In case you missed January’s World Economic Forum annual conference in Davos, the news headlines summed it up: “AI fever takes over Davos, pushing crypto aside as the new cool kid on the block.” Signs everywhere in town touted, “The future is AI.” In fact, the World Economic Forum itself predicts that while AI could erase 85 million human jobs, it will likely create 95 million new positions.
But AI and machine learning aren’t the only hot tickets in tech for 2024. Cybersecurity professionals and data scientists are also top-of-mind for companies looking toward the future. “In reality,” reports Promineo Tech, “the tech job market is diversifying, evolving, and growing in ways that continue to offer a wealth of opportunities to tech workers.”
By the end of the decade, various industry sources predict significant increases in hiring for:
- Cybersecurity professionals (12.3%)
- Web developers (16%)
- Data engineers (21%)
- Software developers (25%)
- Data scientists (35%)
The hottest of the hot (and why)
Major shifts in how we get things done have been the hallmark of work itself since the Industrial Revolution. Companies now outsource many roles/functions so core personnel can focus on mission-critical work. So, we shouldn’t be surprised that the rapid evolution of technology means tech-related roles and responsibilities continue to change.
IT roles can continue to perform the usual internal support essential to company operations, but new tech specialties are bringing so much more to the table. Companies across all industries are taking advantage of that.
Even those with robust IT departments are establishing divisions to focus on innovation – small “beta” groups working on specialized proof-of-concept projects. If the concept looks promising, the company can decide to go forward with funding to expand that project. But not without tech workers who have the skills to take on creative innovation.
AI and Machine Learning
Nvidia’s growth has soared, thanks to its products that drive AI and machine-learning. And who hasn’t checked out ChatGPT? In 2022, McKinsey reported that half of organizations surveyed are already using AI in some way.
Now in a world where we are inundated with tremendous volumes of data everywhere, AI can access and leverage that data to help humans make more informed decisions. However, AI cannot (yet) replicate human creativity, empathy or ability to form personal relationships.
In HR, for example, AI can handle fundamental tasks such as reviewing resumes and scouring the internet using keywords to identify prospective candidates, allowing recruiters to zero in on the nuanced human side of evaluating and interviewing candidates.
AI and machine learning are still uncharted territory, requiring a new breed of tech expert that not only understands how to design and build algorithms but the legal and ethical consequences of doing so.
Hot roles for 2024:
- AI research scientists
- AI solutions architects
- AI product managers
- Machine learning engineers
Cybersecurity
With all the advancements and the fact that the Internet of Things now permeates every aspect of our personal and business lives, cybersecurity and the need to keep networks, systems, private information and data secure and protected from various intrusive threats has become more important than ever.
Hot roles for 2024:
- Information security analysts
- Security architects
- Network security engineers
- Penetration testers
Data Science and Engineering
Companies cannot keep up with the enormous amounts of data now available. Data scientists are stepping in to help put that information to work, helping companies synthesize data, automate processes and monetize opportunities. They can develop complex predictive models to maximize productivity as well as revenue.
Hot roles for 2024:
- Data scientists
- Data analysts
- Data architects
- Data engineers
- Machine learning engineers
What’s hottest for recruiters and candidates?
Technology has become interdisciplinary. Putting data to work requires understanding what actionable results are desired, then translating complex data into processes to achieve that. For most companies, creating a better user experience, internally and externally, is paramount. That means top talent will need to use both sides of their brain to bring creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving to each task.
Effective communication will remain critical. Technical professionals need to be able to translate highly technical terminology and articulate its value to key stakeholders and customers within the organization.
STEM is hot. Leveraging data and predictive modeling require heavy math and engineering expertise. Qualified data scientists may be someone with a PhD in engineering or physics as well as data science. Or someone looking to switch up how they apply their STEM knowledge by entering the tech field. This spells opportunity for employers with more open-minded recruiting plans.
Candidates who hope to reach their next personal/career growth goals must get proactive to change with the industry. Continue to sharpen skills or obtain new training necessary to land 2024’s hottest tech jobs. To do that, you may have to change jobs. This is no time to find yourself mired in a company that isn’t pursuing cutting-edge technology because individuals can become obsolete right along with their employer.