From the beginning of 2024, a sense of renewal and aspiration to upgrade yourself has brought into the minds of students. After all, the competetive job market seeks individuals who have sharp & learning mindset having multiple soft & hardskills. Let's explore which hard skills are set to dominate in 2024!
Hard skills are technical, job-specific, and quantifiable abilities acquired through training, education, and practice. For instance, knowledge of programming languages, data analysis, and graphic design fall under this category.
Cybersecurity
As per Forbes, cybersecurity is a pivotal hard skill to acquire in 2024. With increasing amounts of organizational data being stored digitally, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is higher than ever.
Cybersecurity knowledge is vital across a plethora of industries, including healthcare, finance, and public utilities, to name a few. Individuals equipped with cybersecurity skills can help safeguard company data and train others in cybersecurity protocols.
Academic programs specializing in cybersecurity range from certification courses to university degrees. Depending upon the program you choose, you could qualify for roles such as junior cybersecurity analyst, IT support specialist, cybersecurity architect, or forensic data manager.
Data Science and Analytics
The ability to interpret collected data and make informed decisions is a skill that transcends industries. A strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and programming can aid in understanding data science. Coupled with business insights, this skill can be a game-changer.
The demand for data scientists is on the rise. They can help prevent fraud, minimize business risk, enhance customer experiences, and ensure optimal product marketing.
Keen on a career in data and business analytics? Check out this post to help you choose the right university and program.
Generative Artificial Intelligence
The realm of generative artificial intelligence (Generative AI) offers numerous opportunities to problem-solve innovatively. Typically, careers in AI development require data science and analytics knowledge, along with software engineering, statistics, and computer programming skills.
However, generative AI engines like ChatGPT, Bard, or Jasper are being used across industries by people with diverse qualifications to expedite content creation, manage chatbots, or even check math proofs.
Did you know? Effective communication skills are key when using these tools. The ability to prompt the AI with the most effective language has led to unexpected collaborations between tech companies and poets!
Talent Acquisition and Retention
With businesses focusing on workforce expansion and retention, graduates with talent acquisition and retention skills will be in high demand. Human resources (HR) professionals who can use data to identify hiring gaps, formulate employee wellness strategies, and engage candidates and existing employees remotely will be sought after in 2024.
An undergraduate degree in human resources, business, finance, or communication is usually required to work in talent acquisition. Experience in operations or customer service can also be beneficial.
Sustainability Skills
Sustainability literacy is climbing up the ranks on several top-skills lists. With the world experiencing its hottest year on record, companies are on the lookout for employees who can help them reduce their ecological footprint while remaining competitive.
A countless study fields can help you prepare for a career in sustainability. For example, an engineering background could lead you to design tools to prevent groundwater runoff or improve active transportation options. A law degree could prepare you to address sustainability regulations as they evolve.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the important hard skills to focus on in 2024. Remember, many employers also seek transferable skills like communication and project management. So, don't forget to work on those as well!
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