SiliconRepublic.com has put together a list of skills for jobs in emerging technologies.
Here’s the thing. The workplace is evolving at a rapid pace as businesses respond to new technologies and newer threats – some of which are here, such as artificial intelligence, and some of which may usher in yet another digital transformation, such as quantum.
If generative AI (GenAI) showed us anything, it is that emerging technology can bring about such change in what seems like the blink of an eye. And with evolving industries, come new expectations out of workers. The best thing to do then would be to go with the times and arm ourselves with the skills of the future.
SiliconRepublic.com has put together a list of future skills based on emerging technologies that are growing in importance.
Artificial intelligence
As with most things nowadays, AI is at the top of the list. A recent PwC report found that jobs exposed to AI grew by nearly 40pc. While in Ireland, AI-exposed roles have almost doubled since 2019.
The report, which analysed nearly 1bn job postings globally, also found that Irish wages are growing twice as fast in industries more exposed to AI, as opposed to those less exposed. AI-skilled workers saw a wage premium of 56pc on average last year – doubling from 25pc the year before.
But is it great news for everyone? Not really. The World Economic Forum finds that 40pc of employers expect to reduce their workforce where AI can automate tasks.
Bloomberg reports that AI could replace significantly more roles at the level of analysts and sales representatives when compared to their managerial counterparts, and could especially affect entry-level roles.
So while uncertainty is unavoidable, learning to develop and use AI systems can be quite beneficial – not just to hold down a position, but to progress in your career.
Quantum computing
With AI being front and centre, it might be easy to overlook the fact that there is tech in-the-making which is expected to open up a whole new way of computing.
Simply put, quantum computing utilises the unique behaviours of quantum physics to its advantage, giving it exponential power to compute at a scale much faster than traditional computing. The tech is set to benefit practically every industry, and companies such as IBM are already on their way to building these advanced machines.
Deloitte reports a demand of around 250,000 quantum computing jobs by 2030. Although, it also found that job postings in this area grew by only 4.4pc over a 12-month period. So, there is a clear demand for these roles that is not yet met by businesses.
However, a different survey, also from Deloitte, found only 12pc of respondents had formal training in these areas, revealing that quantum skilling is just as behind as hiring in this sector. Though the steam is certainly building up.
This field is still in relatively early stages of growth. This means many of the jobs in this sector currently require academic expertise, including in quantum algorithm design and development, information processing and quantum computing error correction.
Cybersecurity
Emerging technologies and an ever-growing presence on the cloud opens more opportunities than ever for threat actors to cause disruptions.
IBM found that the average cost of a data breach in 2024 was around $4.8m. It reported that organisations are fast at adopting AI models, but not so much when it comes to investing enough in appropriate security measures. This is leading to not only a growing rate of cyberattacks worldwide, but attacks that specifically aim at AI models.
Clearly, there is a considerable need for cyber experts. Reports suggest that the cybersecurity sector in Ireland is growing at 10pc every year, potentially adding 10,000 jobs by 2030. Roles such as security analysts, penetration tester, incident responder and security consultant are particularly popular.
Cloud computing
According to CSO data, Ireland exported more than €195bn in computer services in 2022, the largest category of all services exported. And in 2024, the ICT sector as a whole supported more than 210,000 jobs.
ICT workers, especially those working in cloud, have become extremely sought after, especially as AI requires more data centre support.
Moreover, specialised college courses specialising in cloud computing have popped up recently, showcasing just how important cloud is to Ireland.
Technological University Dublin, in partnership with Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet, recently launched Ireland’s first master’s degree in sustainable cloud computing.
Soft skills
It is also important to note one key requirement that does not change with time – the need for soft skills in the workplace.
Skills such as communication, teamwork and being able to adapt have become more critical, especially as teams operate in virtual and remote settings. Moreover, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and empathy are also important.
According to Harvard Business Review, soft skills matter now more than ever. It found that candidates who are better at basic skills, including the ability to work well in teams, were more likely to earn higher wages throughout their careers and move into more advanced roles.
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