Let’s be honest: keeping up in tech can feel like a full-time job on top of your full-time job. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the Top IT skills you need to master to secure your future career.
Every few months, there’s a new framework, a new AI model, a security threat, or a shiny tool that everyone is suddenly talking about. But which of these trends are worth paying attention to? And more importantly, which skills do companies want?
Here’s what we’re seeing in the market right now, straight from conversations we’re having every day with hiring managers across Europe and the UK.
You don’t have to be an AI expert—but you do need to speak the language
AI isn’t just hype anymore—it’s being used in everything from customer service to development environments to internal tools. You don’t have to build models from scratch, but you do need to understand how to use them.
If you’re in development, product, or data, recruiters will want to know:
Have you worked with tools like OpenAI, Hugging Face or LangChain?
Do you know how to call an API or build something simple with an LLM?
Can you build or prompt a chatbot that actually helps users?
Even a few small projects can go a long way. Start there.
2. Cloud is table stakes. Cloud-native is the differentiator
Knowing AWS or Azure is expected by now. But if you really want to stand out, go further:
Can you deploy with serverless tools like AWS Lambda or Azure Functions?
Have you used Terraform or Helm to manage infrastructure?
Are you comfortable with Kubernetes (even at a basic level)?
In 2025, companies are less interested in “Can you deploy to the cloud?” and more interested in “Can you build and scale in the cloud, without wasting money?”
And if you’re not sure where to start? That’s where we come in.
At Mindquest , we work with IT professionals every day to help them position themselves in the market. Whether you’re freelancing, looking for your next role, or just trying to figure out what to learn next—we’re here.
Everything You Need to Know About Freelancing in Finance
Freelancing in finance… yes, even the finance sector is embracing freelancing!
Freelancing, also known as independent work, has become an increasingly popular choice for many professionals. Attracting more people because it offers flexibility and autonomy across many fields, such as IT, tech, digital, marketing, and design.
Therefore, finance, a sector one might not typically associate with freelancing, is also opening up to this mode of work. Then, financial freelancers are on the rise, and more companies are seeking independent financial experts. So today, finance too is going the freelance route!
Read our article to learn everything you need to know about freelancing in finance.
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1. The Evolution of the Financial Sector for Freelancers
In recent years, the financial sector has seen significant changes, helping to democratize freelancing in finance.
1.1. Growing Interest in Freelance Finance Careers
Given the broad range of services in finance, professionals with specific expertise in financial services have found freelancing an attractive way to showcase their skills. More experts in areas such as accounting, financial planning, cash management, and financial analysis are turning to freelancing.
1.2. Increased Demand for Financial Freelancers
At the same time, companies have an increasing need for financial experts. Businesses value the unique insights and specialized skills that freelance finance professionals bring, often hiring them for specific projects or to provide strategic expertise and specialized technical skills. This trend offers flexibility and agility to companies, helping them manage fluctuations in demand, especially for those with limited resources.
Several factors have contributed to the growing demand for independent financial consultants.
1.2.1. Digital Transformation in Finance
With the increasing digitization of the financial sector, technical skills are more critical than ever. So, financial institutions are looking for professionals with programming, data analysis, cybersecurity, AI, and blockchain expertise to tackle digital challenges and leverage opportunities.
1.2.2. The Rise of FinTech
The rise of FinTech has also increased demand for finance professionals. Therefore, FinTech companies need technical and financial profiles to innovate and reshape traditional business models, enhancing customer experiences in finance.
1.2.3. Financial Regulations
Also, stricter financial regulations have driven demand for compliance and risk management experts. Thus, financial companies seek professionals who can ensure operations comply with current regulations and establish solid internal controls.
1.2.4. Sustainability and ESG Criteria
Moreover, a focus on sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has influenced the demand for freelancers who understand these priorities and can incorporate them into investment and risk management decisions.
2. Sectors Hiring the Most Financial Freelancers
Several sectors actively recruit financial freelancers. Here are some areas offering numerous freelance opportunities in finance.
2.1. Freelance Financial and Accounting Consulting
Freelancers in financial and accounting consulting are in high demand. They provide services like preparing financial statements, tax planning, cash management, and financial modeling, particularly for SMEs and individual entrepreneurs.
2.2. Financial Project Management
In addition, financial project management freelancers are sought for temporary assignments across various industries, including financial system implementation and financial restructuring.
2.3. Financial Technology (FinTech)
The FinTech sector also offers extensive freelance opportunities, regularly seeking experts in product development, data analysis, cybersecurity, regulatory consulting, risk management, and more.
2.4. Business Valuation
Moreover, freelance business valuation experts are often hired for financial assessments, profitability analysis, and valuation for mergers, acquisitions, fundraising, or strategic partnerships.
2.5. Investment Advisory
Freelance investment advisors, offering services like portfolio management, asset allocation, market analysis, and investment research, are also highly sought after by individual investors, family offices, and small investment firms.
It’s important to note that freelance finance opportunities can vary based on the economic climate, regulations, and market trends. Staying informed about emerging opportunities and adapting skills accordingly can help maximize prospects in finance freelancing.
3. Types of Companies Hiring Financial Freelancers
Several types of companies actively hire financial freelancers. Here are some of the main examples.
3.1. Startups and FinTech Companies
Firstly, FinTech startups often need financial expertise to develop and implement products, services, regulatory compliance, and risk management projects.
3.2. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Also, SMEs without internal finance departments or with occasional needs often turn to financial freelancers for accounting, cash management, financial forecasting, and profitability analysis.
3.3. Consulting Firms
Moreover, strategy and management consulting firms may hire financial freelancers for specific assignments related to market studies, financial evaluations, profitability analysis, and investment recommendations.
3.4. Specialized Recruitment Agencies
Some recruitment agencies specialize in providing finance and accounting services, acting as intermediaries for companies looking to hire finance freelancers.
3.5. Financial Institutions
Although financial institutions like banks and insurance companies typically employ full-time finance staff, they may hire freelancers for specific projects or peak periods for tasks such as financial analysis, portfolio management, and regulatory compliance.
3.6. Financial Media
Media specializing in finance, such as magazines, newspapers, websites, or television channels, may engage finance freelancers for articles, analyses, and financial market commentary.
Many other businesses may hire finance freelancers based on their specific needs. Opportunities also vary by region and the unique characteristics of the local job market.
To find freelance finance assignments, consider working with specialized recruitment firms like Mindquest. Our human-focused expertise will help you find the best finance assignments for your skillset.
4. Key Freelance Careers in Finance
There are several prominent freelance careers in finance. Here are some of the main roles.
4.1. Financial Consultant
Independent financial consultants advise businesses and individuals on strategy, profitability analysis, investment recommendations, and financial management systems.
4.2. Independent Accountant
Also, freelance accountants offer bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, tax management, and accounting advisory services, often working with small businesses and entrepreneurs.
4.3. Independent Financial Analyst
Moreover, financial analysts provide in-depth financial data analysis, forecasting, financial modeling, and investment recommendations, often working with individual investors or asset management companies.
4.4. Independent Treasury Manager
Freelance treasury managers help companies manage cash flows, optimize liquidity, assess financing needs, and negotiate banking terms, as well as provide guidance on risk management and treasury policies.
4.5. Independent Financial Planner
Also, freelance financial planners help individuals create personal financial plans, set savings and retirement goals, assess insurance needs, and manage investments to reach financial objectives.
4.6. Independent Tax Specialist
In addition, freelance tax specialists assist businesses and individuals with navigating complex tax laws, preparing tax returns, finding tax-saving opportunities, resolving tax issues, and offering compliance advice.
These roles may overlap, and many finance freelancers offer multiple services. But it’s worth noting that these professions can overlap, and many finance freelancers can offer a combination of services depending on their skills and specialties. Thus, freelance opportunities in finance are varied and can be tailored to suit each individual’s specific interests and skills.
Looking to recruit IT experts for freelance or permanent roles? Our recruitment specialists are here to help you find the perfect match for your IT needs.
SAP FICO (Finance and Controlling) is a critical module within the SAP ecosystem, as it helps businesses efficiently manage their financial processes while ensuring compliance. So, to gain the necessary skills for managing financial transactions, analyzing business performance, and adhering to regulations, SAP FICO training is essential. Whether you aim to advance your career or enter the SAP consulting world, mastering SAP FICO is crucial. Consequently, in this article, we will explore some of the top SAP FICO courses and certifications that can help you succeed in this ever-evolving field.
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What is SAP FICO?
SAP FICO (Finance and Controlling) is one of the most widely used modules within SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing). Thus, it enables businesses to manage and monitor their financial transactions effectively. Moreover, it integrates both financial accounting and controlling functionalities, thereby allowing organizations to track and analyze financial data efficiently. This integration facilitates informed decision-making.
SAP FICO plays a crucial role in several areas, including:
Managing financial data
Analyzing performance
Supporting strategic decision-making
Ensuring regulatory compliance
1. Financial Accounting (FI)
Firstly, the SAP Financial Accounting (FI) module deals with general accounting and financial operations within an organization. This module is also indispensable for monitoring and controlling financial transactions and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, it assists in managing key functions such as:
Accounts receivable and payable
Asset accounting
Cash and liquidity management
Debt and credit management
Preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements
2. Controlling (CO)
In contrast, the SAP Controlling (CO) module focuses on managerial accounting and performance management. Thus, it provides detailed insights into cost management, product profitability, and performance, thereby enabling organizations to control operations more effectively. The CO module is essential for tracking:
Production costs
Profitability of products and projects
Service and support cost controls
Planning and budgeting future activities
3. Integration and Analysis
Then, one of SAP FICO’s standout features is its seamless integration with other SAP modules such as procurement, inventory management, production, and sales. This integration, therefore, allows for a comprehensive view of business operations, making it easier to analyze financial performance and make data-driven decisions.
Best SAP FICO Training Options for Consultants
Also, there are several SAP FICO training programs available for professionals who want to gain expertise in this module. Below are some of the top training options.
But first, let’s answer some of the most common questions about SAP FICO training.
How much does SAP FICO training cost?
Firstly, the SAP certification cost can vary based on the location, duration of the program, and the level of SAP certification you are aiming to achieve.
Is SAP Fico easy to learn?
The question of whether it is hard or easy relies completely on the person’s commitment and interest in learning. Hard work is key to successfully learning any new skill or acquiring knowledge.
Is Sap Fico a good career?
A career in SAP FICO is very good and demanding, and it continues to grow. The popularity and demand for SAP are increasing day-by-day throughout the world. Moreover, SAP FICO offers you a great number of career options within its domain.
What is the SAP FICO Course Duration?
The SAP FICO online course duration is about 3 months.
Why should I go for SAP FICO Training?
Enrolling in SAP FICO training can offer you numerous high-paying job opportunities.
Who will teach the SAP FICO Course?
You will be providing SAP FICO working professionals with more than 10 years of experience in this domain.
Does SAP FICO require coding?
Contrary to certain other SAP modules, SAP FICO Course normally doesn’t require advanced coding abilities.
Now that you solved all your doubts about SAP FICO trainings, you can delve into the top SAP training options:
1. Official SAP FICO Training by SAP
SAP offers official training courses, both online and in-person, for professionals at various levels. These courses, delivered by certified SAP instructors, cover everything from foundational concepts to advanced functionalities. Consequently, to explore the available training programs, visit SAP’s official training website.
2. Online SAP FICO Training Platforms
In addition to official SAP courses, many online learning platforms provide SAP FICO courses. Some of the most popular platforms include Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Pluralsight. When selecting an online course, it is important to choose one led by experienced instructors and to review student feedback to ensure quality.
3. SAP FICO Training at Specialized Training Centers
Alternatively, many organizations specialize in SAP training and offer intensive classroom-based courses. These programs offer hands-on experience and provide an opportunity to interact with instructors and peers. Therefore, for in-person learning, consider finding reputable training centers in your region.
4. University Courses
Also, some universities offer SAP FICO training as part of broader management or information systems degrees. These courses can provide a more academic and thorough approach to SAP FICO. For instance, Poitiers University and Tours University in France offer SAP-related courses that are highly regarded.
5. In-house Training
If your organization already uses SAP, it is worth checking whether they offer internal training programs for SAP FICO. This option can be especially beneficial as in-house training is often tailored to meet your company’s specific needs and processes. Consequently, reach out to your HR or IT department to explore potential opportunities.
Top 3 SAP FICO Certifications for SAP FI CO Consultants
If you’re looking to advance your career or gain new qualifications as an SAP FI CO consultant, several well-recognized and highly valued certifications are available. Below are five of the top certifications you should consider:
This certification focuses on SAP S/4HANA Cloud Finance, covering the essential skills needed to implement and manage financial processes within the cloud environment.
This certification is designed for experienced finance professionals and emphasizes advanced features of SAP S/4HANA Financial Accounting, including complex configurations and operations.
This certification is ideal for professionals specializing in SAP Management Accounting (CO) within the S/4HANA environment, focusing on cost management and performance analysis.
Final Tips for Success
Before attempting any certification, it’s essential to gain practical experience and complete the relevant training courses. Additionally, engaging in real-life projects and exercises will help reinforce your understanding and improve your chances of passing certification exams.
For more information on available certifications and training programs, be sure to explore the Mindquest SAP Community. Here, you’ll find the latest insights, job opportunities, and resources tailored for SAP professionals.
In conclusion, SAP FICO training and certifications offer excellent career growth opportunities. By carefully planning your learning path and gaining practical experience, you can position yourself as a sought-after consultant in the SAP ecosystem.
Find your next assignment on our freelance and permanent IT recruitment platform, or join Mindquest so you don’t miss out on any job opportunity!
Wandering why Pursue SAP and SAP S/4HANA Certifications? As SAP continues to lead in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and cloud solutions, certifications in SAP and SAP S/4HANA remain highly valuable for IT professionals. Then, the shift towards cloud-first strategies and the integration of AI and machine learning within SAP solutions have created new opportunities for certified professionals. Moreover, recent updates to the SAP S/4HANA suite and the growing adoption of SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) highlight the need for up-to-date skills and knowledge.
SAP S/4HANA certifications not only validate your expertise but also ensure you stay current with the latest technological advancements and industry best practices. Given the ongoing digital transformation across industries, having a certification in SAP cloud solutions can significantly enhance your career prospects.
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Trends in SAP Certification:
As the technology landscape evolves, so does the need for SAP professionals to stay updated with the latest trends and developments. Therefore, here’s a deeper dive into the most significant trends in SAP S/4HANA certifications for 2024:
1. Cloud and Hybrid Solutions
Firstly, with SAP’s strategic shift towards cloud-first solutions, the demand for expertise in cloud and hybrid environments has surged. Then, SAP Cloud Platform and SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) are at the forefront of this transition, providing a comprehensive suite of services for building, integrating, and extending SAP applications in the cloud.
SAP Cloud Platform (SCP): SCP offers a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) environment designed to support the rapid development and deployment of applications. Certifications in SCP validate skills in deploying and managing applications on the cloud, emphasizing security, scalability, and integration with existing SAP systems.
SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP): SAP BTP combines database and data management, analytics, application development, and intelligent technologies. Certifications in BTP focus on understanding the platform’s capabilities, enabling professionals to develop and manage intelligent enterprise applications effectively.
Hybrid Solutions: Many organizations operate in a hybrid environment, where on-premise SAP systems are integrated with cloud solutions. Certifications that cover hybrid landscapes are critical for professionals tasked with ensuring seamless integration, data consistency, and operational efficiency across different environments.
In addition, the integration of AI and machine learning into SAP systems is transforming how businesses operate. Making these skills highly sought after. SAP has introduced certifications that cater to these advanced technologies, focusing on their application within the SAP ecosystem.
SAP Leonardo: As a digital innovation system, SAP Leonardo integrates AI, machine learning, IoT, and advanced analytics into SAP environments. Certifications in SAP Leonardo equip professionals with the skills to implement and manage AI-driven solutions. Also enhancing decision-making processes and operational efficiency.
SAP AI Core and AI Foundation: These are dedicated AI and machine learning platforms within SAP BTP. Certifications here validate the ability to develop, train, and deploy machine learning models within SAP systems. Thus driving innovation and gaining a competitive edge.
3. Remote Work Adaptation
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote and hybrid work models. As a result, SAP professionals need to adapt to managing and supporting SAP systems in these new working environments.
Remote Administration and Support: Certifications now include training on how to effectively manage SAP systems remotely. This includes understanding remote access protocols, maintaining security, and ensuring system performance without on-site presence.
Collaboration Tools: SAP professionals must be adept at using collaboration and communication tools that facilitate remote work. Certifications cover the use of SAP’s own tools as well as integrating with other popular platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Security and Compliance: With remote work, the focus on cybersecurity and compliance has intensified. Certifications emphasize the importance of maintaining robust security practices and ensuring compliance with various regulations, even when accessing systems remotely.
By pursuing these updated certifications and staying informed about the latest trends, you can ensure that your skills remain relevant and valuable in the evolving IT landscape.
Conclusion
Why pursue SAP S/4HANA Certifications in 2024? Because staying current with these trends through SAP S/4HANA Certifications not only enhances your professional credibility but also ensures you possess the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern SAP environments. As SAP continues to innovate and expand its cloud and AI offerings, professionals who invest in these certifications will be well-positioned to lead in the digital transformation of their organizations.
Want to make the most of S/4HANA’s career potential? Check out our comprehensive S/4HANA Careers Guide.
SAP’s Learning Hub, for which you can request a free trial, should be your go-to place for official learning resources and documentation.
One must often showcase a specialized skill set through certifications to stay ahead of the curve in the dynamic realm of DevSecOps. Here is a guide to the most in-demand certifications that can not only strengthen your skills, but also open doors to exciting career opportunities.
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Certified DevSecOps Professional (CDP)
Firstly, the CDP certification is a comprehensive program covering key DevSecOps principles, automation, and security practices. It also validates your ability to integrate security into the entire software development lifecycle.
Benefits:Enhances your credibility as a well-rounded DevSecOps professional, showcasing your proficiency in securing applications from inception to deployment.
Then, offered by Amazon Web Services, this certification focuses on the integration of security practices into DevOps workflows within the AWS environment.
Benefits:Demonstrates your expertise in managing and implementing secure DevOps practices on the AWS platform, making you a valuable asset for organizations utilizing cloud services.
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist (CKS)
Moreover, as Kubernetes becomes a staple in container orchestration, the CKS certification validates your knowledge of securing containerized applications in a Kubernetes environment.
Benefits:Positions you as a specialist in Kubernetes security, a critical skill as more organizations adopt containerization for their applications.
(ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
While not DevSecOps-specific, the CCSP certification is highly relevant. This is because it focuses on cloud security, an essential aspect of securing modern DevOps pipelines.
Benefits: Establishes your expertise in cloud security, showcasing your ability to secure cloud environments integral to contemporary DevSecOps practices.
Docker Certified Security Associate (DCSA)
Last but not least, Docker is widely used in DevOps for containerization. Moreover, the DCSA certification focuses on securing Docker containers and the Docker Enterprise platform.
Benefits: Validates your proficiency in securing containerized applications using Docker, making you a sought-after candidate for organizations leveraging container technology.
Certainly, DevSecOps certifications have emerged as powerful catalysts, propelling individuals into the forefront of the evolving tech landscape. Beyond serving as mere credentials, these certifications act as gateways to enhanced skill sets, elevated credibility, and a world of opportunities.
In this exploration, we unravel the transformative impact of these certifications.
Enhanced Skill Set
Acquiring DevSecOps certifications is not just about adding acronyms to your resume; it’s a testament to your dedication to continuous learning and the mastery of cutting-edge practices. Also, these certifications equip you with in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience, and a skill set that evolves with the dynamic landscape of DevSecOps.
Credibility and Recognition
Certifications from reputable organizations serve as a badge of honor, elevating your professional credibility in the eyes of employers. Then, they provide tangible evidence of your proficiency in DevSecOps. This reassuring hiring managers that you possess a standardized level of expertise. Also, in a crowded job market, these certifications act as a recognized stamp of approval, instilling confidence in potential employers and reinforcing your position as a top-tier candidate.
Access to Opportunities
In addition, the demand for DevSecOps professionals is on the rise, and certified individuals are often at the top of recruiters’ lists. Many organizations actively seek candidates with recognized certifications, viewing them as ready-made contributors to their DevSecOps initiatives. By holding these credentials, you increase your visibility and desirability to employers.
Global Recognition
Also, DevSecOps certifications have global recognition, transcending geographical boundaries. This opens up opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams, contribute to international projects, and engage with a broad spectrum of professionals. Whether you aspire to work with Silicon Valley startups, European enterprises, or Asian tech giants, these certifications provide a universally understood language of expertise, facilitating your integration into global tech ecosystems.
Career Advancement
In an era where security is paramount in the development process, certified DevSecOps professionals stand out as leaders. These certifications serve as a springboard for career advancement. Propelling you into positions where you can influence and shape the security practices of entire DevSecOps teams. This contributing to the success and resilience of the organizations you serve.
In conclusion, investing in these certifications is not just about earning a credential; it’s about positioning yourself as a security-conscious, forward-thinking IT professional ready to meet the challenges of the evolving tech landscape. As you embark on this certification journey, remember that continuous learning is key to staying relevant and thriving in the exciting field of DevSecOps.
Dive into our latest infographic for an illuminating visual journey through the key statistics and benefits of adopting DevSecOps practices.
The tech industry is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the game requires having the right in-demand tech skills in your arsenal.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 in-demand tech skills that will set you up for success.
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Top 10 In-Demand Tech Skills
From cutting-edge technologies like quantum computing to essential skills in data privacy. Let’s dive into the in-demand tech skills you need to thrive in the tech industry.
1 Mastering Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is revolutionizing the tech industry, and having expertise in this field it is highly valuable. Skills in quantum algorithms, programming languages, and circuit design are crucial. This because they help solving complex problems in areas like cryptography, drug discovery, and optimization.
Quantum algorithms are different from classical algorithms. Understanding their principles and applications is essential for leveraging the power of quantum computing. Additionally, proficiency in programming languages specific to quantum computing, such as Qiskit and Cirq, is in high demand. These languages allow developers to create and optimize quantum circuits, and they are critical for programming quantum computers.
Another in-demand skill in quantum computing is circuit design. Quantum circuits are the building blocks of quantum algorithms. Mastering circuit design techniques and tools are high demand. This is because businesses and governments seek to harness the full potential of quantum computing.
2 Immersive Experiences with AR/VR
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are transforming industries like gaming, healthcare, and education. Having skills in AR/VR development, 3D modeling, and user experience (UX) design are in high demand. This because businesses seek to create immersive and interactive experiences for their customers.
AR and VR offer unique opportunities in industries like healthcare. There they are useful for training, simulations, and patient care. For example, AR can overlay virtual information onto real-world environments. Thus allowing surgeons to visualize complex procedures or medical professionals to provide remote assistance. VR can create realistic simulations for medical training, providing a safe and controlled environment for learning.
Then, in the education sector, AR and VR can revolutionize the way students learn by providing immersive and interactive experiences. Imagine exploring ancient civilizations through virtual field trips, or conducting virtual science experiments in a safe and controlled environment. The potential of AR and VR in enhancing learning experiences increases the demand for skilled professionals in AR/VR development, 3D modeling, and UX design.
The entertainment industry has also seen a significant impact from AR and VR technologies. VR gaming has gained traction, providing gamers with truly immersive and interactive experiences. Gaming for mobile apps use AI to allow players to interact with virtual objects in the real world.
Blockchain technologyis gaining traction across industries. Professionals with skills in blockchain development, smart contracts, and cryptography are a very profitable profile. As businesses explore the potential of blockchain for secure transactions, supply chain management, and digital identity verification, expertise in this field are invaluable.
In addition to the opportunities in blockchain development, there are also emerging roles in blockchain consulting, project management, and regulation. As governments and organizations grapple with the regulatory and legal implications of blockchain technology, professionals with an understanding of the technology and its potential impact can provide valuable guidance. Furthermore, blockchain is still a relatively new field. Ongoing research and development in areas such as scalability and interoperability will continue to create demand. As the use cases for blockchain technology continue to expand, blockchain professionals is among the growing in-demand tech skills.
4 Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Conversational AI
NLP and conversational AI technologies are driving advancements in chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice recognition systems. Skills in NLP, machine learning, and conversational AI development are in high demand as businesses look to create intelligent and interactive customer experiences.
The use of NLP and conversational AI technologies goes beyond customer service applications. There are many other use cases for these technologies, such as in healthcare, education, and finance. In healthcare, for example, conversational AI can collect patient data, provide medical advice, and even assist in surgical procedures. In education, NLP it can create personalized learning experiences for students. Then, in finance, conversational AI can provide investment advice or assist in fraud detection. As these technologies continue to evolve and improve, the potential applications are limitless. Creating new and exciting career opportunities for those with the necessary skills.
5 Essential Cybersecurity Skills
With the increasing number of cyber threats, cybersecurity skills will continue to be in high demand. Expertise in threat detection, incident response, risk management, and securing cloud and IoT environments are crucial. This is because businesses prioritize safeguarding their digital assets and data.
As the digital landscape continues to expand, cybersecurity threats are becoming more sophisticated and complex. In response, businesses are increasingly investing in cybersecurity measures to protect themselves from cyber attacks, data breaches, and other threats. This has created a need for cybersecurity professionals who can develop and implement effective security strategies, conduct thorough risk assessments, and respond quickly and efficiently to incidents. In addition, as more organizations move their operations to cloud and IoT environments, there is a growing demand for professionals who can secure these environments and protect against cyber threats. With the continued growth of the digital economy, cybersecurity skills will remain in high demand tech skills for the foreseeable future.
6 Securing Communication with Quantum Cryptography
The increasing development of quantum computing technology is leading to the emergence of quantum cryptography as a potential solution for secure communication. Skills in quantum cryptography algorithms, protocols, and key distribution are in high demand, as businesses and governments seek to safeguard their sensitive information from quantum-based attacks.
Moreover, the potential for quantum computing to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds is making it an area of growing interest and investment. This has resulted in a growing demand for professionals with expertise in various aspects of quantum computing, including software development, algorithm design, and hardware engineering. To stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field, professionals must develop new and innovative applications for quantum computing. Therefore, the demand for quantum computing and cryptography experts will continue to grow in the years to come.
7 Embracing Cloud-Native Development
Cloud-native development offers several advantages, including faster deployment times, improved scalability, and increased reliability. By leveraging containerization and microservices, cloud-native applications can be broken down into smaller, more manageable components that can be updated and deployed independently. This approach enables businesses to be more agile and responsive to changing market conditions, while also reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
As more businesses adopt cloud-native strategies, the demand for professionals with skills in cloud-native architecture, containerization, and microservices will increase. In addition, expertise in cloud-native technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker, and serverless computing are highly valued as these tools become essential components of the cloud-native stack. The market for cloud-native development skills is expected to remain strong.
With the increasing focus on data privacy regulations, professionals with skills in data privacy and compliance are in high demand. Expertise in data protection, privacy laws, and compliance frameworks is critical. As businesses strive to maintain compliance and protect sensitive information.
Data privacy and compliance professionals play a critical role in helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of data protection laws. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), are examples of it. These professionals are responsible for developing and implementing data privacy policies, procedures, and best practices. This to ensure that data is collected, processed, and stored in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
In addition, professionals in this field need to possess expertise in data protection techniques. Encryption, tokenization, and data masking are examples to ensure that sensitive information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and breaches.
Businesses are under pressure to comply with data privacy regulations to protect their customers’ privacy and maintain their trust. Non-compliance can result in significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. Therefore, the demand for professionals with skills in data privacy and compliance will continue to rise in the future.
Edge computing is revolutionizing the way data is processed and analyzed in the era of the Internet of Things (IoT). Thus, businesses strive to capitalize on the benefits of processing data closer to the source for faster and more efficient operations.
Edge computing involves moving data processing and analytics closer to the devices or sensors that generate the data, instead of relying on centralized cloud servers. This approach reduces the latency or delay in processing data. Thus enabling real-time decision-making and faster response times. This is critical for applications that require quick and efficient data processing, such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial automation.
Professionals with expertise in edge computing architecture have a high value. They are responsible for designing and implementing edge computing solutions that are scalable, secure, and efficient. This involves developing edge computing architectures that optimize data processing, storage, and networking capabilities at the edge. Moreover, integrating edge computing with cloud computing to create hybrid edge-cloud solutions.Professionals with expertise in edge computing architecture have a high value.Professionals with skills in edge computing architecture are highly sought after. They are responsible for designing and implementing edge computing solutions that are scalable, secure, and efficient. This involves developing edge computing architectures that optimize data processing, storage, and networking capabilities at the edge. Moreover, integrating edge computing with cloud computing to create hybrid edge-cloud solutions.
10 Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Conversational AI
Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Conversational AI are rapidly transforming the way businesses interact with their customers. Skills in NLP and conversational AI development are in high demand as businesses seek to create intelligent and interactive customer experiences. This through natural language interfaces, personalized recommendations, and sentiment analysis for improved customer engagement.
NLP is a field of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on enabling machines to understand, interpret, and respond to human language. Skills in NLP involve techniques such as text analysis, sentiment analysis, entity recognition, and language generation. These skills are essential to develop chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice recognition systems to provide personalized and intuitive interactions with customers.
Conversational AI, on the other hand, involves the development of AI-powered systems that can carry out conversations with users in a manner that mimics human-like conversations. This includes techniques such as natural language understanding (NLU), dialogue management, and natural language generation (NLG). Skills in conversational AI development are crucial for businesses looking to create sophisticated chatbots. Also, virtual assistants, and voice-based customer service systems that can understand and respond to user queries. They can also provide recommendations, and engage in interactive conversations.
Machine learning also plays a significant role in NLP and conversational AI. Skills in machine learning, including supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning, are vital for building effective NLP and conversational AI models. Machine learning algorithms can be used to train NLP models for tasks such as sentiment analysis, entity recognition, and language generation, and to train conversational AI models to learn from user interactions and improve their responses over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the technology sector is evolving at an incredible pace, and staying abreast of the latest technology skills required is essential for professionals who want to stand out.
Mastering Quantum Computing is critical for professionals looking to leverage the power of quantum mechanics for solving complex problems in various domains. AR/VR Development skills are in high demand as businesses seek to create immersive and interactive experiences in gaming, healthcare, and education. Data Privacy and Compliance expertise is crucial to navigate the increasing focus on data privacy regulations and protect sensitive information. Edge Computing skills is in high demand as businesses adopt strategies to process data in real-time, making it ideal for IoT applications. Lastly, NLP and Conversational AI skills is pivotal in creating intelligent and interactive customer experiences through natural language interfaces, personalized recommendations, and sentiment analysis.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, professionals with these in-demand tech skills are and are highly sought after. Embracing these in-demand tech skills will open up new opportunities, enhance career prospects, and contribute to the exciting advancements in the tech industry.
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A Career in Data Science: Unlocking The Power of Data with AI
We chat with Ton Badal, machine learning engineer at London-based DataOps start-up Synthesized; about pursuing a career in data science and the challenges of working with data.
How did you get started in tech, what made you go for data science career and machine learning in particular?
Since school, I have had an engineering mentality, I’ve always had this problem-solving way of thinking. I’ve always enjoyed math and solving problems. In university, I studied telecommunications engineering and specialised in audiovisual systems, so the processing of audio, images, video and other audiovisual systems from a technical perspective.
There I started doing research in machine learning, AI and data science. I started discovering this super interesting world. After that, I was sure that I wanted to do a data science career. So I went for a master’s in AI. And that’s how I discovered this very, very interesting and challenging world.
What did you find to be the most challenging part of this process of learning data science as career and becoming a machine learning engineer?
When I started university, it was not a clear path yet. Eighteen or fifteen years ago, you couldn’t see the path of a data scientist from start to end. Data science sits between computer science and math. And, throughout my career, I’ve been closer to computer science than to math. But the challenge is that you have to know as much as possible from both worlds. But at the same time combine them as well as possible. So I think it’s been quite challenging to be able to unify both worlds.
What’s the best career advice you have ever been given?
This is not really a piece of advice that someone has given me, but rather something that I’ve seen people do. I’ve realised that, when I was starting to look for jobs and was looking for a career, I was kind of looking for anything. I felt like I was the only one selling myself. But at some point, you realise that it’s important that the company also sells itself to you. The company also has to be interested in the person who’s applying. It’s not just top-down, but also bottom-up. There has to be this mutual understanding. When I started looking for jobs, I didn’t care that much about that. But after a while, I realised that it’s really important to feel confident and be in a good environment. It’s crucial for your career development and for example a data science career.
So, I would recommend to everyone to not just get the first job and be very selective about what they want and what they seek to accomplish. Also, the people who interview you: you have to look at them and ask as many questions as you can about the company. It’s not only about selling yourself, but also about understanding the company and making sure that the step you’re going to take is the best one for you because that’s going to influence the rest of your career.
What’s your advice for those who want to learn data science?
If you want to learn something, the best way to learn it is to get hands-on, to find a project that you’re interested in. There are a lot of open source projects that require some help. For example, at Synthesized, we’re now going to open source a fairness package. If you’re interested in this field, you can collaborate on many, many different projects. The best way to learn computer science and data science is to get a project, get a data set. Sign up for a Kaggle Competition, for example, and try to solve it and get as close as you can to the top of the ranking.
What are the biggest issues with working with data these days?
First of all, there is the problem of ending up with a poor signal-to-noise ratio. The amount of data that you can find nowadays is huge. But, many times, this data contains a lot of noise. And, if you are not careful, you are just going to end up with just a lot of noise that renders it useless.
The second big issue is compliance, so GDPR, HIPAA, etc. If you have data that is not privacy-compliant or that is discriminating against some groups, that’s going to be not only useless, but it’s also going to be illegal to use. So you need to work closely with compliance teams. You need to spend time with the legal team to make sure that you make proper use of your data.
Finally, there’s the problem of data sets becoming data silos. More and more, to access data, you need a data engineer, a data scientist or a machine learning engineer — someone who can do the magic with the data. It’s getting more and more complex to access the data because doing so requires the knowledge of a data engineer or a test engineer.
How is Synthesized helping to solve these problems?
Synthesized has a core engine that is able to solve these problems by enabling users to easily access their data products in many different ways. So, for example, let’s take one of the problems that I was mentioning before: working with compliance and privacy. Our engine is able to generate data that is representative of the original data but is free from privacy issues and from even biases.
Another of the problems is related to infrastructure, to data silos. Current approaches are data warehouses and data lakes. There are some problems with these approaches, for example, the signal-to-noise ratio in the case of data lakes. There’s a lot of data in there, but it’s very difficult to use. But, the infrastructure problem is also there because the data is very centralised and you need a data engineering team to get to it. So what we’re working on is a new infrastructure called data mesh that aims to decentralise data access. It tries to decentralise all these data products so that each team can access the data independently. Both for internal and for external collaboration.
Can you tell us a bit more about your role at the company?
I’m very lucky to have been a very early employee of the company. I joined at a very early stage, and this meant that, although my official title is machine learning engineer, I’ve been able to touch a bit of everything.
However, my main role as a machine learning engineer is making sure that the core technology is as good as possible. But that also involves a lot of what a pre-sales person would do. So, going to the clients, asking them for requirements, and making sure that the product works well for them and is as tailored as possible to their requirements. But about also improving the product.
And there is also some marketing work involved, like developer relationships. We need to push into that direction because we’re a small company with very new technology and we need to make sure that we sell bottom-up, not top-to-bottom. We approach customers as machine learning engineers, as the nerds who sell to other developers, not as the marketing guys who are trying to sell something to them. Otherwise,+j the message doesn’t get through that well.
What’s next for data? Where do you see data science in, let’s say, five years from now?
I think that, right now, we’re in a very crucial moment for data. We are having all these privacy issues, fairness problems, and the users are more and more aware of this. So, we have to make sure that we have the best practices in place, that we make the best that we can with our data but still respect users. It’s going to be a very challenging time.
At Synthesize, we mainly work with structured data, but I think it’s worth mentioning unstructured data. What’s happening with OpenAI, GPT-3 or other generative models — what’s being done is amazing. It’s a very exciting time. I’m very, very excited to see what the next new thing is going to be.
You’ve been based in London for a while. What do you like the most about the London tech scene?
What I like the most about it is that there are a lot of people working on the same topic, and you can very easily meet people doing really interesting things. And that’s one of the most powerful things when you are doing research or trying to improve your product. Just talking to people, understanding their problems and just having a conversation about something that probably you don’t understand and you don’t even know about.
Discussing new tech trends with people at other companies, that can really help. You discover new things and go out of your usual boundaries. London is great for that because there are a lot of meetups. Well, there were before corona. But yeah, you can talk to and meet a lot of people. There’s this big ecosystem where a lot of things are happening and there’s so much to learn. I’m really happy to be living here.
How the Covid-19 Pandemic is Accelerating the hybridisation of Careers in Tech & IT
The current health and economic crisis is generating profound changes in careers and recruitment within companies. And especially within tech & IT departments. Manuela Delfort-Garampon, co-founder of Mindquest and Club Freelance, sees both a rise in freelancing and a comeback of permanent contracts. Two trends which may seem contradictory but which in reality testify to a convergence of the two forms of employment. The pandemic is causing a hybridisation of tech.
Pandemic hybridisation tech – Crisis-proof agility: the confirmation of the freelancing model
The common denominator in all crises is urgency. With the Covid-19 pandemic, companies have had to reorganise under unprecedented pressure. In this context, many organisations called on freelancers and external experts; a phenomenon far from being new in the IT field. But which has intensified in certain industries essential to business continuity.
Specifically: the urgent deployment of tools that are essential to the implementation of teleworking has generated a wave of requests for network and support consultants, cloud, VPN, and cybersecurity experts of all kinds. Some IT departments have also resorted to freelancing to compensate for the recruitments that were already planned.
At the same time, some candidates and IT professionals have made a choice in this period of crisis to turn to freelancing opportunistically. Both to stay active and to position themselves on high added value missions that help companies quickly deploy critical solutions.
While the flexibility of the freelancing model has long appealed to companies and applicants alike. The agility it provides has made it an obvious solution to the current situation. But that’s not the only trend regarding careers transformation in the tech world.
Consolidation for tomorrow: the return of the permanent contract
Beyond the emergency, many companies see the current crisis as an opportunity to get ahead and differentiate themselves. Many paused their recruitment efforts during the first lockdown, but most have resumed – or even accelerated – their search since September.
Why? Quite simply because in times of crisis, the best talent is more essential than ever in an IT team. Hence the need to attract and retain top performers that sustain strong teams. The war for talent has intensified around these key profiles. Which companies are tearing off and now want to “secure” under permanent contracts.
At the same time, the permanent contract has made a comeback in the hearts of many candidates and tech & IT professionals; even among some who previously swore only by freelancing. A certain number of freelancers have chosen to go (or go back) to salaried employment, in order to (re) find greater stability in these times of crisis.
Resorting to the freelance model, although it has grown in importance with the crisis, does not however supplant the permanent contract model. In fact, the two statuses coexist now more than ever.
Pandemic hybridisation tech, towards the end of the silos between statuses?
In terms of professional careers, the last few decades have seen many silos gradually fall. For a long time, the norm was to do the same job in the same company throughout one’s life. Then careers began to be built across several companies. For the past twenty years or so, it has been common practice to have several different jobs during a professional career, and sometimes to retrain or reskill completely. Today, there is also the alternation and combination of statuses, with an increasingly porous border between permanent contracts and the self-employed status.
In fact, this trend of hybridising careers in the world of technology and IT did not originate from the pandemic. The motivations for moving from one status to another can be multiple and independent of the current crisis. Example: many freelancers decide to (re) switch to permanent contracts to access management positions. But the current pandemic is greatly accelerating the phenomenon.
Status doesn’t matter as much as it used to. For companies, the challenge now is to attract the best talent, whether they are on permanent or freelance contracts, to accelerate their IT projects. For professionals open to new opportunities, what matters is more the interest in the project and the technical stack, as well as the dynamics of the team. Status is no longer an end in itself.
Continuing education is key to your professional development as a technology expert. But what are the most popular IT certifications amongst employers?
Embracing continuing education is key to your professional development as a technology expert. And beyond what you can learn on your own or through experience, official certifications are a great way to validate your newly gained expertise in front of the industry. But what are the most popular IT certifications amongst employers?
Given how fast new technical roles are being created and traditional ones are branching out. This can be a quite daunting question to answer. In fact, as any seasoned IT specialist will tell you, there is no simple, straight answer to this problem. It all depends on what you need the certification for.
Here are some pointers to help you navigate the increasingly complex certifications ecosystem.
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General-purpose certifications
Often regarded as the first step towards pursuing a career in technology, general-purpose certifications are amongst the most popular IT certifications. From networking to repairs or system configuration; they touch on a broad variety of topics without getting into much depth in any of them. Not surprisingly they are frequently compared to a driving license. These certifications, such as CompTIA’s A+, are an effective way to learn the fundamentals of computing and establish a solid foundation for your career.
But they can also be helpful for more seasoned professionals who want to transition from a functional role to a more technical one. The growing need for Agile and Scrum methodologies, which tend to encompass a more generalist set of skills. Is another example of how general-purpose diplomas can help advance your career.
Role-specific certifications
However, as it happens with most things in our society; the most popular IT certificates tend to favour specialisation rather than a holistic approach. Role-based educational programs have gained so much popularity in recent years. That industry giants like Microsoft have rebuilt their entire training catalogues to accommodate the various career paths within their ecosystem.
Specialised certifications are most often divided by level of experience. That makes them a great resource for specialists seeking to advance their career from the associate-level to other; more senior positions within their speciality.
The most in-demand specialist certifications
Cloud and security badges
Some of the fastest-growing role-based certifications are those that have to do with the cloud. Digital transformation is accentuating the talent gap for cloud skills, and official certifications can help bridge it. The most popular certifications within this ecosystem include the AWS Certified Solutions Architect diploma and the Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect badge.
Virtually the same thing is happening with security certifications. The sweet spot lies where the two fields meet. Getting certified in cloud security is certainly a winning proposition when it comes to employability and salary expectations.
Another area in which role-centric certifications tend to deliver a solid return on investment is that of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) software. With even more adoption than cloud, most medium-to-large-sized businesses today employ these systems to coordinate operations across departments and keep track of clients and sales.
Whether it is in finance or supply chain management, companies need experts who can set up the environment and maintain it. Getting SAP certified, for example, will open the doors for you to thousands of lucrative and exciting career opportunities.
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Continuing IT education is everything, and you should keep that in mind throughout your entire professional career to make the most of it
IT experts know this well; no matter how unattainable a technology or problem can seem at first glance; things look much prettier once you are out of the woods and the project is over. And that is because one thing has changed: you. Now you have the experience, the knowledge. You have learnt something. Continuing IT education is everything, and it should keep on being exactly that for your entire life.
Especially in the world of technology, where the difference between the good and the great often comes down to the ability to adapt to the ever-changing nature of information systems. But do not forget you can learn many other non-IT-related topics that will also help you a great deal throughout your career.
Continuing IT education: Skills obsolescence
Renew or die is a motto that can be applied to many things in this world. IT careers are no exception. One unfortunate side effect of digital transformation is the rapid rate at which the value of one’s current skills declines.
One day, your resume has everything top employers seem to be looking for on it, the next, you are scrolling through Internet forums trying to figure out what language or framework you should master to get that promotion you feel you deserve. Whether it is Python, Docker or cloud security skills, keeping an eye on the top tech skills of the moment is a bullet-proof plan against skills obsolescence.
But an on-going approach to education has other benefits too. Countering the tedious effects of devoting too much of one’s time to a single activity or line of focus is one of them. We have all experienced that imaginary brick wall that rises in between us and our goals when we have been doing the same thing for too long.
Forcing yourself to step out of your comfort zone and learn something new will solve that problem. It will give you an energy boost and a renewed sense of purpose. Do not ever underestimate what a properly motivated mind can achieve.
Becoming a better professional
Thirdly, educating yourself can have a very positive effect on your current performance and capabilities. Whether it is something directly related to your line of work or something as detached as Middle Eastern history, there is always room to connect what you learn to your present endeavours.
Serendipity, or finding value in things you were not originally looking for, is a marvellous phenomenon. Capitalise on it to connect the dots and bring new perspectives into your everyday activity. Become a better professional by becoming a more knowledgeable person.
Continuing IT education: Mentoring
Finally, a life-long educational spirit will also make you, incidentally, a better teacher. The more you understand what someone learning something new needs of in terms of direction and resources, the better mentor and manager you will become. The best teachers tend to be great students.
That’s not to say you will naturally develop excellent teaching abilities without no effort on your part. Mastery requires experience. But you will, however, develop a certain sensibility and empathy that will make you a much more effective communicator and educator.
Could you explain data insights to non-tech teams?
Can you build dashboards that people actually use?
Can you tell a story with the numbers?
Cloud and security badges
