Benefits Think

Navigating the landscape of tech employment

By Shahin Fard March 12, 2024, 5:30 a.m. EDT 4 Min Read

The past three years have seen unprecedented change for the tech world, which is acclimated to rapid transformations. We take a look at the current landscape and assess how to navigate it as smoothly as possible.

For tech companies, it has most certainly been a rollercoaster, with 2023 starting with mass layoffs from the big tech companies. However, despite this shaky start, according to Motion Recruitment's IT Salary Guide, the "IT Economy was far more resilient throughout the year than expected," with tech unemployment rates remaining significantly lower than the national rate. The volatility of the tech world has been global, with Europe experiencing a 40% drop in hiring across tech startups last year. Yet, demand continues to rise. So how can tech professionals or those hoping to pursue a career in tech navigate these turbulent waters?

Upskill
In a competitive world, it is not enough to have the skills you need today; you must identify the needs and skills gaps of the future and do what you need to do to fill them. By constantly focusing on your learning and development, you will be helping to make yourself indispensable in the event of company downsizing, while proving your worth if and when promotion or development opportunities come along. Your learning and development can come from a range of sources: evening classes, on the job learning, self-teaching, mentoring, or even internships if they are available. The key is to make sure that the right people know that you are there, and that you are enthusiastic about developing your skills and help out where needed.

TIP: According to one report, data analytics is anticipated to be an area with the greatest skills gap, followed by IT, mobile and web design management.

Embrace AI
Whether you think that AI wants to steal your job, or you are excited to see what the future holds for AI in the tech world and beyond, one thing is certain: AI is going to be more prominent in 2024 than ever before. In order to survive — and thrive — it is vital for tech employees to live in harmony alongside AI. After all, AI doesn't only have the potential to make the workplace more equitable, but it does in itself offer an array of exciting career opportunities to those bold enough to explore them. According to Jobs for the Future, workers' perceptions of AI vary: 58% are open to AI learning opportunities, compared to just 29% who have a genuine concern that AI will take their job and 35% who are worried that it could damage their company. A minority (27%) are hopeful or excited about what AI can bring to them and their career opportunities. Overall, more than half of respondents to the survey felt that they needed to develop their skills in order to achieve longer-term success.

TIP: Amid rapid changes, there are ongoing questions about the boundaries of AI and how industry regulations can keep up. As well as upskilling on the data side, invest time in understanding the implications and regulatory challenges that the sector will face.

Network
In an industry where things change almost daily, it is vital that you stay up to date with current and future events and challenges. Networking is an invaluable way of assessing the current and future landscape and identifying potential opportunities. Sign up to industry newsletters, join roundtables, and take advantage of mentoring and development opportunities. Make reliable tech sites and blogs your go-to reads and make the effort to talk to colleagues about the latest news, developments and innovations.

TIP: Favorite news sites in your browser so that you can read on the go.

Take your CPD online
While the rapid advancement of the digital world might present a challenge to those who are considering a career in tech, or who are already working in tech but unsure how to progress, it also presents a wealth of opportunities:

Webinars and online conferences — as well as traditional, in-person events — mean you can access global audiences and information, wherever you are. Events such as Google I/O or Apple's WWDC showcase are a great place to start.
Online tech communities (think GitHub or Reddit) are a great way to gain an overview of current issues and delve deeper where your interest is piqued.
Social media is awash with tech influencers. Follow relevant entrepreneurs, CEOs and thought leaders on LinkedIn and X to get their latest insights.

TIP: Social media is a great place to gain nuggets of information, but if you want to stay ahead of the curve, you may need to take the time to explore themes in more depth.

Get hands-on
One of the best ways to assimilate new technologies is to gain hands-on experience. You may not have the opportunity to build products of your own at work, but if machine learning, for example, interests you, try building a model in your own time so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the processes and challenges.

TIP: Competition platforms such as Zavvy are a useful tool if you are incentivized by competition; industry affirmation can help boost your confidence and skills, too.

In an ever-changing industry, agility is an essential part of rising to the challenges presented and proving yourself to current and future employers. There are plenty of opportunities out there; those seeking to progress in technology just need to make sure that they are ready.

Shahin Fard

Founder, Bravr