​

We’ve all seen it: the great rise and fall of technology trends.

Take music, for example. Whilst we look back fondly at iPods and MP3 Players, we can’t be disgruntled by the new alternatives: Spotify and Apple Music apps on our phones. No longer do we have an unnerving tangle of wires in our pockets, the Earpods revolutionised the music world as we know it.

Continuous Improvement across global markets means that IT careers are becoming demanding, dynamic roles. As we enter a digital age, businesses are in search of cybersecurity specialists, web developers, and their very own maintenance teams. Increased trainee positions reduce barriers to entry, and the promise of fulfilling, rewarding jobs in tech is building high job competitivity. Skilled candidates have stronger bargaining power due to demand, and there are thousands of opportunities to progress through a career path.

So, in a market where top priorities are continuously changing, how do you stay on top of Continuous Improvement and on top of your career?

By staying on top of technology trends...

Top Trends in Technology 2021

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things has been growing for the past 10 years, and 83% of organisations have improved their efficiency by introducing IoT technology. With 10 billion IoT devices worldwide, 4.2 billion internet users, and an average of 1.2 trillion Google searches per year - it looks like the internet is here to stay.

Last year, the pandemic drove brick-and-mortar stores online - and these stores now need IT providers and maintenance teams. As job availability increases, skilled IT employees will have plenty of new opportunities for growth. Currently, Web Developers and UX/UI UI Designers are highly sought after and are perfect positions for tech employees looking for a career switch. Networking with recruiters through LinkedIn will help you stay on top of the game, and place you on an advancing career path.

Cloud-Computing

As Forbes reported, 2021 saw 5 new trends in Cloud Computing, driven by Continuous Improvement. We now have:

• Multi-cloud approaches that break barriers between providers.

• AI improving the efficiency and speed of cloud computing.

• Gaming delivered by the cloud, just like music and movies.

• Growing popularity in hybrid and on-premise cloud solutions.

• Virtual Cloud Desktops becoming an essential feature in workplaces.

As a result, there are hundreds of jobs available in the UK alone for Cloud Engineers and Cloud Analysts.

Essential skills for those looking to progress their career would be:

• Fluency in Java, JavaScript, and Python

• Understanding of SQL, NoSQL, and Linux for Database management

• A demonstrated ability to work alongside AI

• A “vast understanding and experience with cloud technology providers, including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure and Oracle.” (Source: Tech Target).

Cloud Computing appears to be a great career path judging from recent developments driven by CI, and with wide-ranging required skills, can easily be picked up by experienced technicians.

Cyber Security

Did you know that over 268,000 new malware variants were discovered in 2020?

Millions of businesses were vulnerable to new cyber threats as a result of remote work. Due to lockdowns, businesses became reliant on quick digital file transfers - and many took place without proper encryption in place.

As a result of national cyber security alerts (as well as new Data Protection legislation), national companies such as Asda, Virgin Atlantic, and even HMRC are looking to fill new cyber security job roles. To work in cyber security, you must demonstrate problem-solving skills, software engineering qualifications, and a “deep understanding of how hackers work and an ability to keep up with the fast pace of change in the criminal cyber-underworld.” (Source: Target Jobs). With threats on the rise, cyber security is set to be a growing industry with many companies hiring freelancers, full-time positions, and outsourcing to IT providers for assistance in cyber protection. For experienced tech employees, cyber security is no stranger - and the ability to monitor and analyse data will provide a long-lasting, fulfilling career in any industry.

Robotic Processing Automation and AI

According to Gartner, “the global RPA software revenue is projected to reach $1.89 billion in 2021 - an increase of 19.5% from 2020”. Robotic Process Automation is closely linked to Continuous Improvement cultures, with industries across all areas looking to streamline processes and increase efficiency in the workplace.

The solution? SaaS.

The SaaS market has seen an average of 18% growth year on year, and, as more business owners realise the impact of using smart CRMs to handle pesky admin tasks, technology employees can take advantage of this trend and leap at a progressive, exciting career. With a skill shortage apparent in the market, RPA employees can even negotiate for increased salaries - allowing you to move up the career ladder.

Progra mming Languages

Over the past 20 years, there’s been a definite shift in the popularity of Java - with ratings declining from 26.39% in 2001 to 10.43% in 2021. Whilst C currently holds the top spot as the most popular language, it too has been dropping, and Python has been growing in popularity. Paying attention to market shifts in programming languages will allow developers to adapt to dynamic job demands and improve their career options. Learning new languages will help you increase job diversity and salary ranges, and enable you to have a fulfilling, enjoyable career.

Essential Skills for Progressive Careers in Tech

Overall, being curious and alert to trends will help you stay on top of a dynamic market and find new opportunities that interest and challenge you. Current job role listings request that applicants are passionate creatives, fast learners, and responsive in crises. Demonstrating these skills is bound to help technology employees have a progressive career in a world of Continuous Improvement driving market change and expectations. Adding new skills to your resume is destined to help you score salary raises - but if you’ve found yourself in a static environment, there are opportunities out there for you to explore.

At Forward Role, we’ve seen a vast expansion in our technology team and are currently looking for new recruitment consultants to join the team!

We’re always looking for candidates wanting to be connected to dynamic job roles, so if you’ve been searching for new and exciting employment opportunities, we’d love to help. Or, if you’re looking to grow your technology function, get in touch with us.

​