Every job requires a combination of vital skills, but what skillset is valued most in 2024? As the job market evolves, staying ahead means it’s key to understand and acquire the skills that employers value most.
In 2024, the workforce landscape is expected to be diverse, with AI and technological innovation leading the charge. However, this also means that a mix of technical and social skills are essential to push these developing tools forward in the right way. Below, we’ve listed 10 skills predicted to be amongst the most in-demand this year.
1. Cloud Computing Skills
The global market for cloud computing is on a steep incline, expected to soar from $570 billion to nearly $2.5 trillion between 2022 and 2030 - putting cloud computing skills at the forefront of in-demand tech expertise.
Cloud computing is, in essence, the delivery of a wide range of computing services to “the cloud” ie. the internet. It’s a rapidly growing industry that almost every business and industry is beginning to adopt.
Anyone with experience in cloud platforms and their associated tools will open doors to potentially lucrative opportunities in helping businesses migrate and thrive in the cloud environment.
2. Project Management
In an increasingly complex business world, the ability to orchestrate people, technology, and resources toward strategic objectives is an invaluable skill that will be widely sought after in 2024.
Project management goes beyond the traditional scope to include leadership, resilience, and organizational adeptness, making it a critical skill set in virtually every industry. As businesses begin to leverage AI for more tasks ranging from prototyping to scheduling, skilled project managers can harness these advancements to drive efficiency and innovation for their clients this year.
3. Generative AI
AI is a hot topic in 2024. Last year, we saw how AI will transform the landscape of a wide range of industries, and already, the emergence of generative AI technologies, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, has revolutionized how we create, automate, and optimize workflows.
The ability to leverage these tools for innovative solutions, manage change effectively, and navigate ethical considerations will be among the top sought-after skills in 2024.
AI is finding its way into practically every role, and most of the skills in this article can be supercharged with AI. It’s important to learn which AI tools are right for which job, how to get the outputs you need, and which tasks are suited to AI assistance.CEO of MoneyzineLuke Eales
4. Sustainability Skills
As businesses worldwide embrace the urgency of operating sustainably, expertise in identifying and implementing green solutions is increasingly a valued skill.
An understanding of environmental science, climate change, and environmental policies and regulations is key here. But you could also benefit from skills such as problem solving to identify solutions to sustainability challenges, and strong communication to pitch your solutions and explain them to colleagues. Data analysis could also come in handy to track the results of your sustainability efforts.
With net-zero targets becoming strategic priorities for many businesses, skills in sustainability are not just ethical choices but essential business qualifications, especially for anyone interested in seeking partnerships and opportunities with larger global enterprises and government bodies.
5. Cybersecurity Skills
With the rise in cyber threats and cloud computing mentioned above, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever in 2024.
The ongoing arms race between security specialists and cybercriminals has necessitated a demand for a workforce skilled in building robust security frameworks to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust.
6. Health & Social Care Skills
The healthcare sector is experiencing significant growth, with registered nurse and nurse practitioner roles expanding rapidly. Between 2022 and 2032, registered nurse jobs are expected to grow by 177,000 in the US, making it the fifth-largest expected growth of all occupations. Meanwhile, nurse practitioner roles are expected to see the second-fastest growth in the same period.
Linked to this, official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics has demonstrated that healthcare and social assistance was the job category with the most openings in the USA last year. This trend underscores the critical need for skilled professionals in health and social care, offering a range of opportunities from clinical roles to support and caregiving positions.
7. Software Development
Another skill set to be high in demand in 2024 is software development, thanks to the critical role that technology plays across industries. Between 2022 and 2032, jobs in the software development industry are predicted to grow by 410,400, highlighting just how many opportunities await those skilled in coding languages and development tools.
2024 is a great time to get into programming, with free, open source access to great technology and availability of laptops & mobiles spreading globally with every passing day.
Between YouTube, AI tools like Co-Pilot, and a good investment of time, it’s never been easier to add software development skills to your resume.CEO of Moneyzine
8. Data Analysis
In a data-driven world, analytical skills are highly sought after - making them another in-demand skill this year.
Anyone with a proficiency in tools like SQL, Python, and data visualization platforms is likely to be highly sought after, making data analysis a lucrative skill set for aspiring professionals. Data analysis jobs, such as data scientists, are predicted to grow by 35% by 2032, indicating the increasing demand for these skills.
9. Creative Thinking
The need for creative problem-solving has never been greater, and according to the WEF Future of Jobs report, there’ll be a greater need for more creative skillset to solve complex business problems that may arise with the continuing innovation in various digital industries.
As businesses face increasingly complex challenges, the ability to think outside the box and devise innovative solutions is a valuable asset to acquire and hone in 2024.
10. Communication
Effective communication is the glue that holds remote and hybrid teams together in today's dispersed work environment. Good communication skills and the ability to convey ideas clearly and to inspire action is essential, and individuals in possession of these traits will be highly sought after in 2024.
As workplaces continue to globalize beyond traditional office spaces, strong communicators are vital to bridge gaps, foster collaboration, and drive team cohesion, making this skill a universal requirement across job roles.
Great communication requires a clear understanding of your own goals & circumstances, and how they align with others. Emotional intelligence and empathy are key here.
Communication skills can be developed, especially if you can surround yourself with strong communicators. You’ll be amazed at how they set out their aims, take a 20,000ft view of problems, and put everyone in the room at ease. This exposure will really enhance your own skillset. Seek out and spend time with A+ communicators proactively.CEO of Moneyzine
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