Trends change at lightning-fast speed in the IT industry, so it’s important to stay up-to-date to avoid getting left behind. Whether you’re actively seeking new opportunities or consider yourself a passive job seeker, get in the know about these five tech trends currently impacting IT.
Employers Want Highly Specialized Skills
It probably doesn’t come as too much of a surprise, but hiring managers want tech candidates who specialize in a specific programming language. C++, C#, Java and JavaScript are currently the most in demand, so if you don’t consider yourself an expert in any of these languages, choose one to specialize in and enroll in a training program.
Growing Emphasis on Mobile
Every company with a website is starting to realize the importance of optimizing it for mobile. Consequently, the demand for skilled Android and iOS developers is on the rise. If you’re looking to get into this field, but have no professional experience in it, consider developing apps in your free time to hone your skills and boost your resume.
Greater Push Towards Enhanced Cybersecurity
Data breaches are a company’s worst nightmare, but an overwhelming 86 percent of those surveyed in the 2015 Global Cybersecurity Status Report, conducted by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), believe there is a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts employment for information security analysts will rise 18 percent through 2024 — notably faster than average for all professions — so this is a great field to get into.
Big Data Skills Are in Demand
Companies are gathering enormous amounts of data, but many currently don’t have the capacity to properly utilize it. As a result, the need for professionals with big data skills is on the rise. According to Forbes, the top five industries with a need for big data professionals are professional, scientific, and technical services (30%), information technologies (19%), manufacturing (18%), finance and insurance (10%) and retail trade (8%). These skills come with a rather hefty paycheck, as Forbes notes the median advertised annual salary for those with big data experience totals $124,000.
Temporary Work is on the Rise
An increasing number of companies are starting to replace full-time positions with those of a temporary or contract nature — including those in the tech realm. According to the American Staffing Association (ASA), employment agencies hire approximately 16 million temporary and contract workers per year. Of these professionals, 13% fall into the engineering, information technology and scientific sector, tying it with professional-managerial category for the third-highest level of temporary workers.
Related: 10 Hottest Information Technology Skills and Technology Trends
Ready to find a challenging new IT opportunity where you can really make a difference? Contact Sparks Group, a top IT staffing company in DC, MD, VA, and NC.
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