The 4 most in demand IT skills in 2022
By Fay Capstick
We have seen our industry, Digital and IT, booming during Covid and we expect that this will continue into 2022. But what skills are going to be the most in demand this year? In this blog we will look at the top 4 skill areas where we predict the most demand.
Cybersecurity
This area is growing in demand massively. Cyber criminals are constantly searching for weaknesses to exploit, which is resulting in constant demand for professionals to thwart these attacks, which are growing in complexity and creativity.
Covid further led to an increase in this already in demand skill area. Criminals sought to exploit the vulnerability of remote workers who were no longer behind a corporate enterprise environment and its associated security. IBM notes that demand is outstripping supply (https://ibm.co/3JDfxAZ).
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
A crucial element of business transformation projects is the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The demand in this area is constantly increasing as artificial intelligence and machine learning finally starts to come of age. An example of this is the new large scale trial of driverless cars just starting in Milton Keynes (https://bbc.in/3zrqOiR).
AI and machine learning can identify patterns that humans and previous methods are unable to find, and therefore help to automate processes more efficiently and find trends. This will help businesses to better adapt to the demands of their customers. AI/ML can also help with the threat from cyber criminals. This is why we are predicting this as a skill where demand will increase this year.
Project Management
Project management has always been a skill area that we have seen a big demand for and we are predicting this will continue into 2022 and beyond. Digital business transformation projects require a new breed of appropriately skilled project managers who can help manage these complex projects.
Project managers need to be able to create, explain and then deliver their projects. These are skills that go far beyond IT and require individuals with multiple skills that combine technical knowledge and exemplary management, written and verbal communication skills. The Talent Gap report from the Project Management Institute showed that worldwide 2.3 million project managers will be required to meet increasing demand (https://tek.io/3zu8TYZ).
Cloud Architect
Cloud computing is related to the storing and accessing of computing services, such as databases, desktops and servers, over the internet. Cloud computing offers reliability, security and decreased costs over traditional options such as servers. It has been in existence for two decades with both popularity and functionality increasing alongside internet capabilities.
A cloud architect is responsible for overseeing the cloud computing strategy of a company. As with project management, cloud architecture requires excellent people and leadership skills. A knowledge of programming languages will also be needed, such as Python and Ruby.
As we have seen in previous blogs, cloud architecture is one important element in digital business transformation projects, and therefore there is a big demand in this area, one which we predict is set to continue growing as nearly all business will be using cloud technologies to operate in future.
Final thoughts
The increasing and continued demand for digital business transformation projects mean that where previously we saw demand for highly technically skilled individuals, the requirement is now broader with demand for softer skills such as management, communication and organisation alongside technical skill. This is creating a new kind of IT professional, and demand is only set to increase. With over 30 years experience in the industry, we can help find the ideal person or team to suit your needs in all these areas.