Top tech skills for 2024 – what will be high in demand?

This article is part of our Opinions section.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, staying ahead of the curve requires a continuous commitment to acquiring and honing digital skills. As we approach 2024, the demand for specific competencies will only intensify.

Take generative AI. This started to transform the workplace in 2023, and is one of the most prominent technological trends of the year, but its impact will only accelerate. Increasing adoption of composable architecture, predictive analytics and the continued evolution of communication platforms are all combining to transform the way we work, and the digital realm is poised for further groundbreaking advancements.

To make the most of these innovations, and future-proof their careers, it is now more important than ever before for professionals to continually upskill. 

In the current economic climate, it is understandable that many business owners are looking at how they can cut costs and protect their bottom line, and embarking on training and upskilling teams in this environment could sound like an odd suggestion. More like a luxury better suited to boom times arguably. This approach could not be more wrong.

Diversifying and updating the skillset of a company’s team can be an invaluable tool in increasing output while reducing costs. It also comes at a time when there is a recognition of the need for upskilling of teams – the World Economic Forum said in its recent Future of Jobs Report 2023 that six in ten workers will require training by 2027 as adoption of technology increases. Savvy business owners should therefore ensure that their organisation is fit for purpose as and when the economy returns to growth, preparing their teams to take advantage of the latest developments.

The question I often get asked though is what skills should be prioritised. In my view, these are the tech skills that businesses should focus on next year to make sure they stay ahead of the game.

Tech skill #1: AI expertise

It won’t come as a shock to anyone that AI training is top of the list. The key here is to determine what knowledge would be most valuable for your current career and future development. For many people, their knowledge of AI will be confined to the news stories or social posts they read online. Unfortunately, there is a lot of hyperbole and misinformation surrounding AI. Consequently, the best way to get started is to train in the fundamentals of AI – actually understanding how algorithms work in practice. The strengths and weaknesses of AI outputs, the risk of data bias and so forth.

With this grounding, you can make informed decisions on how AI will play in your day-to-day work life. It may be that you will realise, for example, that focusing on a skill such as prompt engineering makes the most sense. However, it could be that a basic grounding in AI is all you need for the time being until new AI applications develop. 

Either way, the integration of AI and ML into various industries is unstoppable. As machines become more capable of learning and adapting, professionals with expertise in these domains will be in high demand. Understanding how to develop, implement and optimise AI and ML algorithms will be essential for individuals both seeking to progress their careers and navigate the future job market.

Tech skill #2: Data analysis

While the number of use cases of AI in marketing is relatively limited, there’s no escaping the fact that data in general is the lifeblood of modern communications. As a result, nearly every flavour of marketers can benefit from learning data analysis skills. I’m not saying you need to become a data scientist, but upskilling in areas such as statistics can have a profound impact on your job. At the very least you need to be able to understand what the data is telling you. Otherwise, you’re simply following what other people – usually in the data team – tell you.

Without the ability to understand data, you cannot spot errors, see opportunities for further analysis or make the most of the insights data analysis generates. Some people can find mathematics a daunting prospect, but this is usually down to how it is taught. Professional skills training in this area focuses on applying these concepts directly to your job which can be far more effective than the abstract scenarios taught in schools. 

Tech skill #3: Digital marketing

The digital landscape is crowded, and effective digital marketing is essential for businesses to stand out. Skills in social media marketing, content creation, search engine optimisation (SEO) and data-driven marketing strategies will be essential for professionals in marketing and communications. It will also be useful for other business leaders, though, as hand in hand with the growing complexity of marketing comes the need for specialists from different departments to contribute to communication campaigns.

Data scientists, developers, VR experts and more can be involved in the development, launch and management of marketing initiatives. Add to this growing number of channels, mediums of message and technical tools and analysis techniques that can be brought to bear and you can see why successful marketing projects hinge on skilled organisation and timely execution.

As a quick note on communication – just as data skills will inevitably help you to better understand and communicate with your data team, so too will getting more understanding of basic development procedures and practices. Dabbling in coding is a good way to start. 

Related reading: What will the digital landscape look like in 2028?

Tech skill #4: Cybersecurity

With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, cybersecurity remains a top priority for businesses and organisations. Digital professionals with the ability to secure networks, data and systems will be indispensable. Skills in ethical hacking, threat analysis and incident response will be highly sought after in 2024.

Tech skill #5: Extended reality

The immersive experiences offered by XR (extended reality), which encompasses AR and VR, are already transforming industries such as gaming, education and healthcare. This is likely to become more widespread as customer expectations across all industries continue to grow.

According to a recent report, there are 1,550 unique examples of XR business usage in the UK with 66% of organisations already using VR. Once confined to the realm of science fiction, XR is now a tangible reality and it has the potential to revolutionise the way businesses train and operate. Proficiency in developing AR/VR applications and creating interactive experiences will therefore be a sought-after skillset as we move forward in 2024.

The expanding reach of XR technology will empower businesses to streamline their operations and gain a competitive edge in the market. Early adopters will be at the forefront of this transformation, reaping the benefits of this innovative technology, but need to be sure teams are ready to take advantage of it.

As XR training is so new, businesses should think about piloting smaller virtual training programs and closely analysing the results. In an ideal world, you would run an A/B test – looking at how XR training compares to online learning for a particular skill to see where the biggest impact can be felt. There will of course be some skill sets within your business that XR should have an obvious role to play – but intuition is no substitute for cold, hard data. 

Related reading: How the Meta Quest 3 and eXtended Reality (XR) will impact your business

Tech skill #6: Never stop learning

In a rapidly changing digital landscape, one of the most valuable skills is the ability to adapt and learn continuously. Professionals who embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and stay updated on emerging technologies will be well-positioned for success in 2024 and beyond.

In conclusion, the digital skills landscape in 2024 will be defined by a combination of technical expertise and adaptability. Professionals who invest in acquiring and mastering these skills will not only future-proof their careers but also contribute to the ongoing digital transformation of industries worldwide.