Most In-Demand Tech Skills to Master in 2024

The tech industry is constantly evolving, and the skills that are in demand are constantly changing. If you want to stay ahead of the curve and future-proof your career, it is important to learn new tech skills throughout your work life. The article lists the 8 most in-demand tech skills, including cloud computing, Blockchain, and Data Science, that technology professionals must learn. This article lists eight of the most in-demand tech skills for software engineers in 2024.

1. Data Science
2. Cloud Computing 
3. Artificial Intelligence
4. DevOps 
5. Blockchain 
6. RPA (Robotic Process Automation)
7. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
8. Cybersecurity

Most In-Demand Tech Skills to Master in 2024

Let’s have a deeper look at each trending technology: 

Note: We have shared the insights of market research studies for most in-demand tech skills to give you a fair idea of the projected future growth and career opportunities in that industry.

Data Science 

Data science refers to scientific methods, tools, processes, and algorithms to extract structured and unstructured data information and insights. 

Nowadays, many organizations collect more and more data daily, relying on experts in data science. Data Scientists compile, clean, and present data for businesses and organizations to make informed decisions. 

 

According to Markets and Markets, “the data science platform market size is expected to grow from USD 37.9 billion in 2019 to USD 140.9 billion by 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30.0% during the forecast period. Key growth factors for the market include the increasing focus of enterprises on ease of use methods to drive business and the growing need to extract in-depth insights from voluminous data to gain a competitive advantage.”

The data science industry has a variety of perks to provide, including technologies for Big Data, Data Mining, Machine Learning, Data Analysis, and Data Analytics. Moreover, there is a surge in demand for data science professionals across the globe, and the number of job openings for Data Science shows no sign of slowing. Thus, you will enter the opportunities world by taking a data science online course. 

 

Benefits of Data Science:

• Empowering management to make better decisions
• Validates decisions with data-driven evidence
• Increased efficiency 
• Helps in recruiting the right talent for an organization

Top Data Science Courses 

• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate on Coursera
• Data Science with Databricks for Data Analysts Specialization on Coursera
• Principles, Statistical and Computational Tools for Reproducible Data Science on Coursera

Cloud Computing 

Cloud computing refers to storing and accessing computing services, such as databases, software, servers, networking, and analytics, over the internet. It allows companies to store files and applications on remote servers instead of the computer’s hard drive and then access it via the Internet. To access the data, the users do not have to be present at a specific place, rather they can access it remotely.  

According to Markets and Markets, “the global cloud computing market size is expected to grow from USD 371.4 billion in 2020 to USD 832.1 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17.5% during the forecast period.”

Must Read – Cloud Computing Project Ideas

Cloud computing is one of the most trending technologies with a high demand for qualified professionals. With most organizations (whether big or small) moving to the cloud, there is a massive boom in cloud-related jobs. 

Also Read – 7 Most Popular Uses of Cloud Computing Explained

Benefits of Cloud Computing:

• Reduced cost
• Improved speed 
• Increased productivity
• More reliable 
• Better security 

Also Read – Cloud Computing Trends to Look Out For

Popular Cloud Computing Courses 

• Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure on Coursera
• Cloud Computing Basics: Enhance your career as Cloud Engineer on Udemy
• Introduction to Cloud Computing on Amazon AWS for Beginners on Udemy
• Introduction to Cloud Computing on Coursera

Must Read – Best Resources to Learn Cloud Computing

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence refers to the intelligence demonstrated by machines. AI professionals focus on building machines that are programmed to think like humans. These machines are capable of doing tasks that require human intelligence.

AI systems exhibit different behaviors associated with human intelligence, like knowledge representation, problem-solving, learning, and reasoning. 

As per Grand View Research, “the global artificial intelligence market size was valued at USD 39.9 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42.2% from 2020 to 2027.”

AI has become the biggest buzzword nowadays. Professionals with AI knowledge, experience, and skillset are highly in demand. Needless to say, careers in the field of AI are future-proof and are expected to survive well into the future.

Benefits of Artificial Intelligence:

• Reduced human error
• Helps in automating repetitive jobs
• Increase productivity 
• Improved operational efficiencies
• Faster business decisions 

Best Artificial Intelligence Courses 

• Applied AI with DeepLearning by IBM on Coursera
• Designing the Future of Work by the University of New South Wales on Coursera
• Intro to Artificial Intelligence on Udacity

DevOps 

DevOps is a set of practices and tools that combine software development and IT operations to shorten the systems development life cycle. In simple terms, it aims to make building, testing, and releasing software – faster and more reliable. 

DevOps professionals are engaged in building the software and checking code releases to ensure everything goes smoothly. It is one of the highest-paying remote jobs in the market.

As per Markets and Markets, “the DevOps market size is expected to grow from USD 2.90 Billion in 2017 to USD 10.31 Billion by 2023 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 24.7%. The demand for DevOps solutions and services among enterprises is expected to gain huge traction due to the increasing need for fast application delivery with high quality.” 

While DevOps benefits IT organizations of any size, some big organizations relying on DevOps include Amazon, Facebook, Netflix, Etsy, Walmart, and Adobe. 

Benefits of DevOps: 

• Faster resolution of problems
• Continuous software delivery
• Increased productivity
• Higher employee engagement 
• Promotes collaboration among the teams
• Nurtures innovation
• Cost reduction 

Top DevOps Courses: 

• Intro to DevOps on Udacity 
• DevOps for Developers: How to Get Started on edX
• Introduction to DevOps: Transforming and Improving Operations on edX

Now, let’s look at some more in-demand tech skills.

Blockchain 

Also referred to as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), Blockchain is a digital ledger of transactions duplicated and distributed thousands of times across a network of computer systems on the blockchain. It is the process of recording information in a manner that makes it difficult or impossible to change or hack the system. 

Must Read – How Does Blockchain Work?

“The global blockchain market size is expected to grow from USD 3.0 billion in 2020 to USD 39.7 billion by 2025, at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 67.3% during 2020–2025,” as per Markets and Markets.

Related Read – 10 Most Popular Blockchain Tools

Considering the market trends, the demand for blockchain professionals is ever-increasing. If you are equipped with all the essential tools and knowledge related to blockchain, you sure have a bright career ahead. 

Benefits of Blockchain:

• Improved security
• Increased efficiency
• Improved traceability
• Reduced costs 
• Improved speed

Must Read – Blockchain Interview Questions

Popular Blockchain Courses: 

• Blockchain: Foundations and Use Cases on Coursera
• Ethereum Blockchain Developer Bootcamp With Solidity (2021) on Udemy
• Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Explained on Coursera

RPA (Robotic Process Automation)

Robotic Process Automation refers to applying technology governed by businesses to perform automation. Simply put, RPA is the process of creating a software robot to automate any repeatable business process. 

As per PR News Wire, “In 2018, the global Robotic Process Automation (RPA) market size was 477 Million USD, and it is expected to reach 1930 Million USD by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of 21.3% between 2019 and 2025.”

RPA enables you to automate any desk job in any industry that is routine and repetitive. It is one of the fastest emerging technologies, and professionals can easily expect a major share of RPA-related employment opportunities in the coming years.

Benefits of RPA (Robotic Process Automation)

• Improved productivity
• Cost-saving
• Improved quality
• Redeployment of employees to higher-value tasks 

Popular RPA Courses

• Robotic Process Automation – RPA Overview on Udemy
• Robotic Process Automation: RPA Fundamentals + Build a Robot on Udemy

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are the technologies that bridge the real and virtual worlds. These technologies enable users to view information and content visually, like you take in the world. Many industries, like healthcare, travel, aviation, and automotive, are developing augmented reality solutions in training applications.

AR adds digital elements to a live view and improves how our digital devices can help in our daily tasks, such as searching for information and shopping. VR, on the other hand, lets users experience what it is like to go anywhere.

While AR offers an interactive experience of the real-world scenario, VR creates a completely immersive virtual environment.

Markets and Markets says, “The augmented reality market is expected to reach USD 71.2 billion by 2028 from 25.1 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 23.2% during the 2023- 2028 period. Whereas the virtual reality market is expected to reach USD 29.6 billion by 2028 from 12.9 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 18.0% during the 2023- 2028 period.”

Benefits of Augmented reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

• Rich, immersive, and interactive user experience
• Personalized content as per user’s needs
• Increased brand awareness

Best AR and VR Courses

• Work with augmented reality (AR) and the web on edX
• Introduction to Virtual Reality by Goldsmiths, University of London on Coursera

Cybersecurity

Cyber security is another one of the most in-demand tech skills. Cybersecurity safeguards computer systems and networks from cyber-attacks that intend to access, modify, or destroy sensitive or confidential information. With cyber-attacks becoming more common and harmful, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is increasing. Cybersecurity-focused jobs profiles include network engineer, information security analyst, systems engineer, and cybersecurity analyst.

As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “the employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 per cent from 2020 to 2030.“

The cybersecurity field is already witnessing a boom. It is safe to say that in the coming years, cybersecurity jobs will grow even more. Cybersecurity jobs are highly technical and require professionals to broaden their skill sets with more security training.

You May Like – Best Resources to Learn Cybersecurity

Benefits of CyberSecurity

• Safeguards businesses from potential threats such as Adware and Ransomware
• Improved data management
• Increased productivity
• Boost customer’s confidence

Best Cybersecurity Courses 

• Cybersecurity Risk Management Frameworks Specialization on Coursera
• Cybersecurity Capstone on edX
• Cyber Security Awareness: Malware Explained on Pluralsight

Conclusion 

While many new technologies keep emerging, evolving, and disappearing, these eight skills are unlikely to disappear soon. Learning these skills will help you build and enhance your skills, realize your potential, and prove your worth in the corporate world. What are you waiting for? Enroll in an online course to upskill yourself and enter the world of career opportunities. In addition to taking online courses, there are many other ways to learn new tech skills. You can read books and articles, watch videos, attend conferences and workshops, and contribute to open-source projects.