Career Advice
Paul Brown
22.08.2024
The technology industry is booming and there are plenty of exciting opportunities out there for tech professionals in the UK, offering high earning potential, job satisfaction, and security. And since it’s very much a candidate’s market in the tech industry, job seekers have the opportunity to find a role that truly ticks all their boxes. In fact, according to surveys, over half of tech professionals feel comfortable enough in their skills and current market prospects to change jobs!
This puts tech candidates in a very powerful position, as a record number of employers are now on the lookout for the top tech talent to fill their skills gaps. We reveal the top six most in-demand tech skills for 2024 and a few tips on how to get started in the technology industry – even if you have no experience at all.
Top 6 tech skills employers are looking for in 2024
- Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Data handing and storytelling
- Cybersecurity
- User Experience (UX) Design
- Cloud Computing
- Blockchain
1. Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In recent years, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become a huge part of our daily lives – whether that’s talking to a human-like chatbot online or asking Alexa to play our favourite song. In 2023, the AI market was valued at around $100 billion, however, is set to grow at least twentyfold by 2030. It’s not surprising that businesses now look to adopt these technologies, which means ML and AI are in-demand tech skills for 2024. And it looks like candidates are already jumping on board. Recruitment insights reveal that the number of professionals on LinkedIn with AI skills has increased by 68% this year.
Key essential skills for those who want to work in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence include domain knowledge, programming languages, and data analysis. Showing no signs of slowing down, updating your skill set and learning more about ML and AI could be a smart move for 2023! Learn more about the fastest-growing AI roles.
2. Data handing and storytelling
World leader in AI computing, NVIDIA, predicts that many companies will begin rolling out generative AI across operations to improve productivity, creativity, and innovation. However, deep learning algorithms that fuel this technology rely on copious amounts of data for training, and management of this data will prove challenging. Experts predict that cloud, data storage, and analytics partnerships will be pivotal to overcome this issue. As such, data scientists, analysts, engineers, and specialists in data storage and management will be in high demand to ensure the efficient handling and utilisation of vast datasets. In fact, the number of professionals with ‘data science’ listed as a skill on LinkedIn rose by 54% in 2023.
However, data roles will encompass more than just handling and interpretation. In 2023, according to Forbes, data communication and storytelling were two key skills to have, as an increasing number of jobs require teams to work with data and this year is no different, especially with the increased focus on AI. This includes data collection, preparation, visualisation, analysis, and storytelling. Essentially, the focus will be on transforming data into digestible and useful insights to be shared and, most importantly, understood across teams and external parties – be that stakeholders or customers!
This could include additional skills such as producing data reports, designing creative visualisations using tools like Tableau or PowerBI, or delivering engaging presentations.
2. Cybersecurity
Cyber attacks and data breaches are on the rise and businesses are beginning to feel the financial impact of this. Especially with many employees now working remotely, using their own internet networks and electronic devices, there is an even greater threat posed to businesses and their data. As a result, many are falling victim to hefty fines, suffering from reputational damage and losing customer trust.
In order to address the issue, businesses are on the lookout for talented cybersecurity experts to join their teams, however, not necessarily just in their IT departments. With the increase in cyber threats becoming a serious matter, businesses will expect each and every employee to be well-versed in cybersecurity risks and best practices, whether that’s in the finance, sales or marketing team. Additionally, AI in cybersecurity will also play a huge role in the coming year.
That being said, cybersecurity specialists will still be in high demand to work on larger, more complex projects, such as handling sensitive data, dealing with cloud migrations, and protecting a company’s IT infrastructure. In fact, it is estimated that an incredible 10 million jobs were needed in cybersecurity in 2023 alone and the UK government has launched the £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy, aimed at increasing the number and diversity of skilled individuals in cybersecurity. So, now’s the time to upskill yourself!
Are you interested in Risk, Regulation & Compliance (RRC)? Kickstart your RRC career today.
4. User Experience (UX) Design
With the acceleration of digital transformation, technology has become a part of our day-to-day lives, no matter who we are and what we do. As such, it is essential that tech is accessible to all and designed with the user in mind.
UX Designers are responsible for making sure technology is user-friendly – whether that’s reconsidering font size and style to improve a mobile banking app, categorising article themes to help users find what they are looking for on a blog, or adding a favourites function on an e-commerce shop. Without UX Designers, technology would be difficult to use and people would be less likely to buy it. In fact, every $1 invested in UX design brings $100 in return on average, so it’s a no-brainer for many businesses.
Some of the skills required for a UX Designer include conducting market and audience research, creating user personas, designing wireframes and carrying out testing. Although coding knowledge is not essential to the role, a solid understanding of programming languages could give you a competitive edge in the job market!
5. Cloud Computing
The global Cloud Computing marker is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.8% between 2023 to 2032, taking it to a projected value of $42,495.2 billion. And with 82% of businesses considering cloud migration as an essential step in their digital transformation, cloud computing will play a vital role in modernisation and growth for organisations across the world. However, to facilitate this expansion, businesses will need to hire the very finest cloud professionals, who are comfortable with programming languages, such as SQL and Linux, database management, AI and ML and cloud technologies, like AWS, Google, Oracle, and Microsoft.
Does this sound like the right fit for you? FDM has teamed up with AWS to offer a full-time skills development programme to help you on your way to becoming a successful Cloud Computing Engineer – no matter your academic or professional background.
6. Blockchain
Blockchain is gaining popularity due to its secure and transparent nature, recording transactions across a network and creating an immutable chain. Its cryptographic features ensure data integrity, making it ideal for applications like cryptocurrency, smart contracts, and transparent supply chains, driving widespread adoption across industries. In 2021, the global blockchain market was valued at 45.58 billion and is expected to reach a mammoth value of $41,235.71 billion by 2030. This represents an annual compound growth rate of 82.8%!
Companies are increasingly integrating blockchain solutions, creating a demand for skilled professionals. As blockchain applications diversify beyond cryptocurrencies to areas like finance, healthcare, and supply chain, individuals with blockchain skills are positioned for exciting and varied career opportunities. As such, now is an opportune time to train in blockchain technology, whether that’s to become a blockchain developer, UX designers, or solutions architect. There has already been a 14% increase in the number of professionals with ‘Cloud Computing’ listed as a skill this year, so now’s the time to get involved.
For more information about how to get started in a tech career, get in touch or learn more about how you can get started in a job in technology with no experience.