These days, it may seem to you that technology is moving at blistering speeds.
For job applicants in tech-related fields, it’s actually much faster than that.
Virtually regardless of industry, the business world is becoming more technology-focused and software-reliant by the minute. (Or is that by the nano-second?) Companies ready to embrace tech—wherever it goes—will have an easier time adapting to changing expectations for the benefit of their customers and ultimately gain a competitive advantage.
For professionals seeking to gain an enduring career edge with such companies, acquiring the latest IT skills will help you remain relevant—and revered—because the most in-demand skills are practically timeless. General programming, data analysis and machine learning specializations will continue to be bedrock skills in 2019 and beyond.
Let’s take the Tech Tour:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Admittedly, AI and machine learning have been trending topics for years. Amazingly, there are still not enough skilled people in this field. Why are these two technologies so important to business? AI deals with machines that are able to handle tasks without being given specific instructions. Machine learning enables computers to improve at recognizing and predicting trends as they gain access to more and more data.
Currently, machine learning is being used in multiple industries. Chief among these is healthcare where medical diagnoses, image processing, prediction, classification, learning association, and more can all benefit from improved analysis.
Computer vision engineering
Computer vision engineering is an extremely valuable skill in today’s increasingly visual tech landscape. Specialists in this field develop scripts and applications that help computers extract a high level of understanding from videos to images. Equipped with this skill, practitioners can teach computers or robots to identify and position certain objects, a competency particularly prized in manufacturing.
Cybersecurity and Information Security
Due to the proliferation of complex threats and attacks, there is an overwhelming demand for cybersecurity experts. Yet many companies, especially small-to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), continue to believe that they are immune from such attacks. It’s precisely this mindset that makes them prime candidates for getting a clue, and hiring a cybersecurity or information security expert to keep the bad actors out—while also preventing lawsuits and regulatory fines.
Point of distinction: Cybersecurity is often confused with information security (InfoSec), which is basically a cybersecurity subset. To avoid such confusion, InfoSec adheres to three principles:
- Protect the confidentiality of data
- Preserve the integrity of data; and
- Promote the availability of data for authorized use.
Often, the lines are blurred when it comes to the definition of roles for cybersecurity experts and InfoSec officers. But what’s most important is that they both focus on the overall security of systems, applications, and networks of organizations.
Cloud engineering
Cloud engineers are responsible for developing solutions that utilize both in-house technology and outside systems to design, plan, manage, maintain and support cloud solutions.
Careers in cloud computing are increasing rapidly, because more and more companies are switching from the traditional server infrastructure to cloud solutions. In fact, according to a recent report from Gartner, the market for public cloud services is projected to increase by 17.3% year-over-year in 2019.
Business Intelligence Analyst
“Big Data” isn’t exactly a new concept. However, it has been gaining momentum unabated since the early 2000s. And, with the incredible proliferation of smart gadgets, the demand for data analysts and business intelligence analysts—those in charge of parsing Big Data—continues to rise. Today, the role of a business analyst involves gathering data through database, analytics and reporting tools. Analysts are valuable because they provide inarguable insights regarding competitor and industry performance.
DevOps
DevOps fuses software development and IT operations. Professionals specializing in this growing area share the responsibility of creating, deploying and generating revenue from customer-facing software. Its primary goal is to shorten the development lifecycle and enable organizations to deliver services faster.
SAP EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety)
IT professionals equipped with SAP EHS skills had their moment—the first of many—in 2018. With manufacturing companies increasingly undergoing digital transformation and streamlining compliance, SAP EHS skills will remain in demand in the years ahead, particularly in areas such as industrial hygiene, and occupational health and safety. To get up to speed, SAP offers training courses to brush up on EHS skills or earn a certification.
Charles IT: Recruiters of Top Talent
As companies implement new technologies, IT professionals are being asked to take on new responsibilities in previously unfamiliar areas. Learning new skills isn’t just about gaining a competitive edge. It proves as well a willingness to go above and beyond, ultimately improving workplace performance and problem-solving skills.
At Charles IT, we’re actively recruiting professionals with precisely this kind of drive. We’re all about offering the latest IT talent, experience and expertise to our A-list of clients. Acting on this philosophy has made us one of the leading managed IT services provider in the Northeast. That means—whether you’ve already acquired these skills or can’t wait to do so—we’re always on the lookout for talent like yours.
Learn more about how to turbo-charge your career. Call us today to get started.
