The Common Roles That Will Always Be Needed in Tech

Guest post by Sonal Shah

As a progressive industry, the job roles in tech are constantly changing and evolving. It is, therefore, with caution that people should recommend which roles will always be needed in the industry. Instead, it is often the fundamental skills that will always be sought after, not the specific roles themselves. Therefore, individuals should seek to pursue the skills in high demand and learn to recognise them within roles, whatever the job title.

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As new tech areas emerge, some roles take on fancy new titles, often making it challenging to keep up with the changes. You will often find new titles requiring skills similar to those of a job that was previously in demand. So, to keep abreast of change and stay relevant, it is essential to be aware of some of the skills that make up these typical roles and will always be required within the dynamic tech industry.

Specialist tech roles

Although some skills are universally applicable to all roles in tech, some positions require more advanced skills and a better understanding of computers and IT than others. 

Roles like software developers, cybersecurity experts and data scientists are likely to remain as essential roles in the tech industry due to ongoing demand for software, security and data expertise.  

• Software Developers – These roles are always required to develop new software as technology evolves and new applications and solutions emerge, requiring new updates or developments. This role requires technical knowledge and a lot of creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability as the ever-changing landscape makes this role essential.
• Cybersecurity experts – There is much demand for cybersecurity experts and the skills required in network security and encryption, as well as knowledge about cybersecurity threats, constantly changing areas.
• Data scientists – Data scientists must be adept in statistics, machine learning, and data analysis tools. Machine learning is where the technology learns from data or inputs over time and creatively refines its decision-making process.

However, as touched on earlier, and as you can see, it is often the skills that these specific roles require, not the roles themselves, that remain in demand as technology is constantly changing. Within these roles, the relevant skills would include programming languages, problem-solving, and understanding of software methodology.

AI and cloud-computing roles

Additionally, AI and cloud computing roles are becoming more crucial as the technology continues to evolve. 

Skills for AI often require machine learning, natural language processing and deep learning. It has sophisticated algorithms or neural networks that imitate or mimic a human brain and are used to complete a task. This means deep learning requires large amounts of data and power. An excellent example of deep learning is self-driving or autonomous cars.

AI has been around for a long time but was not always a mainstream topic as it is now. It has always been with us in different forms over the years. Products like Amazon’s Alexa are a simple form of AI.  As it develops, tech giants compete with each other and work hard to bring out the ultimate AI products. AI will be a truly transformative technology if used and developed correctly, and the foundation of this will be tech professionals with the right skills. 

User experience roles

User experience professionals are also in demand, as a quality user experience will be crucial as our technology evolves. Everything has to be easy for users, so a blend of design thinking, principles and empathy for users will ensure that individuals continue to cultivate skill sets suited to a range of jobs.

Roles in tech require continuous learning

Continuous learning is critical in this rapidly evolving tech landscape. This is why, when discussing job roles, it is essential to keep in mind the skills at the heart of them. These skills such as programming languages, problem-solving, and understanding of software methodology will always be needed.

The tech landscape is continually changing. Job roles may come and go, but many skills will always be attractive to employers in the tech industry. So, it is important to monitor any changing names or roles, look for similarities in the skills you possess or are aiming to develop and not be put off from trying new jobs or positions just because at first glance, you do not think you possess the skills to apply for it.

Sonal Shah is the author of She Chose Tech and a speaker, coach, and vice president in banking with over 20 years of corporate experience. She is committed to helping women fulfil their potential in tech careers and has received several prestigious awards. These include the Tech100 and Diversity awards at the WeAreTheCity Rising Stars Awards. and for her work promoting diversity, advocating for women in tech and for the future of technology, the community leadership award at the EmpowerHER Access Awards in 2023.  

She Chose Tech unpacks the exciting reality and potential of working in the industry, creating an essential guide to understanding the pulse of the ever-evolving tech landscape. Throughout, Sonal easily unravels complex concepts, dispels popular myths, digs deeper into must-know tech subjects and offers practical advice for women considering a career in the tech industry. Crafted with simplicity as its guiding principle, She Chose Tech beckons anyone curious about tech, from the student at the beginning of their career to the seasoned professional looking to expand their knowledge of this influential sector. 

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