These Are Skills Employers are Looking for in 2024
Skills like communication, collaboration, and cross-cultural competence will never go out of style.
However, developments in technology mandate the importance of upskilling your career toolkit.
As we enter 2024, consider this list of skills to develop as reported by Forbes, Total Jobs, and PSCI.
Data Skills (analytics and literacy): Forbes explains that the recent revolution in AI is rooted in the transformation of data into value in order to increase business success. PSCI cites the US Bureau of Labor Statistics report that explains data science skills are in high demand and expected to grow by 27.9% by 2026.
Cloud Computing: Google Cloud defines cloud computing as "the on-demand availability of computing resources (such as storage and infrastructure), as services over the internet." Forbes explains that the cloud computing market is expected to grow from $570 billion in 2022 to almost $2.5 trillion by 2030. Simplilearn states there is a shortage of qualified professionals in this area which underscores that cloud computing might be a new skill to explore if you’re looking to enter a line of work with high demand.
Machine Learning (ML) Engineering: A ML engineer "is a person in IT who focuses on researching, building and designing self-running artificial intelligence (AI) systems to automate predictive models." Forbes cites the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs 2023 report which states that ML specialists top the list of fast-growing jobs.
Sustainability Skills: Climate change is causing businesses to closely examine the ways in which their operations impact on the environment. Sustainability managers play a vital role in helping businesses meet green imperatives.
User Experience (UX) Design: Grow with Google defines user experience (UX) design as “the process of designing a good user experience by making, creating and organizing the interfaces people interact with daily, like mobile apps, websites, smart watches, and physical products." According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as cited in Springboard, the employment rate for UX designers (as well as web developers and digital designers) is expected to grow 23% from 2021-2031.