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20 Dec Navigating 2024: Unveiling the Top Tech Skills for Success

As IT professionals wind down what proved to be a turbulent 2023, it’s the right time to look forward to the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead in 2024. Mastering key skills will be crucial to staying competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. These top tech skills — from AI/ML to cloud computing, and from data analytics to cybersecurity — are essential for professionals looking to set themselves apart in the dynamic tech ecosystem of 2024.

AI and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning proficiency is in high demand, reshaping industries and job markets globally. These growing technologies are set to expand upon their already pervasive impact across a multitude of industries. As businesses increasingly leverage data for insights, the demand for professionals proficient in AI/ML rises. According to the World Economic Forum, AI is expected to create 12 million jobs by 2025. A recent report by LinkedIn also highlights AI and ML as crucial skills, stating that they are among the top skills sought by employers (and thus, recruiters).

Industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology rely on AI for data analysis, predictive modeling, and automation. Gartner, as well as others, has published extensive studies in recent years underscoring the prominence of AI in enhancing decision-making processes and creating efficiencies. As AI applications diversify, proficiency in machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch becomes crucial.

Cybersecurity: With the escalating threat associated with increased digitization of businesses worldwide, cybersecurity expertise remains critical. Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals is on the rise. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global spending on cybersecurity is projected to exceed $1 trillion from 2017 to 2024, indicating an increasing global focus on safeguarding digital assets.

The interconnected nature of today’s technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT ) and cloud computing, heightens the significance of cybersecurity. Reports from industry leaders such as IBM and Symantec emphasize the critical shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, highlighting the urgency for talent in this field. As cyber threats evolve, professionals proficient in threat detection, incident response, and ethical hacking are indispensable.

Cloud Computing: Cloud Computing skills empower professionals to navigate the transformative power of the cloud. Organizations increasingly migrate their operations to the cloud for enhanced flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Gartner has recently reported that the worldwide public cloud services market is projected to grow to $547.2 billion by next year. The International Data Corporation (IDC) has also stated that the demand for cloud-related skills is soaring, with cloud computing consistently ranking among the top priorities for IT decision-makers. In 2024, Cloud computing skills are essential for professionals across various domains, from IT to development and operations.

Data Analytics/Data Science: Data analytics and data science proficiency play a central role in harnessing the power of data for informed decision-making. As organizations seek to derive actionable insights from vast datasets, the demand for professionals well-versed in data analytics and data science continues to surge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the field of data science are expected to grow at a much faster rate than average, underscoring the industry’s robust expansion.

The Harvard Business Review emphasizes the strategic importance of data-driven decision-making, indicating that companies leveraging data analytics outperform their peers. Reports by McKinsey & Company highlight the shortage of talent in data-related roles, signaling lucrative opportunities for those with expertise in data analytics tools like Python, R, and SQL.

DevOps/DevSecOps: DevOps and DevSecOps stand out as critical tech skills heading into 2024. Professionals in these areas are shaping the landscape of software development and IT operations. DevOps, emphasizing collaboration and communication between development and operations teams, accelerates the software development life cycle. The adoption of DevOps practices is prevalent across industries, as evidenced by the State of DevOps Report, highlighting its correlation with higher software delivery performance.

The relatively recent integration of security into the DevOps pipeline, known as DevSecOps, has gained prominence to address evolving cybersecurity challenges. The Ponemon Institute’s “State of DevOps and IT Security” report highlights the growing significance of DevSecOps in ensuring secure development practices.

The 2024 Accelerate State of DevOps Report emphasizes their role in achieving high-performance outcomes, including faster delivery and increased stability. Proficiency in tools like Jenkins, Docker, and Kubernetes is vital for professionals navigating the intersection of development, operations, and security, making DevOps and DevSecOps skills essential in the evolving tech landscape.

In the technology sector, change is the only constant. In uncertain times, these changes occur more rapidly and are generally more drastic. Staying ahead of the curve and sharpening your technical focus is essential to remaining relevant and valuable in the competitive tech marketplace. The 5 skillsets discussed above project as growth areas in 2024. ORS Partners can assist you in discovering talent in these areas or help you leverage your current experience for a role with greater exposure to these technologies. Contact us for more information!