Whether you’re a job seeker, a business owner, or an entrepreneur, having the right tech skills can be a big boost to your professional profile. The number of jobs requiring a medium level of digital skills rose from 40 to 48 percent between 2002 and 2016, while the number of jobs requiring a high level of skills rose from 5 to 23 percent, Brookings Institute data shows. Workers with high digital skills earn a median wage of $72,896, compared to $48,274 for workers with medium skills and $30,393 for those with average skills. Improving your tech skill set can help you increase your salary, or if you run your own company, it can help you increase your operational efficiency and give you an edge over the competition. Here are three areas where developing your technical knowledge and skill set can help you enhance your professional profile.
Cloud Computing
Cloud and distributed computing is the most in-demand tech skill in 2018, a LinkedIn survey found. Cloud computing skills have become essential for today’s business. Amazon’s AWS and Microsoft’s Azure are the most popular cloud computing platforms.
You don’t necessarily have to aspire to be an IT professional to pick up basic proficiency in these popular cloud platforms. For instance, Udemy offers a free online virtual classroom introduction to Azure that requires no prior cloud or developer knowledge.
Big Data Analysis
Big data analysis is another top tech skill in today’s business world. Companies are using big data to analyze and predict trends in every area of business, from financial planning to marketing and sales to customer service. LinkedIn’s survey found that statistical analysis and data mining, both related to big data, were the second most-demanded skill set after cloud computing.
While statistical knowledge can certainly enhance your ability to use big data, you don’t have to be a math major or data scientist to pick up basic analytic skills. Knowing how to gather, explore, and prepare data, perhaps with the help of something like splunk professional services, in order to present results through visual aids such as charts and graphs is more fundamental to data analysis than advanced mathematical skills, and much of the mathematical heavy lifting in big data analysis is handled by automated tools. If you want to learn the mathematical background for data analysis, Coursera provides an online introduction to data science math skills designed for people who haven’t had algebra or precalculus. Or if you prefer to get right into practical applications, Microsoft provides an online introductory course for learning the basics of Microsoft Power BI, one of today’s most popular self-service big data tools for business intelligence.
5G
With the 5G infrastructure market projected to expand at an alarming rate, 5G is another technology that can help you enhance your professional profile. 5G will radically transform communication and digital technology once major telecomm providers start to roll out the technology later this year. 5G demonstrations at last year’s World Mobile Congress demonstrated download speeds of 500 megabytes per second, compared to an average Internet speed of 6.5 megabytes per second for U.S. Internet users.
Qualcomm, one of the driving forces behind 5G technology, provides an online FAQ guide to help you learn everything you need to know about 5G. The company also makes 5G-ready mobile processors, which can help you get ready for 5G connectivity by having access to it every day all from your smartphone.
Cloud computing, big data analysis, and 5G are three cutting-edge technologies worth learning to upgrade your professional profile. Educating yourself in these areas can help you build your skill set, improve your knowledge of today’s business technology, and increase your earning potential in today’s economic environment.
[Image via: Google Images]
