With IT job openings on track to outgrow overall employment openings in the next decade, it is hard not to wonder what areas within IT are driving this growth. Security threats, the introduction of mobile devices, and cloud computing have all seen a recent influx and wide-spread popularity. As technology becomes more complex, hackers become smarter to new developments and threats become increasingly more threatening.
The app economy has truly carved out its own marketplace as mobile devices become as common as packs of gum in stores. Cloud computing, although difficult for the general public to understand, is what many companies are switching to. If you are looking for steady, solid work for the next decade or so, you might want to polish your skills in these three areas and target your resume accordingly.
Cybersecurity
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for graduate-level Information Security professionals will increase by 37 percent within the next ten years. This is more than double the demand for the rest of the computer industry,BBC). A solid understanding of security technology trends is crucial to this ever-changing industry.
In order to keep up, start following online security publications and tech news sites like TechCrunch and CNN-Tech. Take some classes specifically in cybersecurty to gain some formal knowledge and then have fun with various hacking games and apps that are out there for hands-on practice.
Mobile Applications
With the number of mobile devices on Earth threatening to outpace the number of humans on Earth, it is no mystery that demand for mobile applications skills is at an all-time high and will continue to grow for at least the next decade. Here’s a great list of 9 Hot Mobile App Skills from ComputerWorld that focuses on the most sought-after skills from employers.
If you are out of school and looking to transition from your current career to a Mobile App Developer, check your local college for continuing education crash courses in App Development. You can also find plenty of online resources and courses if you already have a solid programming background.
Cloud Services
Business is leading the way for Cloud adoption; removing the data infrastructure from corporate HQ into placing it in the hands of a company that specializes in maintaining and keeping their data safe. While learning OpenStack is a surefire way to land a job in cloud services, there are other ways to transition your current skills to fit needs of companies that have moved to the cloud.
For many companies, a transition to cloud services comes need for database management, upgraded enterprise networks, and server support. These are skills many IT professionals already possess and they can transfer over to Cloud Services skills nicely.
Comments