitment even more fierce.
There’ll be no slowing down of innovation, and uptake of digital tools by businesses looking to strengthen their market share and certainly no slowing down of the development of skills across digital specialisms,
So, with that in mind here are 7 in-demand skills worth being aware of if you’re to futureproof your career…
Cloud Computing
While many companies have been moving their traditional server infrastructure to the cloud several years, since the outbreak of the pandemic, the rate at which companies of all sizes and sectors started following suit increased significantly.
The result of this widespread adoption of cloud technologies is the boom in the demand for professionals with the necessary skills to make the transition and maintenance of company infrastructure a reality.
In-demand cloud skills:
- Cloud / Container Technologies
- Cloud Migration & Deployment
- DevOps
Cyber Security
With the growing number of companies using cloud infrastructure for data storage and running applications, as well as the increased amount of privacy legislation, it’s clear why there’s a demand for those with a cyber security skill set.
Many businesses are spending huge sums to ensure that their data remains private and secure demand for cyber security is soaring, with top candidates difficult to come by. Those with a well-rounded skillset are becoming seriously hot commodities.
In demand-cyber security skills:
- SIEM management
- Security incident handling & response
- Application Security Development
Data Science and Data Analytics
With the number of digital touchpoints available, companies can now gather more data on their customers than ever before, offering up insights that are immensely valuable.
But this data is only as good as the person interpreting it. Therefore, the professionals with the ability to decipher the data and turn it into meaningful and robust business decisions are becoming central to organisations.
Data is growing in importance across virtually all sectors, thereby pushing up demand for talent and it’s predicted that data science will soon become a minimum requirement for all manager level jobs.
Learning how to utilise data effectively now will help professionals stay ahead of the curve and offer a competitive advantage.
In demand-data skills:
- Data manipulation
- Probability & statistics
- Data visualisation
Artificial Intelligence
Most companies are now using some form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their business activities and its importance and relevance to businesses is growing. In fact, 93% of US and UK organisations consider AI to be a business priority.
With the sector still yet to fully understand and deliver its true value, enhancing ones AI skills and knowledge now will be hugely beneficial in the future as new fields of application continue to emerge.
In-demand Artificial Intelligence skills
- Programming languages – Python, R, Java and C++
- Libraries & Frameworks – TensorFlow, Apache Spark, NumPy
- Domain Knowledge
Blockchain Programming
The technology that traditionally underpinned cryptocurrencies, usage of Blockchain is becoming far more widespread. Payment processing, money transfers and data sharing are among the multiple uses for Blockchain applications given its greater transparency and efficiency compared to conventional technologies.
Because Blockchain is an emerging concept, no one can call themselves a master in every developing skill. Given its future potential, however, professionals who familiarise themselves with Blockchain’s developments and the technical skills that coincide with them will be highly sought after.
In-demand Blockchain skills:
- Data structure
- Cryptography
- Blockchain architecture
Internet of things
The Internet of Things (IoT) has been long talked about as the next big thing as more devices, and indeed consumers, become connected to the internet. From wearables to telematics and smart homes, the industry is constantly finding new ways to connect new physical objects to the internet.
The industry is predicted to shape how we function as a society over the next few years and as the technology advances, so too will the skill sets required to work in the IoT. However, for the industry to reach its full potential it will require more highly skilled and technical talent.
In-demand IoT skills:
- Machine learning
- Embedded systems engineering
- UX/UI design
Quantum Computing
Computer technology has progressed a lot over the last few decades, computers have reduced in size and become more powerful, but we’re approaching the physical limits of the size of computer parts.
While still relatively new, Quantum computing has the potential to fundamentally transform the technology industry by applying the effects quantum realm to complex business problems.
However, it requires a variety of specialist skills and knowledge such as quantum theory, advanced mathematics, and computer science, which candidates are currently lacking.
In-demand quantum computing skills:
- Quantum mechanics
- Linear algebra
- Computer science
If you are interested in reading more about the trends we think will be popular in 2022 then give us a follow or have a look here.
Looking to build or expand your team with the best digital talent? Check out how our new Products and Services can support you here
Are you a Digital Analytics, Programmatic, Cloud Computing or Data Science practitioner who is looking for a new career step at the moment? Check out our latest live vacancies here
