One of the greatest things about the tech industry is that it is very open to self-taught candidates. Having a university degree might give you a bit of an advantage, but most blue-chip employers regularly hire self-taught programmers and developers who have the requisite skills. Even better, with a decent internet connection, tech education is either free or very affordable. So there’s nothing stopping you from learning the following in-demand tech skills.
Web Developer
Every business must have some sort of web presence these days, which means that web design is a skill that will never go out of style. It is evolving though, nowadays with a top-tier website builder, you can have a website up and running without typing a single line of code. There will always be room for web developers who can work with these templates and customise visual and functionality aspects to better fit a customer’s needs.
Data Analytics
In today’s digital age, data is one of the most valuable (and most coveted) resources. Most companies generate a ton of data on their operations and their dealings with suppliers and customers. Data analytics is the process of storing and transforming this data to gain insights that enable organisations to meet their strategic goals. Businesses are not the only entities that need analysts, governments and non-profit organisations have a great demand for data analysts as well.
Cybersecurity
For the past decade or so, cybercrime has been the fastest-growing illegal industry in the world – it is a trillion-dollar global industry. Even worse, everyone can be a target be they individuals, businesses, hospitals, schools, state agencies, or even whole national governments. Cybersecurity is the industry that is at the forefront of preventing cybercrime and helping the recovery and investigation efforts in the aftermath of an attack. As cybercrime grows, so will the demand for cybersecurity experts.
Front-End Developers
This is a skill that is somewhat related to web design. Front-end developers create the interfaces that users interact with on websites, apps, operating systems, websites, and other software programs. Unlike web developers, they are not restricted to websites. Also, it includes skills like graphics design which isn’t part of web development. This is another growing industry that is being fueled by the digital revolution. As more interactions and transactions are digitised, there will always be a demand for professionals who make technology easy to use for humans.
AI and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence is the current buzzword in the tech industry. The technology has always been there but the proliferation of advanced generative AI platforms has given us a glimpse into how AI can seemingly communicate intelligently, create stunning pictures, and even believable video content. More companies are using AI-generated code for software development and some providers are even using AI systems to carry out decision-making in their operations. So much investment is being funnelled in the AI space that the demand for experts should rise steadily for decades.
Conclusion
The tech industry is a great option as a career because tech knowledge is easy to access and finding a job as a self-taught expert isn’t that big of a challenge. The skills that are currently marketable are: web development, data analytics, cyber security, front-end development, and Artificial Intelligence.