Technology is one of the biggest disruptors of the modern workforce. When technology integrates into companies’ operations, some jobs disappear, and new ones emerge. The World Economic Forum in their Future of Jobs 2020 study, estimated that 85 million jobs may be eliminated by automation, but 97 million new roles may emerge.
The job shift will create a need for reskilling and upskilling for many employees across different industries. This article discusses what skills to earn in future.
Tech Skills to Learn in 2022
Demand for tech skills at the workplace will reach 60% by the end of 2030, according to the estimates of Oxford Economics. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data, and Augmented Reality – are the technologies that companies are actively implementing in their businesses. And modern employees should be aware of how to interact with them.
Popular Technologies for the Future
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning. AI has the power to automate routine tasks, analyze data and bring insights, provide automatic reports, etc. Java, Python, or R programming languages, statistics, and neural network architecture are the most in demand skills in AI and ML.
- Big Data. Big Data handles the structure and analysis of huge amounts of data collected from different sources. The technology requires the knowledge of programming and specific technologies (SQL, NoSQL, Apache Spark, etc.), analytical skills, data structures, and data mining skills.
- Cloud computing. Remote work has pushed businesses to shift from server infrastructures to the cloud. Most SaaS solutions moved to clouds, so the demand for specialists who can maintain them is increasing. Cloud computing top skills to learn include network and database management, programming, cloud security, APIs, and cloud service platform expertise.
- Cybersecurity. Abrupt digital adoption due to the Coronavirus pandemic increased the risk of cyber threats. Cybersecurity skills are operating systems, scripting, network administration, analytics, and security controls.
- DevOps specialists ensure seamless communication development and operations. DevOps are usually tech-savvy and experienced in software development, know its lifecycle, and deeply understand business processes and requirements.
Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is a necessity for modern specialists. Even the simplest jobs nowadays require basic computer skills such as operating systems, communication skills, MS Office, etc. Analytical research reveals that approximately 80% of job openings mention digital literacy in job requirements. The list of digital literacy skills to learn in future includes but isn’t limited to:
- research skills,
- handling computer issues,
- data privacy management,
- cybersecurity,
- quick adoption of tech tools.
Soft Skills to Skyrocket Your Career
Automation at the workplace makes interpersonal relations more important than ever. The reason for that is technology can’t replace creativity, the power of communication, or problem-solving. Here’s a list of top soft best it skills to learn in 2022.
Self-management
Self-management refers to the ability of a person or group of people to make key decisions concerning work without supervision. Self-management is also about an ability to manage your emotions and behavior to achieve fruitful results. The skill is essential for the future because it teaches people to take responsibility and be independent while keeping good relationships with co-workers and staying productive.
Leadership
Leadership is a primary management asset for organizations to direct workforce efforts towards achieving business objectives effectively. Great leaders can communicate goals to employees and motivate them to reach those goals. Leadership skills to learn in future include:
- empathy,
- creativity,
- active listening,
- delegation,
- time management,
- strategic thinking,
- relationship building.
Digital Communication
Technology adoption is changing the way we communicate at work. Technological communication tools such as chats and video calls are pushing people to learn how to communicate in new ways. So in the future, it will be crucial to know how:
- build robust communication in digital environments,
- write clearly and concisely,
- embrace virtual body language,
- understand the context,
- consider time zones, etc.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a top soft skill to learn in the future because we live in an ever-changing world. Modern workers should be prepared to learn new technology, shift specializations over their career, adapt to remote work, etc. Those who handle changes without a lot of stress will always be on the crest of the wave and in demand.