Top 10 In-Demand IT and Tech Skills to Learn in 2023

Have you noticed that as the tech industry continues to grow, more and more employers are changing their hiring practices?

Instead of simply looking for candidates with specific qualifications and experience, these employers are now focusing more on skills and abilities.

Have you heard that LinkedIn, the professional networking site, has seen a significant increase in job postings that prioritize tech skills over qualifications and experience? In fact, there has been a 21% rise in these types of job postings.

This shift towards skill-based hiring reflects the changing demands and needs of the tech industry. This shift is creating some amazing opportunities for tech professionals with higher earning potential.

Are you an IT professional, or do you aspire to start your career in this field? If so, then this article is for you!

This article is specifically written for those individuals who:

👉 Want to keep pace with the changes in the job market

👉 Are looking for better job opportunities

👉 Want to be placed in a higher income bracket

👉 Are looking for job security

👉 Want to design your resume with a five-star rating

Below are the top ten tech skills that will be in demand in 2023.  👇

1. Data Storytelling

As more and more jobs require working with data, the ability to effectively communicate and tell a story using data is becoming more and more important.

According to research by Tableau from Forrester, by 2025, 70% of jobs will need to deal directly with data. This means that every organisation will need candidates with the skills to collect, prepare, interpret, translate, and communicate data.

Data storytelling can be used in a business internally, like establishing the need for product improvement as per user data or as externally to help create a compelling story for buying a product to potential customers.

Data storytelling demands three different fields of expertise 👇

✪ Data Science: It helps you extract more knowledge and insights from data sets and ensures accessibility. As a data storyteller, apart from collecting and delivering data, you must hone tech skills to understand the opportunities hidden in the data.

✪ Visualizations: Transforming data into structural forms like graphs, pie, line charts, etc., is another ability you need to develop. These provide us with a snapshot of data at a glance and help us understand it in a pictorial form.

✪ Narrative: It is the most vital part of storytelling. It involves using language in a format to suit unique needs and conveying new information to help build insights from the data collected.

⭐️ Hot data skills:

You must be proficient in Statistics, Economics, Information Systems, and Computer Science. It is also good to be equipped with programming languages like Python, Java, SQL, C++, and R. If you are familiar with Python libraries for deep learning, such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, you will significantly increase your chances of securing your dream job in data science.

2. DevOps

DevOps skills are in high demand and are projected to grow by more than 20% in the coming years.

As for the meaning of DevOps, it is a combination of development and operations. It represents a collaborative approach to the tasks performed by an organisation.

While working in this role, you will be responsible for developing the practices and providing an organisation with tools to help increase its ability. Thus, delivering applications and services faster than traditional software.

DevOps professionals design software and check codes to ensure everything goes on smoothly. The ultimate aim of a DevOps professional is to build, test, and release faster and more reliable software.

DevOps is an approach to executing IT projects to help meet business goals. DevOps can also join hands with Agile software development and IT service management frameworks, including ITIL and Lean and Six Sigma strategies, to deliver even better results.

Apart from a high-in-demand job, it is also one of the highest-paying remote jobs offered in the market.

⭐️ Hot DevOps skills:

You need to be proficient in marketable DevOps programming and scripting languages like Python, PHP, PERL, and Java. Moreover, DevOps practices like continuous integration, testing and delivery, and infrastructure as code are the desired tech skills and are crucial while stepping into this field.

3. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a critical issue for businesses today, and having a strong understanding of risks and best practices can make you a valuable asset in any role.

Whether you're working in finance, sales, marketing, or any other field, being knowledgeable about cybersecurity can help you protect your company's assets and sensitive information.

It's also a great way to demonstrate your dedication to your profession and your commitment to keeping your organisation safe. So if you're looking to boost your marketability and stand out in the job market, adding cybersecurity to your resume is definitely worth considering.

Cybersecurity professionals are in demand to work on larger and more complex projects like handling sensitive data during cloud migrations, etc. Cybersecurity professionals use AI to predict hacking and can counter hack a DDOS attack.

The above functionalities of cyber security professionals clearly justify as to why as per an estimate almost 10 million jobs are supposed to be created in cybersecurity alone in the year 2023. These professionals with threat detection and management skills can even get a 16% premium on their base salary.

⭐️ Hot cybersecurity skills:

These include penetration testing, application security, network security, and cloud security. Adding fundamentals like risk assessment, intrusion detection, security controls, frameworks, and incident response can increase your value even more. You can also consider earning other IT certifications like CISM, Cisco CCNA, Security+, and similar.

4. Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Do you know that the use of computer programs with AI and ML can perform tasks almost similar to humans and has the potential to reshape the way we live and work?

Individuals with prominent tech skills associated with ML and AI will be unquestionably the most sought-after skill in 2023.  

It is predicted that global spending on AI technology will reach a mark of $500 billion in 2023. As employers are already struggling to find specialists in this field, and many businesses are looking to adopt these technologies, the average salary for IT professionals with AI skills is bound to undergo a major hike.

⭐️ Hot ML & AI skills:

A unique AI job demands a different set of soft and tech skills. Some of the most common ones include machine learning, data science and algorithms, a deep knowledge of math concepts such as calculus, algebra, statistics and probability, and proficiency in programming languages that include Python, C++, and Java. In addition, individuals with soft skills who can communicate complex AI concepts to non-technical personnel will be an added qualification.

5. SQL and NoSQL databases

Did you know that SQL and NoSQL databases can help organisations store, organise, and capture data in order to make better work decisions and improve productivity levels?

If you're interested in learning about these databases and how they can benefit a company, it's important to explore the unique features and benefits of each one. This will help you make more informed decisions about which database is the best fit for a company's goals.

One key difference between SQL and NoSQL databases is that SQL databases are relational, while NoSQL databases are non-relational.

This means that SQL databases are organised in a structured way and are typically best suited for storing and manipulating large amounts of data that can be easily organised into rows and columns. On the other hand, NoSQL databases are more flexible and can handle unstructured data that doesn't fit neatly into rows and columns.

Whether you choose to use a SQL or NoSQL database largely depends on the type of information you want to store and the specific needs of your organisation. Both types of databases have their own unique features and benefits, and many development teams choose to use both in order to make more informed decisions.

In terms of job opportunities, having skills in NoSQL can open up a wide range of possibilities and can lead to higher salary packages. NoSQL is in high demand, and professionals with these skills are highly sought after

⭐️ Hot SQL skills:

You need to be able to work on Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Server, Execution skills, SSRS, T-SQL, Database Backup, Disaster Recovery, and DBA, and have OLAP skills.

6. Cloud Computing

Have you heard about the growing demand for cloud computing skills? It seems like more and more businesses are looking for qualified professionals who can help them store and manage their data using cloud-based solutions.

Cloud computing involves using the internet to access and store computing services like databases, software, servers, and networking, rather than relying on a local computer's hard drive. This can be especially useful for organisations that need to access data remotely.

There are a few reasons why the demand for cloud computing skills is on the rise.

For one, businesses are increasingly looking for more efficient and effective ways to manage decentralized data. Additionally, there has been a trend towards cloud migration, which requires skilled professionals to help with the transition.

As a result, there is a shortage of qualified professionals with cloud computing skills, leading to higher demand and better job opportunities for those who are trained in the leading cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. In fact, according to a survey from Skillsoft, two out of the three highest-paying certifications this year were related to the cloud computing field.

⭐️ Hot cloud skills:

Some of the cloud computing skills include cloud migration, application development and deployment, application programming interfaces (APIs), database management and storage, cloud management and security, SQL and Linux, AI and ML, cloud technologies like AWS, Google, Oracle, and Microsoft.

7. Blockchain

Blockchain technology, also known as Distribution Ledger Technology (DLT), blockchain is a digital ledger that records transactions and can be duplicated and distributed across a network of computers. It is nearly impossible to change or hack the recorded information in this digital ledger, which makes it a highly secure and transparent solution for businesses.

The demand for blockchain professionals is on the rise, with the global market size for this technology expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 67.3% in the coming years. In addition to finance, blockchain can also be used in supply chain management and can track the lifecycle of products from sourcing to use. Many organisations are also using it for copyright management to keep track of ownership.

As a blockchain developer, your responsibilities may include analysis, secure blockchain development, functional application development, and building and launching a blockchain.

⭐️ Hot blockchain skills:

You should be well versed in Blockchain Architecture, Cryptography, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, Golang, C#, and Java, have experience with distributed systems, know security principles, etc.

8. Quantitative analysis

It's a process that uses mathematical and research-based methods to solve complex business problems and help measure long-term trends.

As a quantitative analyst, you would use statistical and mathematical methods to tackle financial and risk management challenges.

Quantitative trading analysts, on the other hand, use a variety of data, including historical investment and stock market data, to help investors analyze investment opportunities and develop successful trading strategies.

Quantitative and analytical skills are highly sought after in the tech industry and can be a valuable asset to include on your resume.

To showcase your quantitative analytical skills, you can include examples of quantitative work you have already done, such as managing budgets or analyzing survey data, and be sure to quantify the impacts of your efforts.

Do you have any specific questions about quantitative data analysis or how to highlight these skills on your resume? Do add them in the comments. I'd be happy to help!

⭐️ Hot analytics skills:

To be a desirable candidate for quantitative analyst jobs, you need a strong background in math and statistics that will help you put ahead of the pack. Knowledge of Python, C++, MATLAB, and Statistical Models is necessary while getting acquainted with tools like SPSS and R will be an added advantage.

9. Systems and Network

As technologies are evolving, systems and networks also need to keep pace with them.

Previously, networking meant a bunch of computers connected by wires and cables. But now, networking involves wireless systems and connections, including various other advanced technologies.

Systems and networking impact everything ranging from applications to backup and recovery tools and even the way how a team communicates.

Apart from the design and configuration, computer networking involves maintenance of the networks, monitoring, optimization, and upgrades.

The IT environment is becoming more distributed. Therefore, the vulnerable and weak networks will become obsolete if not addressed properly. As the network impacts several aspects of the way a business operates, it is emerging as one of the top priorities in the job market. The right networking solution helps businesses grow and evolve, allowing their staff and stakeholders to share information seamlessly and effortlessly.

The demand for network professionals continues to increase by 4% to 5% over the next decade, with new responsibilities making their way to the forefront in this field.

⭐️ Hot networking skills:

Gather skills about network and computer system administrators by going through additional resources like O*NET.

Learn software-defined networking (SDN), secure access service edge (SASE), zero-trust network access (ZTNA), and software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) management. Securing soft skills like communication, active listening, situational awareness, and empathy will also help.

10. Ethical Hacking

Hacking is mostly used in a negative sense but did you know it can be fruitful when done ethically?

Ethical hacking is essentially a white hat technique that offers the potential to reverse what can be done by malicious hacking.

Ethical hackers are in demand as software companies require their services to find vulnerabilities and weaker points in their systems so that they can be fixed. Companies follow these practices as precautionary measures against hackers with malicious intent.

With more cases of computer hacking being reported, many companies, including financial institutions and government organisations, are recruiting ethical hackers to help them find security leaks in their computer systems.

According to the survey by the International Data Corp, there is a demand for more than 60,000 ethical data hackers worldwide. While in India, the number of these professionals is expected to grow by 77,000 soon.

Depending on the needs, ethical hackers are engaged in various activities like penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and a range of strategies to ensure the safety of their employers from cyber-attacks of any kind.

⭐️ Hot Ethical Hacking skills:

Gather skills in Reconnaissance Technique, System hacking phases, attack techniques, Network, and perimeter hacking, Reconnaissance Techniques, Web application hacking, Wireless network hacking, Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology (OT), Social Engineering, Hacking, and Cryptography.

Final Words

Your ability to acquire emerging tech skills will help you stay on top and simultaneously demonstrate the qualities recruiters are looking for when hiring new workers. Whether you are looking to transition to a new career or upgrade your knowledge, acquiring one or more in-demand IT and generic tech skills will place you on a path to career success in 2023.

In conclusion, the ability to acquire emerging tech skills is crucial for staying on top and demonstrating the qualities that recruiters are looking for when hiring new workers.

Whether you are seeking to transition to a new career or simply want to upgrade your knowledge, learning one or more in-demand IT and generic tech skills can set you on the path to career success in 2023.

By investing in your own professional development and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends, you can position yourself as a valuable asset in the job market and take control of your own career growth.

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