Tech jobs have been in high demand since the internet boom, but today is an especially interesting time in tech’s history as AI, social media, and cloud computing are integrated into virtually everyone’s daily lives.
Some roles are more sought after than others and there are dozens of unique factors that may impact how one business views the importance of two different roles, such as a web developer and a data analyst. However, the current state of the industry combined with hiring trends suggests that these are some of the most in-demand jobs in tech right now.
#1: Full Stack Developer
Young professionals, especially recent graduates entering the tech scene, should acknowledge that certain roles are still indispensable despite tech’s advances. A full stack developer, for example, is still a necessity.
Thousands of websites and apps are launched every day. APIs—Application Programming Interface—are connecting these apps and websites to create streamlined communication for businesses across multiple software programs. Without a developer who can create, maintain, troubleshoot, and scale both frontend and backend processes, many of these websites and apps will fail.
The essential role a full stack developer plays in tech today cannot be understated. While tech advances create new roles that tend to elicit high salaries, full stack developers are very much still in high demand. And perhaps more importantly, this foundational role may provide career consistency that other positions do not have.
#2: Cybersecurity Engineer
It’s said that cybersecurity professionals are always working to prevent a crime that’s already happened: by the time they’ve identified the problem and created a solution, a hacker has already found a new weakness to exploit.
Cybersecurity engineers have a powerful part to play in preserving the digital safety of not only a business, but of its clients as well. Network security breaches can be catastrophic depending on the severity of the cyberattack and the data stolen. With so many companies increasing their reliance on cloud-based servers, a cybersecurity engineer is far from a modest support position in an IT department.
#3: Cloud Architects
Cloud computing is slowly overtaking in-house computing. Although many companies will continue to keep their own servers in-house, the sheer amount of data being created each day requires a stronger, scalable infrastructure that is safer than most in-house network servers are. Unfortunately, many businesses either haven’t used cloud computing before or have relied on a third party to perform these services, leaving them unsure of how to move their businesses forward.
Enter the cloud architect.
These individuals can create bespoke solutions for these organizations, designing, developing, and sustaining long-term cloud-based infrastructure that enables a company to grow, evolve, and compete with other businesses who may have more robust cloud capabilities. Cloud architecture cannot solve every cloud computing problem, but a skilled cloud architect can mean the difference between a business simply surviving and one scaling at a sustainable level.
#4: AI Engineer/Developer/Analyst
Artificial intelligence is quickly integrating itself into every industry imaginable. Many programs like ChatGPT are being adopted by those who understand how to leverage its potential and by others hoping to save money through automation.
Regardless of the success or failure of these programs right now, AI will only grow as a resource across business sectors. That’s why employees specifically trained in the development, analysis, and maintenance of AI will only grow as a high-paying career options.
CNBC reported that roles like data engineers and research scientists working in an AI context are exceeding $100,000 salaries and can be accomplished remotely. AI is still in its infancy as far as mainstream adoption is concerned, but for every independent company that adopts a chatbot or automates a process, we should assume that global tech giants are hard at work to make AI as functional, accurate, and easy to employ as possible.
#5: Project Manager
It’s an exciting time to work in the technology industry which is why it’s important that professionals without tech-specific skill sets realize just how fertile this landscape is for growth. Project managers are keystone employees in nearly every industry and tech is no different.
Consider the global changes occurring right now as companies like SAP are migrating all of their clients to cloud-based software. So many enterprises are not equipped to complete these significant software transitions or have the knowledge required to execute a plan that will enable them to continue performing their operations without daily disruption and scale the business over the next few years.
Project managers who understand the pain points, solutions, and how to assemble a successful team will be invaluable to these clients.
As tech continues to evolve, employees in these career fields can position themselves for success at both the corporate enterprise level and as a contractor or consultant for small-to-mid-sized companies.
Nick Dauk | Contributing Writer
