Skill Development is fast becoming the buzzword of our times. Besides increasing productivity, skill development and upgradation can help to reduce unemployment as well. As per the current statistics, only 10% of graduates are employed and the other 90% lack the skills needed to be job ready and hence struggle to get hired by corporates.
Right now, there are a number of industry-agnostic skills that are in demand across the board. Organisations always look out for an effective, proficient and productive employee, so upskilling yourself will not only enhance your all round development but will also give you an array of opportunities in the job sector.
1. Data Analysis
In this era of digitalisation and advancement, information and data are priceless. Data Analysis is in demand because of the growth in online applications that are constantly collecting more and more data. Corporates and MNCs rely on the statistics of data collected and make their decisions based on them. With terabytes of data being created every day, the demand for certified and trained data analysts is always peaking. So picking up on this can give you an extra edge.
People skilled in Data Analytics will have a good hands-on experience with tools like Microsoft Excel, SQL, Python, Google Sheets etc.
Careers using Data Analytics:
- Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Data Scientist
Following are two popular certification courses in Data Analytics, both are offered by UpGrad:
- Data Science Certification- Executive Post Graduate program in Data Science
- Advanced Certificate in Big Data with IIITB
2. Web Development
Almost all organisations have their customised website since the internet offers the single largest opportunity for visibility and interaction with most target audiences. Web Development has been an appealing skill to take up owing to the growing demand for every business to have an online presence. Since Digital Marketing is gaining popularity, people skilled in Web Development can also offer their expertise with SEO, something that is integral to designing and programming websites to scale business growth.
Mastering this skill will allow you to develop high-quality websites that work seamlessly on mobiles, tablets, and large screen browsers.
Careers using Web Development:
- Front-end Developer
- Full-stack Developer
- Webmaster
- Back-end Developer
Following are two popular courses in Web Development offered by Coursera:
- Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development and Coding Specialisation
- Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML and CSS
3. User Experience (UX)
It is always important to analyse how consumers are reacting to a product. Marketing a product based on customer's likes and dislikes definitely boosts your business. People skilled in UX figure out the best way to present a product to the customers, enhancing user experience.
Isn’t paying bills, and buying medicines now at your fingertips? That’s only because of the benefits of a seamless user experience. The whole world is shifting to adopting new technologies and interfaces, and UX is a key part of the future.
Careers where User Experience is in demand:
- UX Writer
- UX Designer
- UX Researcher
- User Interface (UI) Designer
- Product Designer
Following are a few popular courses in User Experience skills:
- Google UX Design Professional Certificate on Coursera
- User Experience (UX): The Ultimate Guide to Usability and UX on Udemy
- UX & Web Design Master Course: Strategy, Design, Development on Udemy
4. Blockchain Programming
Specialisation in the Blockchain can be just your answer to how to be a step ahead of the changes happening in the industry. If you’re a business analyst or project manager, or consultant in these domains, then blockchain programming can help you revolutionise your business. Blockchain is highly relevant in several industries like banking, agriculture, healthcare and so on.
Careers using Blockchain Programming:
- Blockchain UX Designer
- Blockchain Project Manager
- Blockchain Legal Consultant
- Blockchain Developer
Following are three popular courses in Blockchain programming offered by Udemy:
- The Basics of Blockchain: Ethereum, Bitcoin & More
- Blockchain Programming
- Blockchain for Business: The New Industrial Revolution
5. Cybersecurity
Cyber-attacks have been on a rise on a global scale. With much of our personal data being online, big companies need to ensure that they can keep sensitive data about their customers’ sensitive. While hackers illegally access data online, ethical hackers and other cybersecurity professionals ensure that our data is kept safe.
Career options using Cybersecurity:
- Cybersecurity Managers
- Digital Forensic Investigators
- Security Engineer
- IT Security Administrator
Following are a number of popular courses in Blockchain programming:
- The Complete Cybersecurity Course: Network Security by Udemy
- The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Cybersecurity 2022- Part 1 by Udemy
- Introduction to Cybersecurity by Coursera
6. Cloud Computing
Data storage and processing play a major role in times of digitalisation and globalisation. Popular among IT professionals and businesses, cloud storage helps consumers and businesses save money by storing data in the cloud.
A growing number of businesses from different sectors are turning to the cloud to help them perform and develop on a large scale. Due to this rising demand, people who have undergone cloud computing courses get an advantageous position while bagging high package jobs in the IT.
Career options using Cloud Computing:
- Cloud Architect
- Cloud Administrator
- Cloud Security Analyst
- Cloud Network Engineer
- Cloud Automation Engineer
Following are the top courses in Cloud Computing offered by Udemy:
- Getting Started with Cloud Computing- Level 1
- Becoming a Cloud Expert- Microsoft Azure laaS- Level 1
- Cloud Computing for Beginners: Infrastructure as a Service
These 6 skills are very much in demand, and with the trends in the market, their popularity is only going to be on the rise. So whether your objective is upskilling or bagging a good position, find the area that interests you, read up about it, complete a course, and don’t forget to put it on your resume!