Five In-Demand Tech Skills to Acquire Before 2020

As companies adopt new technology to meet modern trends and consumer demands, there is an increasing need for those who possess tech-oriented skills. Here are five of the most in-demand tech skills to put on your resume before the end of 2019.

1.      Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

While machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are not the same thing, those who possess skills in one can definitely apply them to the other. Automation and the application of “smart machines” require those who know how this technology works. As of now, that’s a small group. There’s a wide gap in the demand for these skills and those who possess them.

Most universities and colleges offer degrees in computer science, and an increasing number are offering online courses and tracks that focus specifically on AI and machine learning. You can even earn a bachelor’s degree in AI and machine learning from top-tier schools. In addition to academic institutions, companies like Google offer online courses.

2.      Data Science

According to NewVantage Partners, 84.1 percent of executives say their companies are investing in Big Data. And just like with skills in machine learning and AI, there is a shortage of those with data science skills capable of extracting meaning from and interpreting the massive amounts of data collected in this age.

Those looking to develop data science skills have several choices. Many academic institutions offer data science bachelor’s and data science master’s degrees. There are also plenty of online courses and study options.

3.      Cloud Computing

More and more companies are ditching traditional servers for cloud computing solutions. Gartner predicts that cloud services will grow by more than 17 percent in 2019.

This is an attractive area for many because those working in this discipline are well compensated. Unlike the other skills above, non-traditional education is far more common. Amazon offers extensive, free online training courses.

4.      UX and UI Design

Just like AI and Machine learning are in the same family, so too are UX and UI. The overall look and simplicity of a website or product is just as important as the research and testing behind the site.

Those looking to gain and improve UX and UI experience have both traditional and non-traditional options. Udemy and Coursera are great places to start.

5.      Mobile Application Development

When is the last time you searched for something on your phone rather than on a laptop or desktop? Pew says that 77 percent of Americans own a smartphone and a growing number use smartphones as their primary way of accessing online content. It’s no surprise why companies are in a rush to offer their customers and users mobile applications.

Those interested in learning more about mobile application development have a plethora of online courses to choose from. Udemy and edX are well known for their mobile development courses.

Bonus: Blockchain

Few people understand what Blockchain is. But that hasn’t stopped companies of all different varieties from looking for new ways to use this technology beyond cryptocurrency.

Given the rise in popularity, those who understand it are in high demand. MIT and Berkley offer blockchain programs.  IBM, Udemy, and edX offer online blockchain training courses for both beginners and early adopters.