Information technology skills are highly sought after by many organizations, and as an undergraduate, you do not have to wait until you finish your degree to learn a skill. Acquiring an IT skill can be interpreted in several ways; it could be from resolving an employee’s Wi-Fi issues to programming an organization’s new cloud infrastructure. Due to its diversity, the skills you need to know to get a job in the IT field can vary widely depending on your area of specification.
These are the top information technology skills you can acquire as an undergraduate.
1. Cybersecurity: Many organizations have reprioritized IT projects and investments, putting into consideration which skills will assist in building them up, of which cybersecurity is one. Cybersecurity is an area that cannot be done without because the digital world remains a playground for cybercriminals who have developed new tactics to obtain sensitive data. Some of the certifications in this field include CEH, Security+, CCSP, SNSP, CCSA, CWSP, and some others.
2. Cloud computing: Cloud skills are in high demand and associated with the top salaries in IT. Cloud computing is led by platforms like AWS and Microsoft Azure and is the ultimate enabler, opening new channels of revenue by leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Some of the certifications in this field include AWS, Microsoft, Google Cloud, EMC, and vendor-neutral certification bodies.
3. Data Analytics and Data Science: Data is very important because it helps organizations or individuals make decisions based on facts and trends. However, as data analysts, they are involved in storing and managing data, while data scientists look into that data and understand how it can be used to solve problems and make informed decisions. Some of the skills you can acquire in this field can be SQL, SPSS, Python, and some others.
4. Software development: Software development is a skill growing faster in the IT world, and the basic reason for growth is the increasing demand for mobile applications and computer software. Any professional certified in this skill, on the other hand, will be highly sought after and compensated. While searching for a new programming language, you would like to understand user experience (UX) and DevOps.
5. AI and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are used to identify patterns and trends that humans can’t see or process using manual methods. You must find a way to obtain advanced training as the demand for AI and machine learning grows.
6. Project Management: Project management is one of the better options for cross-certification. Pairing this project management credential with other popular certifications can have a significant impact on your paycheck. It is a project manager’s job to create, communicate, and execute a project strategy. The benefits of achieving project management certifications range from higher potential earnings, to achieving organizational objectives and recognition, to confidence-building, and lots more. The certifications in this field include ACP, CAPM, and PMP.
7. Programming: Python, JavaScript, and C# are some of the more popular programming languages, and as more organizations become data-driven, there will certainly be a high demand for programmers. The certifications in this field include Core Phyton, DB2 SQL, API and API design with Phyton, and lots more.
8. Virtualization: This is used to reduce IT expenses and increase IT agility. Some skills that can be learnt under this section include Data Center Virtualization, Cloud to Network Virtualization, and End-User Computing.
There are ways you can acquire these skills, which could be by taking courses on platforms like Udemy and Coursera, opting in for certifications, or bootcamps. However, if as an undergraduate you can get to acquire some of these skills, it gives you an edge in the market world after graduation.