The job market in the technology sector is exciting right now. Skilled technicians are in greater demand (and are being paid more!) than ever thanks to changes in the labour market following the pandemic. Therefore, if you are tech savvy, you have a lot of power.
Choosing the kind of role you want to play is the difficult part for YOU. Your employment options are virtually endless because tech work is available in every sector. Making a decision may be made easier if you are aware of the specific tech skills that employers are seeking.
So, here are some of the areas we advise upskilling in if you're just starting your tech career, want to fill out your CV, or are aiming for a promotion.
1. Artificial intelligence
According to LinkedIn, AI Specialist will be the top emerging position in the US in 2020, and the demand for AI expertise supports this. More and more AI talent is being poached, according to hiring trends at startups and tech behemoths like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, where the average salary is $126,000.
What specific abilities are required for success in AI, then?
Top tech companies' hiring managers say they look for:
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- At least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence or a related field.
- programming knowledge in languages like Python, C++, and Java.
- knowledge of SQL.
Hot tip: Participating in competitions and hackathons will make you stand out from other applicants. (And there's always something going on! For more information, visit the Girls in Tech Events page.)
2. Machine learning
Although machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence, it is a field that urgently needs more women and people of colour.
Employers are filling positions ranging from entry-level to advanced positions, with an average salary of $109,000, according to Payscale.
When it comes to particular abilities, ML specialists profit from having:
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- Fluency in Java, C++, Python, or similar development languages.
- Anything from a master’s degree to a Ph.D., depending on the role.
- Knowledge of data tools like H20 and TensorFlow.
Hot tip: Keep an eye out for scholarships and free training opportunities. For instance, AWS is currently funding the completion of the entire AWS Machine Learning Engineer Nanodegree programme for 425 outstanding students. To learn the fundamentals and qualify for the scholarship, enrol in the AWS Machine Learning Foundations Course.
3. User experience (UX)
Every business benefits from the expertise of UX specialists. With specialised positions available in design, research, writing, and other areas, UX uses analysis and testing to assist a business in seamlessly meeting the needs of its users.
According to LinkedIn, one of the top 10 hard skills required in 2020 is UX Design, and according to Payscale, the average salary is just over $76,000.
Take a look at some of the beautiful apps and platforms that some of our past hackathon participants have created if you're curious about the role UX Design plays in technology. There are a few outstanding examples from our virtual hackathon for 2022.
The following particular abilities can help a UX designer advance:
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- Experience in Adobe Suite, HTML, CAD and CSS.
- Design Thinking and research methodologies.
Hot tip: Asking Better Questions in Design Thinking, our first Girls in Tech Academy course, is a great way to learn the fundamentals of UX research and broaden your skill set.
4. Cloud computing
Your company undoubtedly depends on the cloud, whether your team works remotely, collaborates across time zones, or generates a lot of digital data. Cloud engineers play a crucial role in businesses that rely on cloud infrastructure, and they can make an average salary of $129,000.
The following three categories of cloud services are noteworthy:
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- Software as a Service (SaaS) is an on-demand hosted service that provides access to business applications.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS) is web-based services and deployment of applications on the cloud.
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) includes cloud solutions that offer storage.
And in order to succeed in cloud computing, you need the following skills, according to BizTech College:
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- Technical Skills: Knowledge of HTML and computing fundamentals.
- Business Concepts: Cloud engineers should be aware of terms like ‘ROI’, ‘marketing strategy’, and ‘business plan’.
- Data Analysis: How to handle immense data and optimally use ERP systems.
- Data Security: Cloud computing also focuses on the security of data, thus employers prefer applicants who have a working knowledge of network security.
- Project Management: Knowledge of risk management, service agreements, and integration with other processes.
Hot tip: Making the switch to cloud computing is much simpler if you already have knowledge of coding, IT, or technology. Visit this page to learn more about cloud computing.
5. Data science and analytics
Big data analytics are used by 59% of businesses worldwide, making data scientists and data analysts in-demand employees.
Data science, which commands an average salary of $101,000, requires more specialised knowledge and experience than data analysis, which is more entry-level. However, in general, Columbia Engineering states that both necessitate familiarity with:
- Data Visualization
- MATLAB
- Python
- SQL and NoSQL
- Linear Algebra and Calculus
- Microsoft Excel
- Critical Thinking
Hot tip: If you're just getting started, consider earning a bachelor's degree in data science. But you can also take a lot of online courses to learn the fundamentals. Once more, participating in contests and hackathons to create a portfolio of work is a great way to stand out in the competitive job market.
6. Software development
Between 2020 and 2030, software development is expected to grow at a rate of 24%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But there are more graduates than job openings, not the other way around. That implies that we also have a skilled talent shortage in this particular field of technology.
Software developers make an average yearly salary of $110,000 and create the computer programmes and applications that power a large portion of our society.
So what qualifications are necessary to work in software development? These are listed by the UK's Target Jobs:
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- Mathematical aptitude
- Problem-solving skills
- Programming languages
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Self-development skills to keep up to date with fast-changing trends.
Hot tip: This year's Girls in Tech Digital Career Fair specifically invites participation from software developers. To speak one-on-one with top tech companies interested in your skills, register to attend.
Have you identified a field you'd like to advance your skills in?
Keep in mind that Girls in Tech constantly introduces new initiatives to help women advance in their careers and succeed in the tech sector. Check out the Girls in Tech Jobs Board right now if you're prepared to land your next position. Happy job searching!
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