Which skills are employers looking for?
In the modern workplace, the use of technology has provided significant advancements in communication, productivity, collaboration, cost-savings, and security. Technology is ubiquitous in the modern workplace, and that means tech skills are absolutely necessary.
The reality is that, even if you aren't working in a technology field, you need to understand how to use tech to do your job well. In the business world, you cannot get away from tech. No matter your role, you will interact with computers, customer relationship management software, and even artificial intelligence as you do your job. If you are searching for a new job, you face a competitive job market, so improving your tech skills to add some in-demand abilities will help improve your chances of getting -- and keeping -- a good job.
Yet, because technology is always changing, the skills that are in demand are also always in flux. Here is a closer look at the tech skills that today’s employers are looking for in new recruits and ways you can add these skills to make yourself more appealing as a job candidate.
Which Tech Skills Are Most Popular Among Employers Right Now?
Technology is running the modern business world, but there are many different areas that you can choose to study. As you consider the skills you would like to add to your resume to help you stand out to potential employers, or help you grow with your current employer, consider the types of tech that are in high demand. Some career paths are specific to technology, while others demand tech skills to work in other industries. While some tech-related careers are obvious, such as if you choose to pursue a career as an IT manager or cybersecurity professional, other careers that need technology training are less obvious. Today, many fields, such as these, rely heavily on the use of technology:
- Writing
- Graphic design
- Customer service
- Human resources
- Medicine
- Marketing
Regardless of the field you are considering, you will find that there are numerous reasons to invest in tech training. The more technology-related skills you can add to your resume, the more appealing you will be as a job candidate. Here are some specific areas that employers are looking for, regardless of the type of job you want.
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI/Machine Learning)
As tech continues to develop, the ability for computers to learn and adapt is also growing. Artificial intelligence is becoming more than just a novelty for video games. It is becoming an essential component of modern business. AI usage across businesses is increasing, with 86% of CEOs reporting it as a mainstream tech for their companies in 2021, and 91.5% of business leaders indicating they are investing in AI. With businesses putting their money in this technology, the need for trained professionals to run it is increasing as well.
2. Cloud Computing
The cloud gives companies and individuals remote access to data and software, so they can work, access accounts, and use products from anywhere in the world. Cloud computing involves designing and managing cloud-based web services to give companies and their customers this access. As remote work environments continue to become more common, the demand for cloud computing will also continue to grow. Adding cloud computing training to your resume will make you more appealing no matter the industry you are looking for work.
3. Cybersecurity
Hackers and other types of cyber criminals have increased their efforts, leaving businesses in almost every industry vulnerable to attack. A cyber-attack can lead to millions of dollars of lost revenue, and these attacks can significantly hurt a brand's image as a trustworthy company. Every minute, cybercrimes cost organizations lost revenue. Most major businesses lose $25 per minute due to data breaches. Cybercrime is a serious problem for modern business, and this problem increases the demand for cybersecurity professionals. Adding cybersecurity training to your resume will open the door to many cybersecurity jobs in just about any industry, with healthcare and finance or retail businesses having the highest demand.
4. Data Analytics
The modern tech world collects a huge amount of data on customers and their behavior. Yet many companies do not know how to take that data and transform it into actionable tasks that will further their success. Being able to analyze and interpret that data, which can be learned in a boot camp, will put you in high demand because you will be able to give your employer actionable information gathered from the data they collect.
5. Web Development
Web development involves planning, creating, and implementing the code that powers websites. Developers are often fluent in one or more programming languages depending on what type of technology platform they are working with. If you can create new sites you will be in high demand. Companies need cutting-edge experiences for their customers, and before they can launch these sites, they must develop them. Interested in building strong coding skills? You can do this in a condensed amount of time in a Coding Boot Camp.
6. Digital Marketing
Despite the rise of digital marketing, nearly half of all marketing teams do not have a clearly defined digital marketing strategy. When you understand digital marketing and the different tactics you can use to create a digital marketing plan that works, you will be able to help your employer meet their marketing goals. Many companies are opening positions specifically for digital marketing professionals, and you will be ready to step into one of these.
7. IT Infrastructure
IT infrastructure is composed of the hardware, software, and facilities that work together to make an organization's tech function properly. Learning the various components of IT infrastructure and how to troubleshoot problems with them will open the door to a number of job options. With an IT Infrastructure degree, you can get a job in an IT department in just about any industry.
8. Project Management or Agile
Project management in the tech industry involves communicating with both tech stakeholders and non-tech stakeholders to make a project a success. Project management abilities position you for leadership in your field, and employers appreciate working with professionals who can understand technology and translate that tech jargon into information that motivates the non-tech people on the project. To learn or improve your project management skills, learn more about our Project Management Certificate Program or dig into training on Agile, a methodology originally developed to enhance software development (but now used more widely) that will help you guide your team to identify problems and create solutions as you go.
9. UI/UX Design
Today’s consumer expects a seamless experience when using digital products. UI/UX design involves creating websites, apps, and other digital products that help users have a positive experience with a brand. Keeping up with UI and UX design trends will make you more appealing as you move into the tech industry. To learn, or better improve your skills in this area, learn more about our UX/UI Professional Development Bootcamp Program.
How to Highlight Your Tech Skills
When you add some new tech skills for resume-building purposes, look for a way to gain training in the field you study. You can then add this certificate to your resume to highlight your new ability. If you cannot get a certificate, consider adding a course name to your resume to show the skill you gained.
In addition to adding your new tech skills to your resume, highlight them online through your LinkedIn profile. Provide links to the programs or certificates you have gained or build a portfolio of tech-related projects you have completed.
Finally, be ready to answer questions about your tech skills when you have an interview. When the interviewer asks about skills you would bring to the table, weave your in-demand tech skills into the conversation. By showing a potential employer you are tech-savvy, you will increase your appeal as a job candidate.
How to Improve Your Tech Skills
If you lack tech skills, then you are going to want to add them to your skill set to be competitive in today’s job market. There are several ways to go about improving your resume.
One option is to pursue a full degree program in the technology field of your choice, such as the University of Minnesota’s Information Technology Infrastructure degree. While this is the most time-consuming option, it does provide you with a great starting point for your career. It also ensures you study the tech skills in demand in the area you wish to work.
For someone who already has a degree and wants to improve in an area that has changed since college, taking a class or two can give you those skills without the commitment of a full degree program.
The University of Minnesota offers several course, certificate, and boot camp options to help professionals add to their tech skills. Whether you are looking to make a career move or simply want to add to your resume to make it more technology focused, you will find what you need at the University of Minnesota. Explore the College of Continuing and Professional Studies and its tech programs (or programs related to “soft skills” that are also needed in tech fields—such as supervision, leadership, or even organizational development) to see which might be the right fit for your needs.
