Today's Jobs Demand Digital Skills,
but They're Changing Quickly

Ever since the dawn of the internet age, technology has been steadily advancing into every facet of our daily lives. For most people, this has taken the form of smartphones and digital assistants, as well as an increasing reliance on online services for the necessities of daily life.

In the business world, however, technology is revolutionizing processes of production, distribution, and management in ways that nobody could have predicted only a few short years ago.

Major advances in big data and artificial intelligence are producing systems that are beginning to inform the strategies and long-term plans of companies across a variety of industries. This is forcing a wholesale change in the way many of them approach their core lines of business and creating immense pressure on the global workforce to build the kind of skills that employers believe will power them through the 21st century.

Here's a look at what that means for today's skilled labour force, and what skills they'll need to remain competitive in a fast-moving, technology-focused business environment.

The Digital Skills of Today

The first and most obvious expression of the multi-industry drive toward digitization has been the sharp rise in demand for job candidates with some form of programming or coding skills.

Initially, this demand was largely confined to the information technology sector. However, as the wave of new big data and analytics technologies started to spread into the worlds of finance, manufacturing, and healthcare, so too did the need for employees who could navigate the incoming flood of new systems. The demand for coding skills became so strong that it was seen as a prerequisite for a vast number of high-paying jobs.

This created a cottage industry of coding boot camps and online training programs, all seeking to imbue workers with the digital skills that the best jobs demanded. It reached a point where programming skills were seen as a panacea for career advancement. However, as with any skill that becomes widespread, we are now reaching a tipping point. As basic coding skills become more ubiquitous, workers will need additional, more specialised skills to truly differentiate themselves from the competition.

The Right Skills for Tomorrow

While demand for coding skills isn't going to go away, the continued evolution of technology is creating a need for a new layer of digital skills that can help individuals stand out. These are the skills that will power the next wave of innovation.

1. Machine Learning Skills

   One of the biggest reasons that coding skills have been so valuable is that companies have turned towards sophisticated data mining and analytics to derive business insights. In the past, this required a human operator to write code to build the necessary functions. Now, as these systems mature, they are relying more on machine learning software that can handle many of the day-to-day analytics tasks automatically.

   However, machine learning algorithms cannot create themselves (yet). This means the next wave of in-demand skills will be those that enable the creation and management of these intelligent systems. This includes a deep understanding of probability and statistics, advanced mathematics, data modelling, and database administration. In short, tomorrow's most valuable employees will need a thorough understanding of data analysis and machine learning principles alongside their coding skills to stay ahead of the field.

2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Skills

   Another outgrowth of the adoption of artificial intelligence is the drive toward Robotic Process Automation (RPA). This is the field of development focused on creating software "robots" that can handle routine, repetitive, and rules-based business processes that were once performed by human workers. Experts expect this field to have a major impact on global business, as tasks like data entry, invoice processing, and customer service queries are increasingly handled by automated systems.

   For workers, adapting to the rise of RPA will come down to a simple concept: if you can't beat them, join them. This means developing the skills needed to design, implement, and manage the processes that RPA systems use. The good in-demand skills in this area include process analysis (the ability to map out a business workflow), strong problem-solving abilities, and expertise in one or more of the major RPA frameworks, such as UiPath, Automation Anywhere, or Blue Prism. These are often add-on skills that can be readily learned by those who already have a foundation in coding.

3. Cybersecurity Skills

   As global businesses become more reliant on digital systems, they also become far more vulnerable to disruptions from cyber attacks. Data security is no longer just the concern of the IT department; it is a company-wide responsibility. This is putting an enormous premium on cybersecurity skills, not only in dedicated security staff but also within the general workforce.

   Since employees at all levels are now expected to interact with complex digital systems, they are on the front lines of an escalating war between businesses and the cybercriminals who seek to steal valuable data. For workers, this means that adding skills in areas like cloud security, risk mitigation, and identity and access management can be a valuable asset. These skills can grant them access to the upper echelons of a company's technology operations or simply make them a more valuable and responsible employee in any role. Best of all, it is now possible to develop many of these skills through targeted certifications and micro-credentials, making them accessible to those who are not planning a full-fledged career in IT.

Conclusion

By focusing on acquiring skills in these forward-looking areas, today's workers can stay ahead of the next wave of digital disruption. Through a little bit of planning and a commitment to lifelong learning, they can position themselves to take advantage of future business needs, often before their employers are even fully aware of them.

It is a recipe for digital success that anyone can follow, regardless of their industry or current level of technical mastery. A focus on these next-generation skills will help you to build a resilient, future-proof career.

Further Reading from Skills You Need

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The Skills You Need Guide to Jobs and Careers: Getting a Job

Develop the skills you need to get that job.

This eBook is essential reading for potential job-seekers. It covers the entire process from identifying your skills through the mechanics of applying for a job and writing a CV or resume, to attending interviews.