As the world is changing rapidly, having the right marketable skills can make all the difference in getting ahead of the competition. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, it is essential to stay on top of the latest trends and develop skills that will be in high demand in the future.
So, welcome, because today we will discuss some of the most marketable skills out there right now. We will look at high-demand skills, top-paying skills, and those most likely to be in demand over the next few years.
By understanding these trends, you can put yourself ahead of your competition and ensure success in your career.
What are Marketable Skills?
A marketable skill is any skill that you can add to your resume to boost your employment chances. It positions you to stand out among other applicants and receive that call from an employer after an interview.
Marketable skills can have a substantial impact on your chances of getting a job that aligns with your career path. You can select from a vast number of skills to improve to make you an attractive job applicant.
Here are some of the top marketable skills you can get on to add to your arsenal this year:
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Marketable Skills to Watch Out For
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning continue to be integrated into various industries, the demand for professionals with these skills is increasing. There is no denying that AI is a rapidly developing technical trend as businesses seek to gain a competitive edge.
A Gartner analysis estimates that by 2030, AI will replace 1.8 million jobs and create 2.3 million new ones. The field itself has already seen this increase in employment. According to the job search website Indeed, demand from employers for AI jobs and skills has increased by more than twofold over the last three years.
The most sought-after AI positions are those with titles like “machine learning engineer,” “computer vision engineer,” and “data scientist,” as employers look for employees to support internal or external AI initiatives.
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Cloud computing
Cloud computing is becoming the norm for many businesses, and the need for experts in cloud technology is on the rise. This is why it is on this list of the most marketable skills on the job market, with the top 16% of earners in the US earning over $150,000 annually.
Moreover, more businesses are migrating from traditional server infrastructures to cloud solutions, and the demand for cloud computing professionals is growing. Forrester Research predicts that the market for international public cloud services would grow by 21.7% from 2021 to $482 billion in 2023.
Companies are not just moving to the cloud; many are also constructing their products and services there, rather than transferring later.
Cybersecurity
With the increasing amount of data being stored and shared online, cybersecurity is becoming a critical concern for businesses. Professionals with skills in this area are now in high demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that information security analysts’ employment will increase by 31% between 2019 and 2029. In contrast, the overall average growth rate for all professions is merely 4%.
The cybersecurity industry has a wide range of opportunities in various sectors and specializations. This is because businesses in every sector – from healthcare and banking to entertainment and retail – face cybersecurity concerns.
Here are some common cybersecurity job titles: Cybersecurity Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist, Security Systems Administrator, Chief Information Security Officer, Forensic Computer Analyst, Penetration Tester, Security Architect, Security Manager, Information Security Analyst, Security Engineer, Cryptographer, and Security Consultant.
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Sales and marketing
Although careers in sales and marketing don’t sound particularly in demand, they cannot be mechanized. Therefore, these talents will be crucial in the workplaces of the future as they need a human touch to stand out in the competitive digital environment.
Sales and marketing roles presently represent the largest share in the present and future job markets, according to the WEF, and they will continue to do so in the future.
Technology has completely changed marketing techniques, opening up new channels like social media, affiliate marketing and digital content. More crucially, analytical tools make it possible to collect and measure performance at a level never before possible. As a result, the stakes are higher, and marketers must step up their game to remain competitive.
But, however sophisticated the tools, it still needs human marketers to make judgments and direct campaigns. And to close deals with other people, salesmen are required. These job functions are still in charge of generating income, whether directly or indirectly.
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Project management
There is a demand for exceptionally talented project specialists in the specialty of project management. Due to the extensive scope of requirements and the complexity of projects done in many businesses, project management specialists are in great demand across all industries. It has an average annual salary of $84,000.
Data analysis and visualization
Data analysis is a marketable skill, because everyone is collecting data on pretty much everything all the time. And as more data is collected and stored, the ability to analyze and visualize it becomes increasingly important.
The global market for data visualization is predicted to increase at a 9.69% CAGR from 2020 to 2027. Customized reports and dashboards will become more crucial as the big data and technology industries continue to expand. This will lead to an increase in the number of occupations involving data visualization.
The average base pay for a data analyst is $66,000.
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Programming and software development
The need for software development continues to grow as more businesses turn to technology to improve their operations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, software development jobs will see a predicted 25% increase between 2021 and 2031.
Thus, there is a huge job demand for software engineers in the market. And with an average salary of $120,000 per year, this skill is definitely here for the future.
Metaverse Planner
You’ve heard of the Metaverse, right? Mark Zuckerberg’s attempt at playing God (no shades here; just stating an obvious fact).
Since it is another world, just in a virtual space, someone has to design what the world will look like. Everything from virtual reality architecture to how your virtual persona will look; all have to be designed.
Unlike real-life architects in, virtual reality world builders have no limitations of physics or, well, reality. Hence, this job will truly allow creatives to really unleash their imagination.
The average salary for this high-demand and marketable skill starts at $80,799 per year. It goes up to $124,484 per year for the highest level of seniority.
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Supply chain management
Supply chain management is the management of the flow of goods and services, data, and funds related to a product. This includes all the processes that transform raw materials into the final product.
As businesses become more globalized and supply chains more complex, so does the need for professionals with related skills. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2021 and 2031, the employment of logisticians will increase by 28%.
The pay for supply chain managers is likewise very lucrative. According to Indeed, the typical yearly wage has a base pay of $95,628 and can range from $62,543 to $146,215.
Blockchain Development
What is Blockchain? It is a decentralized, distributed and public digital ledger for recording transactions across several computers. This is so the record cannot be altered without altering all subsequent blocks, and the network’s consensus.
The demand for people with Blockchain skills is high due to its many fields of application. Career paths in this field include Blockchain Developer, Blockchain Solution Architect, Blockchain Project Manager, Blockchain UX Designer, Blockchain Quality Engineer, and Blockchain Legal Consultant. More positions are added as the field grows.
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End Note on Top Marketable Skills
It is important to note that the above-mentioned skills are not only the most in-demand; they also have the most potential for growth and will be instrumental for success in the future. As technology and the economy continue to change, it is important to stay informed about the skills that will be most valuable and to continuously strive to improve and update your own skills.
Take a look at your previous experience to see where you can enhance your skills and if you can apply it to multiple industries if you’re still seeking to advance your career.
You can earn these skills in a freelance capacity or a full-time role with an organization. You should also try to work in various positions to know which skills classify as strengths that you can transfer to other positions during your career.