The 10 Most Important IT Skills for 2020

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IT careers are profitable and offer a lot of opportunities for growth – so if you are looking to start one or advance in your current profession by upgrading your existing set of knowledge, it is totally understandable. With the fast advancing technology, it is advisable to always be up-to-date with the newest trends, tools, and solutions. 

Read on to find out which are the most important IT skills that companies currently are looking for. 

Cybersecurity

Companies and organizations all over the world are prioritizing cybersecurity skills as this is an area that should not be ignored. And especially after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the growth in the use of digital services and communication, the number of cyberattacks has been on the rise. 

Cloud computing 

Another IT skill that is in high demand right now – cloud expertise is very valuable and associated with some of the highest salaries in tech. Cloud opens the possibility of new revenue channels, by introducing technologies such as the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence so the demand for these skills is considered to constantly grow in the following years.  

Data analytics and data science

There will always be new data and it will continue to accumulate so data analysts and data scientists will continue to be jobs in high demand. These professionals are responsible for the storage, management, and analysis of data so that that information can be used to make decisions and solve problems. With data growth, IT professionals that possess data analytics and data science skills will continue to be sought after by organizations. 

Networking and wireless 

As devices that are connected to IP networks continue to grow, so does the demand for network administrators and engineers. One of the most popular certification categories worldwide is Cisco, the leader in network and wireless technology, so consider this if you want to land one of these important job roles that are expected to continue to grow in the future.  

Software development 

One of the faster growing IT jobs, software developers are highly sought after because of the increased demand for mobile apps and computer software. Professionals that are skilled in software development can expect a lot of opportunities for career growth and a higher salary than the average in the IT sector. 

AI and machine learning 

AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning are continuing to grow as organizations are looking to identify trends and patterns that are impossible to process by humans through traditional methods. These skills are in high demand as currently, this is one of the areas with the least amount of experts that possess the needed expertise. 

Project management

Project planning and management are key for the successful development and implementation of any IT project. The project manager is responsible for the creation, communication, and execution of the strategy that will determine whether the project will be a success or a failure. As any delays in the release of a product or service lead to significant loss of revenue, project managers with good skills are very valuable and highly rewarded. 

Programming

Coding jobs will continue to be very popular due to the increased demand for mobile apps. But apart from app development, coding is an essential skill for network engineers as well. And since more and more organizations and companies are data-driven, the opportunities for programmers will continue to grow, as well as their salaries. 

IT service management 

It is worth noting that IT professionals that hold an IT service management certification earn more than the average salary. And with the rise of remote working, they will continue to play an important role as they help to improve the remote team and manage the IT cycle and operations by employing best practices. 

Virtualization 

Virtualization is expected to grow rapidly in the next few years as it is a helpful way to increase IT agility and reduce expenses. As this is an area that sees heavy investments, professionals with these skills are very needed and sought-after.  

Consider this list with the most important IT skills that are expected to continue to be in high demand in the next years in case you are looking for career advancement in tech.