Opportunities in the Tech Workforce Are Still Growing
Despite recent tech layoffs, there is still a great need for tech professionals, requiring the talent pool to be flexible and adaptable to new technologies and evolving business needs. According to a September 2023 analysis from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in software development and quality assurance is expected to grow at a rate of 25% from 2022 to 2032, higher than the average for all occupations.
Industry Growth and the Role of AI
This spike in demand for software talent is largely due to the expansion of software development and the growing applications for artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, robotics, and automation, as noted by the BLS. Alongside the growing demand for tech-related work, new and evolving technologies like AI and low and no-code platforms are reshaping the landscape, pushing mundane tasks aside in favor of higher-level work.
Changing Skill Requirements
LinkedIn’s Economic Graph Research Institute predicts that over half of LinkedIn members are currently employed in positions that AI will disrupt or augment by 2030. Therefore, the skills expected to be in demand are shifting, with a rising need for professionals skilled in machine learning, data analysis, mathematics, and software engineering.
Adapting to New Roles and Technologies
Tech professionals will increasingly need to take on creative and strategic tasks as AI automation handles more routine and rules-based work. As a result, preparing, managing, and overseeing data becomes crucial, calling for individuals skilled in data management and data science.
Future Workforce and Roles
New jobs are arising in the tech sector, including titles such as AI ethics specialist, smart contracts architect, and data privacy manager. Additionally, low-code and no-code platforms are set to play a major role in defining technology work moving forward.
Industry experts advise that intellectual fearlessness and curiosity are key to success moving forward, encouraging tech professionals to be willing to explore new approaches and perspectives, regardless of their current area of expertise.
