The world of work is constantly changing and evolving, and so are the skills that employers look for in their potential hires. As technology advances, new opportunities and challenges arise, requiring workers to adapt and learn new skills to stay relevant and competitive in the job market. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation, while 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms. Therefore, it is crucial for workers to keep up with the latest trends and developments in their fields and acquire the skills that will help them succeed in the future of work.
But what are the top skills to learn to prepare yourself for better career prospects in 2024? Here are some of the most in-demand and valuable skills that you should consider learning or improving in the next few years:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are the technologies that enable machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as recognizing patterns, analyzing data, making decisions, and learning from experience. AI and ML are transforming various industries and sectors, such as healthcare, education, finance, manufacturing, retail, and more, creating new possibilities and efficiencies. According to LinkedIn, AI specialists are among the top emerging jobs in 2020, with a 74% annual growth rate. To learn AI and ML, you will need to have a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, programming, and data science. You can also take online courses, such as [Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)] or [Machine Learning with Python], to get started with the basics of these technologies.
- Data Science and Analytics: Data science and analytics are the processes of collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting large amounts of data to generate insights and solutions for various problems and questions. Data is the new oil of the digital economy, and data-driven decision making is becoming more important and prevalent in every industry and sector. According to the World Economic Forum, data analysts and scientists are among the top roles in increasing demand across most industries by 2025. To learn data science and analytics, you will need to have a good understanding of mathematics, statistics, programming, and data visualization. You can also take online courses, such as [Data Science Essentials] or [Data Analysis and Visualization], to learn how to work with data using various tools and techniques.
- Cloud Computing and DevOps: Cloud computing and DevOps are the practices of delivering software and services over the internet, using remote servers and networks, rather than local devices and infrastructure. Cloud computing and DevOps enable faster, cheaper, and more scalable development and deployment of applications, as well as better collaboration and integration among teams and stakeholders. According to LinkedIn, cloud computing is the most in-demand hard skill in 2020, and DevOps engineers are among the top emerging jobs in 2020, with a 40% annual growth rate. To learn cloud computing and DevOps, you will need to have a solid background in programming, software engineering, and system administration. You can also take online courses, such as [Cloud Computing Concepts] or [DevOps Fundamentals], to learn the fundamentals and best practices of these fields.
- Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, systems, devices, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage. Cybersecurity is becoming more critical and challenging, as the number and complexity of cyber threats and incidents increase, and as more data and activities move online, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Economic Forum, cybersecurity specialists are among the top roles in increasing demand across most industries by 2025. To learn cybersecurity, you will need to have a strong knowledge of computer networks, systems, and protocols, as well as cryptography, ethical hacking, and digital forensics. You can also take online courses, such as [Introduction to Cybersecurity] or [Cybersecurity for Business], to learn the basics and principles of cybersecurity.
- Soft Skills: Soft skills are the personal attributes, behaviors, and attitudes that enable one to interact effectively and harmoniously with others, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. Soft skills are essential for any job and career, as they help one to work well with others, cope with change and uncertainty, and achieve personal and professional goals. According to the World Economic Forum, the top 10 skills of 2025 include analytical thinking and innovation, active learning and learning strategies, complex problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, creativity, originality and initiative, leadership and social influence, technology use, monitoring and control, technology design and programming, resilience, stress tolerance and flexibility, and reasoning, problem-solving and ideation. To learn and improve soft skills, you will need to practice self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-improvement, as well as seek feedback, mentorship, and coaching from others. You can also take online courses, such as [Soft Skills for Success] or [Developing Your Emotional Intelligence], to learn and enhance your soft skills.
These are some of the top skills to learn to prepare yourself for better career prospects in 2024. However, this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other skills that are relevant and important for your specific field, industry, or role. The key is to keep learning and updating your skills, as well as to demonstrate your value and potential to employers and recruiters. By doing so, you will be able to stay ahead of the curve and secure your future in the ever-changing world of work.