As we put the past two years behind us, we cast our vision forward to the challenges of a bright new year, including figuring out what we’ll need to succeed. We are riding the high crest of the information age, and IT reigns supreme, finding its way into every area of society.
The rapid advent of new technologies coupled with the pandemic reality has turned the job market on its head and rewritten the rules of the game. So, if you want to own the high-tech, data-centric world of 2024, you need to master the right technical skills. “But there are so many skills,” you say. “How can we tell which ones to focus on?”
Let’s dig into the top technical skills you need for 2024. We’ll start by defining technical skills and why they’re essential. Afterward, we’ll list the most desired skills and tell you how to improve your skill set.
What Are Technical Skills?
If you’re asking “what are technical skills?” These skills are typically “hard skills,” which you acquire through training or education and use to accomplish a given task. Most professionals need to have some degree of technical skill knowledge, thanks to the nature of today’s work environment.
Consider how often things like social media, email, cloud-based applications like Microsoft Office, bank cards and barcode scanners, and wireless devices pop up in our everyday lives, either at work or at home. It looks like no one can navigate through today’s high-tech working world without possessing at least some rudimentary tech skills.
The trick is to know more than just the bare minimum and become a tech skill powerhouse that recruiters everywhere will covet.
Technical Skills Examples:
- Programming
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analysis
- Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Web Development
- Cloud Computing
- Mobile App Development
- Software Testing
- Network Administration
- CAD Software
- Project Management Tools
- Graphic Design Software
- Database Management
- DevOps Tools
- Electrical Engineering
- Robotics
- Biotechnology
- Statistical Analysis
- Blockchain Technology
Let’s break technical skills down into some broad categories:
Data Analysis:
We work and live in an ever-increasing data-driven world. 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created every day, aided by popular concepts including big data and the Internet of Things (IoT). This vast volume of data needs skilled professionals who can process, manage, store, and reduce it to useful, actionable, datasets. Example skills include:
- Analytics
- Database management
- Mining
- Modeling
- Statistical analysis
Programming and Coding.:
Increased internet and mobile computing usage mean an increased demand for applications and software to support the end-users. This demand, in turn, requires more professionals trained in programming and coding. Example skills include:
- Algorithms and data structures
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Programming languages (e.g., C++, HTML, JavaScript, Python, SQL)
- Software testing
Project Management:
In today’s high-tech environment, it’s not enough that you know how to organize and lead a project team. You now need to be familiar with accounting programs, performance tracking apps, and scheduling software. Examples include:
- Accounting software
- Certifications in office suites such as Microsoft Office
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) apps
- Scheduling and team management software
- Task delegation, tracking, and management utilities
Social Media Expertise:
There is a glut of social media platforms, which is fine since it looks like everyone’s engaged online in one way or another. Businesses use social media to strengthen customer engagement, handle customer service issues, launch marketing promotions, and maintain high market visibility. Also, social media makes it easier to gather the necessary information for data analytics. Example skills:
- Analytics
- Blogging (writing, maintaining, promoting)
- Content management
- Digital media
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Social media platforms
Technical Writing: Everyone can put words to paper (or keyboard), but not everyone can write. There is a difference. Technical writers must familiarize themselves with relevant topics, conduct research, understand the information, then render it in a form that everyone can understand. Example writing-related skills include:
- Data research and gathering
- Grammar and writing skills
- Writing software such as Word or Office
- Subject matter knowledge
The Importance of Gaining Technical Skills
We live in a world filled with technological innovations that make inroads into every aspect of our lives, be it at work or home. So, the professional who has more technical-based skillsets is better prepared to work and thrive in this environment.
If you sharpen your technical skills, you become any corporate recruiter’s preferred choice. While there are many open positions in the IT field, there is also an army of people much like yourself, eager to sharpen their skills and get that coveted position. They are your competition, and if you want to distinguish yourself from the pack, you need to be better equipped and show that you’re the right choice.
Also, keep in mind that though there are plenty of vacancies in many IT fields, they vary depending on location. If you work and live in an area where IT people are hard to come by, then that’s fine. However, often, you’re dealing with a place where the competition is heavier. Instead of relying on luck, you can hedge your bets by boosting your technical skill set.
Learn more core software topics in our Caltech Coding Bootcamp, designed in collaboration with Caltech and IBM to help you get a good boost in your career.
How Do You Improve Technical Skills?
A good tech professional is always growing, always seeking ways to upskill. There are four dependable methods that can help you improve technical skills.
- Doing it on your own. The internet has countless tutorials and other reference materials suited for the self-motivated learner. A few Google searches will point the way to enough resources to keep any independent student busy and informed. Be warned: it does take a fair amount of self-discipline and organization.
- Find a mentor. There’s nothing like an experienced professional imparting their wisdom to the next generation. Unfortunately, it’s not always an option, especially if there is no one available to fill that role.
- On-the-job training. You learn by doing, so logically, you can acquire new tech skills by doing some hands-on work. On-the-job training takes technical skill learning from the theoretical to the practical. After all, book learning will only get you so far.
- Take an online course. There are many online courses available for tech skill improvement. For instance, Simplilearn offers a wide selection of technical skill courses, such as web development course, Java development, Java Full Stack developer, and MEAN stack developer.
Do You Want to Learn How to be a Python Programmer?
Python is one of the five most in-demand programming languages today, particularly in the fields of data analysis and science. The marketplace needs more programmers to keep up with the increased demand for developers and programmers. If you’re looking to change your career or want to get in on the ground floor of a popular and secure career, then consider becoming a Python programmer.
Simplilearn offers an online Python certification course that gives you a good, strong start down a Python programming career path. The course covers Python fundamentals and how to apply them to real-world applications. The curriculum’s modules, assignments, and lesson-end projects cover data operations in Python, strings, conditional statements, error handling, shell scripting, web scraping, and the commonly used Python web framework Django.
According to Indeed, Python programmers can earn an annual average of USD 110,508, including possible cash bonuses.
Check out Simplilearn’s courses today and set your career on the right track, no matter what technological field you’re looking into pursuing. If you’re just looking to explore your options or learn some of the basics, we also offer a plethora of free resources and courses through our SkillUp program.
FAQs
1) Why are technical skills important in the workplace?
Technical skills are essential in the workplace as they enable employees to effectively perform specific tasks and handle complex projects. They are critical for problem-solving, efficiency, and productivity, and often determine an employee's ability to adapt to new technologies and methodologies within their field.
2) How do technical skills impact career development?
Technical skills significantly impact career development by increasing employability, job performance, and opportunities for advancement. Proficiency in relevant technical skills can lead to higher-paying positions, more responsibility, and a competitive edge in the job market.
3) What is the difference between hard skills and technical skills?
Hard skills are specific abilities or knowledge one learns through education or training, while technical skills are a subset of hard skills that pertain specifically to the use of technology, machinery, or specialized techniques. All technical skills are hard skills, but not all hard skills are technical.
4) How should I list technical skills on my resume?
List technical skills on your resume under a separate section titled "Technical Skills" or "Skills." Be specific and group them according to category (e.g., programming languages, software tools). Tailor the skills listed to match the requirements of the job you are applying for.
5) Are technical skills industry-specific or transferable?
While many technical skills are industry-specific, there are several that are transferable across different fields. Skills like programming, data analysis, and project management can be applied in various industries. The transferability often depends on how broadly the skills are defined and the individual's ability to adapt them to new contexts.
