We’re well into the second decade of the 21st century.
That means that, technology is everywhere.
Its reach and value has reached to such an extent, that technology in itself has become its own industry. The following jobs represent some of the most widespread and in-demand technological jobs for the 21st century.
Data Scientists
Technology in itself can be a process by which we utilise software and data to make business decisions. This is the role of data scientists.
Roles & Responsibilities
These professionals provide a number of invaluable services:
- Gather, process, analyse and summarise complex and unstructured data to provide relevant business insights,
- Monitor dashboards, test algorithms and manipulate formulas to identify trends and patterns in data
- Research new problem-solving methods and models
- Collaborate with engineering, information technology, finance, marketing and project management teams
Knowledge & Skills
Data scientists’ skill set involves a mix of mathematical, business, analytical and communications to perform effectively. Specific and pertinent competencies for data scientists can include:
- Programming/coding language software – Python, Java.
- Structured Query Language (SQL) – access, communicate & work on data
- Apache Hadoop – Data exploration, data infiltration, data sampling & summarisation
- Machine learning techniques – developing decision trees, logistic regression & solution of problems based on predictions and forecasts
- Apache Spark – Data processing, analytics & security
- Matplotlib & Tableau – utilise correlation & values to convert complex results into easy to read, insightful reports.
Educational Experience
Employers seek candidates with a strong mathematical and business-oriented background. Both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics, Statistics or Physical Sciences are preferred.
Software Developer
Many of the software programs, apps, computer platforms, video games and smartphone technologies are the work of software developers.
Roles & Responsibilities
These innovative individuals employ a combination of creativity and technological skills to perform a variety of functions:
- Design, write, maintain & upgrade software codes
- Evaluate & modify software interfaces to fix errors, adapt to new hardware and improve performance
- Perform system testing and use scientific analysis to measure outcomes and consequences
- Inspect for software bugs
- Collaborate with product managers, project staff or clients on technological projects
Knowledge & Skills
Software developers to perform these responsibilities must have a strong technological background and proficiency in mathematics, programming, coding and analytics. Tertiary-level qualifications in Computer Science, Information Technology or App Development is required. Furthermore, employers would expect professional software developers have to a firm knowledge of the software development life cycle.
Information Security Analyst
Where private data is concerned, companies must take measures to protect critical information from being accessible to unwanted third parties. Information Security Analysts plan and implement secure information systems to protect confidential information from cyber-attacks, virus infiltration and breaches.
Roles & Responsibilities
These tasks can be broken down into:
- Performing risk assessment – identifying potential scenarios where data could be compromised
- Vulnerability assessment – analysing an organisation’s weaknesses and recommending changes to upgrade information security
- Defense planning – Installation of firewall software & data encryption programs to prevent stolen data
- Improve network & server efficiency
- Promote security awareness and conduct training on new data security trends & developments.
Knowledge & Skills
Information Security Analysts must have tertiary-level Information Technology qualifications and be proficient in key areas:
- In-depth knowledge and updating of Security Information Event Management
- Updating of Intrusion Detection Systems
- Network Security
- Firewall & Data Encryption programs
- Evaluation of malware software
- Cyber Threat Forensics & Analysis
Computer Support Specialist
These tech professionals are highly in demand across companies because they are the go-to-people for technical support. Computer Support Specialists are highly valued because they are certified problem-solvers.
Roles & Responsibilities
Their extensive portfolio of responsibilities include:
- Troubleshooting system issues or software malfunctions
- Hardware repairs
- Data back-up & recovery
- Configuration of operating systems – Windows, iOS, Linux, Chrome
- Configure PC or mobile software
- Technological infrastructure support – cloud technology to data management
Knowledge & Skills
Computer Support Specialists are therefore expected to utilise extensive technical knowledge and skills to resolve system difficulties To do so, they must be:
- Versed in the operating system of that organisation
- Trained in Microsoft Office
- Knowledgeable about various hardware components
- Certified in CompTIAA+
Information Technology Managers
I.T. managers help organisations manage their technological infrastructure. To succeed in this career therefore, it is critical to prove your technical capabilities while leading your team to be motivated and solutions-oriented.
Roles & Responsibilities
Other responsibilities include:
- Assessing & establishing goals for a company’s technological requirements, data security and network architecture
- Coordinating technological matters and support with executives and other departments.
- Negotiating with vendors about existing software and new products
- Leading the upgrade of a company’s operating systems
I.T. managers typically possess a minimum of 5-10 years in their field before being promoted to management levels. Beyond management, these professionals can progress to executive roles such as Chief Technical Officer, Information Technology Director and Chief Information Officer, with experience of 15 years or more.
Knowledge & Skills
A manager, in this capacity would be required to demonstrate a combination of hard and soft skills to handle the technical demands, yet manage their people effectively. Skills for an I.T. manager include:
- Technological proficiency with hardware, data management, the company’s operating system and similar forms of software
- Negotiation & decision-making skills
- Communication – presentation, listening, problem analysis
- Leadership
- Goal-setting
- Strategy setting & execution
Soft skills for tech professionals
Technical professionals often collaborate with other departments for project support or problem resolution. As such, tech professionals must possess certain soft skills to relate to other staff members and provide satisfactory service. These include:
- Communication –Team members in other departments may not be familiar with technical jargon. As such, it is essential that tech professionals communicate in such a way that other team members can understand their point of view or the solutions they’re proposing.
- Creativity – There is certainly room for creativity in the tech field. Tech staff would have to employ a degree of creativity in dealing with special projects or unconventional requests
- Customer-service – Whether it’s resolving a system breakdown or configuring a laptop for a staff member, the elements of good customer service will be appreciated.
- Teamwork – Very few professionals in a company work in isolation. As support staff and problem-solvers, tech employees ought to be able to collaborate well in teams.
- Time management – Technical issues can cost an organisation valuable resources. Tech staff therefore, need to be thorough, yet efficient in their operations.
- Project management – Upgrading a large organisation’s operating system or network security measures can be extensive work. Project management helps the tech department to organise and structure their processes to maximise productivity and minimise wasted resources.
What should I read next?
- Read our article about Career in It
