The rate of digital transformation has accelerated in the last 2 years, and so is the acquisition of tech skills. While there was a considerable increase in technological adoption throughout the last decade, the coronavirus pandemic heralded a geometric progression.
Remote work has changed much of the workplace culture, and employers now seek IT skills just as much as other skills required for any role.
In Nigeria, for example, 16-year-old John Oseni recently bagged employment with the Italian payment firm, Flywallet. He achieved such a remarkable feat courtesy of his tech skills. This, despite the lack of soft skills usually expected for such jobs.
The US Bureau of Labour Statistics forecasts that over 650,000 new jobs will be added to the ICT industry by 2030. That means we will have about 60 million tech professionals worldwide by the end of the decade.
To get ahead of the game, you must acquire in-demand tech skills that help you stand out from the rest. We’ve put together the top 10 ICT skills that employers want in 2022.
1. Cloud computing
The Cloud is probably the most radical transformer of the workplace. It has become integral to every organization. Certified Cloud Computing professionals are well paid and are in high demand. According to McKinsey, (October 2021), companies will hire about a million new Cloud Professionals in the next 3 years. The prospects for cloud roles are very high. The average salary of a cloud computing professional in the US is $100,000 annually.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated every aspect of our existence, be it social media, automobiles, purchasing supply, etc. with data analysis forming the basis for these. A PwC study projects that AI is likely to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030. The average annual salary for AI professionals in the UK is £62,520.
3. Software/mobile app development
Programs and applications are at the centre of every technological process. And the demand for software and mobile app developers has always been high but simply increased with the further digitization of enterprises. This is not changing anytime soon and software development remains one of the best-remunerated jobs available. In Nigeria, software developers earn ₦1,971,775 on average yearly.
4. Cybersecurity
Digitization also has its downside, one of which is unauthorized access to sensitive information. Criminals are always on the prowl to steal personal and professional information, mostly for financial gains. Cybersecurity professionals prevent unauthorized access to your information by preempting and intersecting cyber attacks. This makes it one of the most lucrative tech fields to venture into. In South Africa, cybersecurity professionals earn approximately R150,000 monthly.
5. Network Engineering and Administration
Networking is an integral part of tech since devices have to be interconnected to communicate. So, there’s always a constant demand for network engineers and administrators. Network Engineers in Kenya earn KES108,000 monthly.
6. E-commerce
Due to the pandemic, online shopping and e-commerce have grown exponentially. According to UNCTAD, global e-commerce sales hit $26.7 trillion in 2021. This has led to the proliferation of e-commerce developer roles. The average salary of an e-commerce developer in Canada is $53,262 per year.
7. User Experience (UX)
Another field that evolves with technological changes is UX. Designs for software/apps have to be sleek and modern. This means that the demand for UX designers will remain. Payscale shows that for UX designers with 1-3 years of experience, the average salary is €41,000 – 53,000 in Ireland.
8. Data Analytics
Expectedly, data drive technological innovations and decisions. This is why Big tech companies try to track everything about you. Roles in data management are increasingly becoming vital to businesses in order to help them make informed decisions. The ability to collect and analyze data is a top skill any day. Data analysts earn approximately $65,000 yearly.
9. Project Management
Though not intrinsically an IT specialization, Project management is a key role in the modern business world. Project managers are also needed for ICT projects and they require some degree of tech skills to see projects to completion. Project managers can earn up to 50,000 annually.
10. Blockchain
Blockchain is a more recent phenomenon and has come to global attention due to the evolution of cryptocurrency. However, the use of blockchain technology exceeds this and is gradually gaining acceptance across other sectors. Blockchain developers typically earn above $100,000.
Summary
A tech career looks promising and you can position yourself by acquiring these skills, thereby positioning yourself for lucrative roles in the future. Increase your skills proficiency today with one of Ustacky’s Microdegrees which are created to give you a solid footing in preparation for technological expertise.
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