The most in demand IT skills of 2013
21/01/13
Throughout 2012 it became increasingly apparent that there was an emerging trend for highly skilled IT professionals which is set to continue into 2013 and beyond.
A survey conducted by Computer World concluded that over 33% of its respondents stated that they were all looking to employ new IT talent in the New Year, a 29% increase from last year. Advertised IT jobs were up by 94% in December 2012 compared to the previous year with .Net, SQL and C# jobs leading the way.
The IT industry now demands skilled individuals that can learn and adapt as fast as the technology around them is changing, but what are the hot IT skills in demand for 2013?
Software Development Skills in Demand
Software-as-a-service (SaaS) strongly established itself in 2013 with cloud development technologies leading the way. Object Oriented Programming Languages Java, C++ as well as J2EE/EJB & WebSphere and integration technologies are commonly required skills. The financial sector is crying out for IT professionals with an expertise in Java Swing and if you understand FIX Protocol and Core Java you will be very desirable to prospective employers.
Web Development Skills in Demand
Mobile applications and websites continue to lead the way as well as enterprise level web solutions and eCommerce. JavaScript and .NET developers are highly sought after IT skills appearing the most in mobile and web development vacancies. Senior .Net Developers have seen salaries rise on average by 25% with salaries now in the £40-50k range. Umbraco, Sitecore and Magneto lead the way for enterprise web solutions as companies look to capitalise upon their online presence.
IT Project Management Skills in Demand
Due to the increase in complex IT projects, whether small or large scale, there is now a demand for experienced skilled project managers that are able to effectively supervise whilst providing technical support and guidance to an IT team as a unit.
IT project management sough after skills include PRINCE2 and Agile. PRINCE 2 is one of the UK highest standards for project management in the UK and a qualification in this technology will make to desirable to most employers.
IT Support Skills in Demand
IT Support technicians in general deal with any software or hardware issues either on site or remotely via telephone or the internet. Within the IT Support sector sought after skills include industry recognised certifications from specific programmes such as Cisco, Microsoft and CompTIA.
The concern over data security and protection, especially within the finance and healthcare industries and from governmental organisations has created a demand for mid to senior level roles. Relevant security certifications such as CISA, CISSP, SSCP, MCSE with Security, Networking or Design Elective combined with knowledge of Windows, Unix, Linux, networking and firewalls a sound knowledge of ISO27001 will make you a highly desirable candidate.
Networking specialists with skills in virtualization and cloud computing are still sought after with VMware and Citrix experience particularly valuable.
Non-technical Skills
Understanding how you fit to the organisational structure and the importance of your role is becoming increasingly important for IT professionals. The days of an IT professional being isolated from the greater workforce is over. Developers, designers, security analysts and database administrators alike are becoming more client facing and expected to have a high level of verbal and written communication skills as well being able to interact socially with their colleagues and clients.
The IT job market is constantly evolving and anyone serious about build a successful career within the industry needs to evolve with it.
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