The digital world is changing rapidly. Technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, are forcing companies to rethink their approach to hiring. What skills will become crucial shortly?

As digital transformation increasingly impacts businesses and relies on the development of AI in many aspects, the primary task for companies is to attract employees with unique skills that AI cannot yet compete with. We’re talking about human skills, including so-called “soft skills” – those skills that have actively developed in response to the changing IT landscape.

According to experts at LinkedIn, if companies want to grow and remain competitive, the human factor should be the main focus of their advancement strategy. Soft skills are the foundation that will improve collaboration and team focus on results.

Based on a LinkedIn study involving over 1 billion professionals from 200 regions and countries, the main soft skills have been identified.

In-demand skills:

• Communication
• Customer service
• Leadership qualities
• Project management
• Work process management
• Analytics
• Teamwork
• Sales
• Conflict resolution
• AI-assisted research

Another global platform bringing together professionals and employers, Upwork, has compiled its list of professional skills. The article notes that to remain a sought-after professional, it is necessary not only to enhance existing skills but also to broaden their scope.

In-demand skills according to Upwork:

• Machine learning
• Automation
• Data Analytics
• Development of mobile applications for B2B and B2C
• VR (virtual reality)
• Video production
• SEO (search engine optimization)
• Product management

IT Market Overview for 2024

An analytical report by Precision Reports confirms many other studies indicating that the global IT market will continue its growth. Companies headquartered in North America, particularly in the USA, will play a significant role in this. Innovative products and developments in Artificial Intelligence in the USA may influence the global IT development trend.

The following areas occupy the largest market share in the information technology sector in 2024:

• IT services
• Software
• IT Hardware

Here are some statistical and forecasted data on the IT market according to research and reports by Gartner and IDC:

• The IT services market is expected to grow dynamically at an annual rate of 3.5% by 2028.
• Global IT spending this year is forecasted to reach $5 trillion, which is 6.8% higher than the previous year.
• Spending on IT services will increase by 8.7% and reach $1.5 trillion by 2024.
• Expenditures on digital transformation are expected to increase by 16% over the next five years and are projected to reach $3.4 trillion by 2026.
• Corporate software spending will exceed $1 trillion.
• IT hardware revenue will reach $687.94 billion.
• Data centers with GenAI technology will be in demand by 10% more than before, with expenditures reaching nearly $60 billion.

An overview of the IT market would not be complete without mentioning the trend of employee downsizing. In 2022 alone, companies laid off over 150,000 IT specialists. Experts attribute this to companies raising qualification requirements for employees.

Top 10 In-Demand Skills in 2024

As we can see, the IT market is evolving, with expenditures increasing, but at the same time, competition among specialists is growing.

Our company, New Line Technologies, has compiled its list of top skills to remain competitive shortly. We have analyzed market forecasts and trends in the IT industry, as well as our own experience collaborating with international companies.

Let’s start with 5 soft skills:

First on our list is adaptability and flexibility. Simply put, this means remaining effective and productive in rapidly changing modern conditions. Adaptive individuals are open to new things, unafraid of change, quick to adjust to the required mode, able to switch between tasks, and easily adapt their approach to new requirements.

Creative thinking is also important for IT professionals. We understand this term to mean a person’s ability to look at things from a non-standard perspective, analyze, and identify some patterns that may not be obvious at first glance.

Emotional intelligence is, on the one hand, the ability to understand, be aware of, and manage one’s emotions. On the other hand, it includes understanding the emotions and feelings of others. Developed emotional intelligence allows a person to control their feelings regardless of the situation’s complexity.

Leadership qualities help individuals manage people more effectively and influence their actions, including their productivity and motivation. Such attributes include self-confidence, taking individual and collective responsibility, decision-making ability, self-discipline, and improving skills.

Curiosity and readiness to learn (Lifelong Learning) are skills developed by highly self-motivated individuals. It involves continuous learning throughout life in aspects such as personal, professional, and social life, among others. This allows individuals to develop their potential and improve their acquired knowledge constantly.

We have also prepared 5 highly paid skills that are in demand today as hard skills:

Let’s start with the ability to work with Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. These skills are needed by IT professionals regardless of the digital technology field. Artificial intelligence is already a part of our lives, and technological advancements have led to an increase in data volume and transmission speed. For many companies, professionals in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data remain among the most sought-after.

3D animation involves creating dynamic models in three-dimensional space. Over the past few years, 3D motion graphics have implemented numerous innovations, including high detail, integration into virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), and realistic simulators (games, training in medicine, aviation, etc.).

Digital Literacy encompasses knowledge and skills for working in a safe digital technology environment. Components of digital literacy include digital consumption, cloud security, computer literacy, software operation, technological innovations, and more.

Cybersecurity is currently one of the most in-demand and highly-paid jobs in IT. Without computer security, it is impossible to protect networks, systems, and applications from hacking and data leaks.

Mobile application development includes designing, programming, implementing server services, testing, and launching applications on mobile devices. Key trends in this sector include reducing production costs for applications by creating a hybrid product that will synchronize across different mobile operating systems.

Conclusion

The IT market in 2024 and the near future will continue to grow steadily. The primary value for companies lies in having personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills. The market is developing rapidly, which means it is essential to react promptly to changes, and upgrade your skills to remain competitive and in-demand as a specialist.