The 9 most important skills you need in your IT team this year

If there is one industry that got boosted by the recent COVID-19 crisis, it must be the IT industry. The crisis accelerated the digitization of companies in way that no-one could have anticipated. A process that normally would have taken five years, was now done in a year. 

One example is remote working: Even the most conservative companies are now working remotely because they have no choice. The same goes for the online presence of companies. 

It's therefore no surprise that the need for talented IT professionals is growing even faster than before the pandemic. These are the most important skills you'll need in your IT team, if you want to keep up with the competition:

1.    Cross functional skills 

One of the most important trends in the IT industry in the last years has been the blending of different roles into one. The most well-known example is the rise of the so-called DevOps, a role that combines software development, operations and quality assurance. Also roles like Solutions Architect, Business Analyst and Software Tester, that used to be clearly defined and separate roles are now blending into one. 

2.    Information security skills

As business moved their operations online, and remote working as become the new normal, the need for information security has increased.  Information security is a key business risk driver, from large enterprise clients to SMEs, resulting in high demand for talent in the area. There is, for example, a high demand for Chief Information Officers. The three security pillars of utilisation, flow, and storage of security require a specialist skill set to cope with the growing threats of external breaches.

3.    Data privacy skills

One of the most common security breaches at the workplace is retaining data substantially longer than necessary, although there is a range of ways companies can put themselves at risk of a substantial fine. Customers want better protection of their personal data. Hence, data protection expertise and the need for top talent to possess commercial privacy awareness is now becoming a requirement across a variety of tech roles.

4.    SAP skills

SAP is one of Europe’s largest software developer, whose programs are used by in almost every sector, whether its logistics, the telecommunication, automotive, or in the banking or retail industry.

5.    JAVA skills

Although Java has been around already for a long time, its still one of the most important programming languages. reveals that as many as 40% of developers all over the world code in Java. 

6.    Cloud skills

The demand for qualified professionals with cloud computing skills will continue to increase. Think, for example, of specialists in Cloud Migration and Deployment within Multi-Cloud Environments, Cloud security specialists and Cloud developers. 

7.    Data analysis skills

Big data has continued to spread into all industries, helping to shape and inform strategies across the board. From complex geological data, to deep-learning AI systems, a more sophisticated set of data skills are required for businesses seeking to fill their job roles. 

8.    Ability to work with AI

Depending on the industry you´re company operates in, there is demand for all skills in related to AI; machine learning, data science, and data mining are among the most sought-after skills. However, not in all industries AI has taken off. 

One sector where it is booming, is in manufacturing, as AI is the driver of industry 4.0. Think, for example of an oil-based coolant that can detect if parts of the machine need replacement before they break down. Another industry where AI is taking off is the service industry, where chatbots are taking over parts of the customer support function, by answering frequently asked questions.

9.    Combined project management skills

The ideal IT project managers in can combine agile project management with the classic project management approach. Especially larger projects cannot simply not be done completely in an agile manner. On the other hand, the big advantage of the agile approach is that you get immediate feedback. That´s why many companies prefer IT project manager with an “agile mindset”, without them being “agile evangelists”.