Tech hiring bounces back after winter challenges
Did you know that the technology industry had roughly 2.4 million job openings as of 2023? Surprisingly, approximately 60% of professionals in the industry switched from non-tech careers to tech careers.
However, due to economic uncertainty, some IT professionals have become more risk-averse with their decisions, which has affected the tech hiring game. It’s understandable to feel concerned in such a context. Our Global Tech Talent Trends report revealed a noticeable shift in IT professionals’ willingness to change jobs. In 2023, 5.8 out of 10 workers considered changing jobs compared to 6.5 out of 10 in 2022. Beyond the statistics, we observed a change in how candidates handled job offers, taking longer to accept offers and considering more variables before making a decision.
So, we observe here two distinct trends: IT professionals with extensive experience in economically developed countries tend to be content and settled in their current roles and, on the other hand, those in the early stages of their careers or working in countries with lower salaries are becoming more active in seeking new opportunities.
Due to escalating talent shortage, IT professionals must embrace remote work and/or relocate opportunities to different countries. Despite cultural barriers, working as non-local IT staffing providers is an inevitable road to growth in this competitive landscape.
That got us wondering what the tech world will be like in 2024, so we broke down the top 10 tech job positions to keep an eye on in the upcoming year:
10. Computer network engineer
Computer network engineers play an important role in maintaining and advancing an organisation’s technological infrastructure. Their job involves a diverse range of responsibilities, including the design, implementation, and management of networks, safeguarding network security through advanced methods like firewalls and cryptographic tunneling, and optimizing data flow.
Their significance has escalated due to the increasing cyber threats, a growing need for remote work solutions, and the crucial role of data in organisational decision-making.
With more companies moving towards digital operations, the role of a network engineer is becoming increasingly complex, requiring knowledge in emerging fields like cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT).
9. Product Manager
Product managers act as the crucial link between the needs of the customer and the objectives of the company. They are responsible for guiding the product’s direction, ensuring that it meets both the demands of the market and the company’s strategic goals. This role requires a unique combination of technical knowledge, market understanding, and strategic foresight.
While not necessarily required to have coding skills, the position is often a strategic career move for software engineers seeking to shift towards a business-centric role. Technical product managers, often with backgrounds in engineering, bring an added dimension of expertise. They manage development teams and integrate advanced practices like Agile and Scrum, adding depth to their role.
8. Front-end Developer
Front-end developers are the skilled craftsmen who bring websites and apps to life, tools that we frequently use and often overlook in our daily lives. They utilize programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to not only create visually attractive interfaces but also to ensure their smooth functionality across various devices. This role is a unique fusion of artistic creativity and technical proficiency, focusing heavily on both design and operational effectiveness.
The profession provides considerable flexibility, with options for remote work and freelance projects. This versatility contributes to its appeal as a career choice for many individuals.
7. AI/Machine Learning engineer
6. Cybersecurity engineer
5. Data Scientist
In the contemporary landscape where data reigns supreme and artificial intelligence is revolutionising industries, data scientists stand out as the MVPs in the corporate arena. Their role extends far beyond mere number crunching. These professionals are at the forefront of enabling businesses to make more informed decisions, uncover new market opportunities, and enhance product development. Their expertise isn’t confined to a single sector; these data experts make significant contributions across various fields, from healthcare and retail to finance and urban development.
4. Cloud Engineer
A cloud engineer is a technology professional tasked with the creation, management, and optimisation of cloud-based systems and services. This includes roles such as cloud architects, cloud security engineers, and cloud software developers.
These engineers are essential in enabling businesses to scale effectively, innovate, and manage data securely. Their skills are crucial in various industries, particularly in sectors with stringent regulations like healthcare and government. The dynamic nature of the field, marked by trends such as hybrid cloud solutions and the integration of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, offers ongoing opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth.
3. Cloud Security Engineer
A Cloud Security Engineer is crucial for protecting an organisation’s cloud infrastructure from a wide range of cyber threats, unauthorised intrusions, and possible data breaches. This role involves crafting, deploying, and maintaining robust security measures, running threat simulations, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
As more businesses shift to cloud solutions for enhanced scalability and operational effectiveness, these environments become prime targets for cyberattacks, underscoring the engineer’s vital role. Their in-depth understanding of complex security frameworks and familiarity with major cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform, coupled with their skill in offering practical security advice, warrant the role’s substantial remuneration.
2. Blockchain Engineer
In the world of investment, both established corporations and emerging startups are keenly aware of the transformative impact of blockchain technology. Industries like financial services, supply chain management, and healthcare are heavily investing in blockchain projects. This growing institutional interest has led to a surge in demand for proficient blockchain professionals, with even entry-level positions in tech hubs commanding six-figure salaries.
It’s important to recognise that as the sector evolves, it faces increased focus on aspects like regulatory compliance, data security, and interoperability. These issues present ongoing challenges, even for the most adept developers, making blockchain a field rich with both opportunities and complex, constantly shifting obstacles.
1. Cloud Solutions Architect
In the current tech business, which heavily relies on cloud technology, Cloud Solutions Architects play a critical role and are rewarded with high salaries due to their specialised skills in developing and managing cloud-based infrastructure. Their deep understanding of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud is essential for enhancing performance, ensuring scalability, and delivering cost-efficient solutions.
The responsibilities of a Cloud Solutions Architect go beyond technical know-how; they are strategic leaders and communicators who connect various organisational stakeholders, fostering cohesive, secure, and effective cloud strategies. Their wide-ranging role often demands over a decade of experience in areas like high-performance computing and big data platforms, and requires a comprehensive skill set that encompasses technical expertise as well as strong leadership, communication, and project management abilities.
ChatGPT and the growing need for IT expertise
And for those who believe that ChatGPT or any other AI will reduce the number of software engineers, caution. Historically, the opposite has never happened when a new disruptive technology has emerged. Take by example the introduction of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), the World Wide Web, No/Low Code, and so on. The emergence of ChatGPT will continue this pattern, and this time will not be any different, the demand for IT professionals will increase significantly.
Global Tech talent Trends 2024
Even though we believe in these trends, we’re launching a survey ‘Global Tech Talent Trends’ to have more solid quantitative data to improve the overall level of knowledge in the whole market on this topic.
For this, we’re calling for the participation of all IT Professionals to fill out the survey with their perspectives on this topic! It only takes a few minutes. You can fill it here.
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