4 Technologies That Will Change The IT Job Market

The information technology (IT) industry is evolving at a rapid pace. Consider just how much has changed in the last decade: Who would have thought that a company known for its e-readers would put voice assistants like Alexa into millions of homes? That self-driving cars would become a commercial reality? Or that hailing a ride or ordering a meal would be as convenient as tapping an app on a smartphone?

This technological momentum has been steadily building and shows no signs of slowing down. While it may be difficult to predict exactly how tech innovations will shape the IT job market, one thing is certain: Tomorrow’s IT professionals need to start developing the right skills today. 

This blog discusses four technologies set to define the future of IT and how each could impact career opportunities in the tech industry. Read on to learn more. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

For years, experts have predicted how AI would transform the work of businesses and organizations worldwide. While its adoption has been gradual, artificial intelligence is now quickly becoming an essential resource in many modern workplaces and industries. For example, software engineers can save time and money by automating application testing with AI tools. This AI-driven testing will likely increase as more software specialists and other tech workers implement AI-enhanced algorithms into app and software development projects.

Innovation in autonomous technologies doesn’t end there, though. The growth in popularity of smart devices, drones, self-driving vehicles, and more will fuel demand for AI specialists skilled in programming, training, and managing intelligent systems.

Key Skills Needed

• Robust knowledge of coding and automation.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and C++.
• Professional or educational background in computer science, IT, or software development.

Career Outlook

Organizations across sectors—from grocery chains to law enforcement—will increasingly rely on AI technologies, creating new opportunities for properly trained IT professionals.

Edge Computing

Over the last two decades, the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought connectivity into homes, workplaces, and even everyday objects like watches and speakers. IoT has made the concept of smart homes a reality while revolutionizing manufacturing, transportation, and many other industries. Edge computing takes IoT further by moving data processing closer to devices, reducing reliance on distant cloud-based servers, and speeding up the flow of information.

Looking ahead, specialized AI chips and high-bandwidth, low-latency 5G networks will dramatically boost the power of edge computing, enabling real-time data communication and messaging at scale.

Key Skills Needed

• Development and deployment of real-time software applications
• A strong understanding of networking, IT operations, and DevOps.

Career Outlook

Developers and engineers who can build fast, efficient, edge-computing solutions will be in high demand in the tech job market, especially as different industries prioritize more agile and flexible workplace technologies to fulfill business objectives.

Information Security

 Information security (including cybersecurity) and the tools needed to enforce it are crucial in today’s digital landscape—and it’s only becoming more urgent. Cyberattacks are on the rise, and with them, newer and more devious methods of cybercrime. However, there is a severe shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals in the tech industry. And these staffing gaps are contributing to a higher risk of cyberattacks against vulnerable organizations. 

This kind of job shortfall could bloom into a crisis if the volume of cyber threats continues to increase. Luckily, tech hiring for information security specialists looks promising: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that employment of information security analysts is expected to grow by 33% from 2023 to 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations.

Key Skills Needed

• Professional or educational background in cybersecurity, information assurance, computer science, or network engineering and security.
• Experience in intrusion detection, secure software development, and network monitoring.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CompTIA Security+, and other ethical hacking credentials.

Career Outlook

Cybersecurity professionals will continue to be essential across industries, including healthcare, finance, and the government. Individuals trained in analytics, math, and cyber defense should be able to find abundant career opportunities, whether they work remotely or in an office.

Software Development and Microservices

Ever wonder why modern streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon never seem to suffer from widespread crashes? These tech companies and others like them are able to roll out constant software updates without disruptions thanks to microservices architecture. Instead of building one large application, they create smaller, independent services that make up the whole and that can be updated individually.

Microservices technologies allow developers to design, debug, and test code quickly and with less risk of total systems failure. Thanks to this flexibility, software developers and engineers can devote more time to fostering skills that will help future-proof their careers.

Key Skills Needed

• Back-end programming skills.
• Knowledge of DevOps best practices and network operations.
• Proficiency in continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

Career Outlook

Developers, DevOps engineers, and operations specialists with computer science or network operations degrees will likely be key players in the future of software development and microservices.

Prepare for the IT Job Market with WGU

The future of IT is set to be faster, smarter, and more interconnected. Positions in the tech job market for software developers, cybersecurity specialists, AI engineers, and DevOps experts are already in demand—and that demand will only grow. 

Additionally, the skills needed to stay competitive in the IT hiring landscape will continue to evolve. Professionals should start building expertise now in emerging areas like:

• Edge computing
• Quantum computing
• Advanced cybersecurity practices
• AI and machine learning applications

Whether you're currently working in IT or just starting out, today is the perfect time to advance your career by enrolling in an online IT degree program at WGU. Our degree programs are designed with input from industry experts and structured to fit into your work and family life.

Plus, WGU’s competency-based learning model means that you advance through coursework as quickly as you master the material, potentially saving you time and money on the way to graduation.

Learn more today.