As 2021 draws to a close, it is not just a time for us to reflect but also to look ahead to 2022 and beyond. Digital transformation continues to have a big impact on the business world, resulting in the emergence of new industries and job requirements.
Due to these changes, entrepreneurs are on the lookout for highly skilled professionals who can strengthen their company’s position in the market as they look ahead to future challenges.
So whether you are a fresh graduate looking for a job or a veteran eyeing a mid-career switch, let us share the five most in-demand IT skills that companies are looking for in 2022, so you have a better understanding of the skills to pick up to ensure you stand out from a sea of applicants.

1. Cloud computing

As companies slowly transition to cloud solutions from traditional server infrastructures, more and more cloud computing jobs will rise to meet such demand. This switch can be observed from the remote software solutions your company may be using right now, such as iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
These are just a few of the cloud applications available to businesses worldwide. While entrepreneurs have tons of options to choose from, cloud computing software can generally be divided into the following three categories:

• Software as a service (SaaS)
• Platform as a service (PaaS)
• Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)

To ensure business continuity, so work is not impacted, cloud service providers will be looking for Cloud Engineers to plan, manage, and maintain their platforms to minimise downtime. Furthermore, they will be tasked with designing and structuring the user interface (UI) to provide clients with a more seamless experience.

2. Blockchain programming

With the continued rise in popularity of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more, it is only natural that companies are now looking to invest in those skilled at blockchain programming.
However, while blockchain programming is the underlying technology behind one of the hottest commodities in the digital landscape, it can also be utilised in various useful ways, such as crowdfunding file storage, digital voting, peer-to-peer payments, and identity management.
Blockchain is essentially a decentralised system wherein information can be stored, serving a similar purpose to that of a database. Its main advantages lie in the high degree of privacy this technology provides and the fact that the data stored inside it is immutable, making it an attractive proposition for industries dealing with sensitive data.
Thus, developers with a profound understanding of blockchain technology and its related disciplines like cryptography, data structures, and smart contracts are increasingly in demand as more companies look to implement this technology into their existing digital infrastructures.

3. Cybersecurity

There is no denying the numerous benefits that new technology has provided to businesses and the general public globally. However, as with any technology, potential security loopholes may exist for nefarious hackers to exploit, necessitating the need for a robust cybersecurity infrastructure.
Research has also shown that cybersecurity remains a constant trending skill set with an annual growth rate of 30%. And we expect the demand for this skill set to continue to grow as more companies look to safeguard their data from exploitation and stay ahead of the hackers.
Every company understands the grave and expensive consequences of a successful cyberattack, so they are constantly on the lookout for cybersecurity experts who can help bolster its existing IT infrastructure. Additionally, companies will also be looking to educate their workforce by signing employees up for cybersecurity training to safeguard their data.

4. Data science

In the digital age, data, or more commonly known as Big Data, has become the fuel that empowers big-name companies such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook to cement their position as the leading players in their respective industries.
Their success lies in two parts: first is the amount of data they gather and process, and second is the workforce that analyses and interprets said data. By analysing the data they have collected, these giants of the corporate world are able to predict consumer trends and implement strategies to meet those underlying needs.
Therein lies the importance of data scientists. They are tasked with the collection, evaluation, and processing of data to obtain actionable information. With their analytical skills and solid programming knowledge, data scientists uncover insights that enable companies to make more informed business decisions.
Given the critical role that data plays in a company’s forecasting plan, it is not a stretch to say that data scientists will be in-demand in virtually every sector, such as healthcare, logistics, e-commerce, and finance, making data science one of the most in-demand IT skills in 2022 and beyond!

5. UX design

Providing a seamless user experience has become one of the utmost priorities for many companies. After all, with numerous companies and websites competing for consumers’ limited time and attention, it is necessary to design a product that engages users and compels them to use it regularly.
With an abundance of options available on the market, users will sooner head over to a competitor’s platform if they face a challenging time navigating an app or website rather than spend the time to figure things out.
This is where User Experience (UX) designers come in. As digital interface becomes the new norm, these designers are expected to work closely with other related disciplines to create offerings that are intuitive and easy to use for all consumers. By putting themselves in the shoes of the product user, they can identify and develop a wholly satisfying user experience that attracts consumers to the company’s platform.

Conclusion

As technology cements itself as a vital aspect of almost every job, the demand for more technologically-related skills also increases in correlation. Furthermore, technology is constantly evolving, so IT professionals are advised to update their existing skillsets regularly to ensure they stay up-to-date on the latest digital changes.
At Bridging Minds, we provide an extensive range of IT training courses to improve your skills and make you stand out among the crowd. Whether you are looking to enhance your cybersecurity skills with our latest IT security classes or expand your horizon with our comprehensive cloud computing courses, you can rest assured that our programmes are regularly updated to cover the latest information you need to excel in your job. Our 2022 classes are now open for registration, so hurry up and sign up today before the slots are all taken up!