The tech world is constantly changing and growing and requires new IT skills. Due to the global pandemic in 2020, there was a big shift in every aspect, including the way we work. The job market is incredibly competitive at the moment and it is important to know which are the most sought-after IT and tech skills for 2021.
By acknowledging what the employers are looking for and expecting will help candidates to stand out and be better prepared. Read on to find out which are the top IT and tech skills for 2021.
IT Support Skills
Because of the shift to remote work, the demand for IT support has increased. Most employees are working from home and businesses need extra support to provide them with the right means to do so. This means that the need for IT support skills will continue to be strong throughout 2021.
Remote Working Skills
This is not a skill per se but rather a set of skills that will ensure that the employee will fit well in a remote working environment and be able to collaborate effectively with the rest of the team. Some of the needed skills include good communication skills and self-motivation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skills
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are in high demand mainly because of the lack of many skilled professionals. This means that there are not only good opportunities but a very good pay packet as well.
Cybersecurity
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in cybersecurity threats and attacks which made businesses realize the importance of having the right measures in place. Cybersecurity is especially crucial for businesses dealing with customer data and the demand for cybersecurity specialists will continue to be high – the prediction is for 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the UK by 2021, according to Cybersecurity Professionals.
Project Management Skills
Project management requires skills such as leadership and can be a very rewarding role. It is expected to have a demand for 88 million project management professionals by the end of 2021, according to a report by the Project Management Institute.
Software Development Skills
With the use of mobile apps and technology in general, it is no wonder that the demand for software developers is high. The tech industry is prone to frequent change and evolution, so software developers need to constantly evolve as well, learning new skills and staying on top of their game. The most in-demand languages are Java and SQL but generally, software developers are in demand even in this more uncertain environment.
Cloud Computing Skills
Since it is fairly new, cloud computing still lacks skilled professionals and the demand is high. Having the right skills in cloud computing will ensure great job opportunities not only in 2021 but beyond – as cloud solutions offer many benefits and most businesses are moving in that direction. There was a growth of 100% in cloud engineers vacancies between 2016-2019 so we can expect a lot more growth in the following years.
Augmented Reality & Virtual Reality Skills
Another new area with high demand that is expected to explode in the following years. AR and VR are already being adopted in several industries such as advertising, entertainment, health, and education, and growing rapidly creating exciting opportunities for those with such skills.
Data Science
Data collection is becoming of critical importance for business but dealing with this data is something that can be a challenge. Data scientists are in high demand since they can help businesses make sense of the data and interpret it to make better decisions. According to a report by A Future of Jobs, the data scientist is the most in-demand role for 2021.
