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The economy has seen some bumps in the road to recovery this year, but there are bright sides to consider. For one thing, there’s a recent report from the U.S. Labor Department. It found that not only were more jobs created in May of 2024, but wages were also on the rise.Of course, growth isn’t equal across the board. Some jobs are always more in demand than others, and it doesn’t take much reading between the lines to see which ones.Whether you’re looking to switch careers this year or move up the ladder in the one you already have, here are some of the most useful skill sets you can put on your resume.1. HealthcareFor years now, there has been a shortage across the board in the healthcare industry. There simply aren’t enough doctors to go around in many counties, but the infrastructure that supports them also needs personnel.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners are expected to be one of the fastest-growing occupations over the next decade, and health service managers aren’t far behind.With the right connections, IT workers can make a smooth transition into the latter career or another supporting role in health care security or innovation.2. SustainabilityThe country and the world are adapting to a changing climate, and workers will have to adapt along with them. Investments are growing in biotech, sustainable farming, and alternative energy sources, both from the government and the private sector.Here’s just one example. Though their median income isn’t nearly as high, wind turbine service technicians are expected to see occupation growth on par with nurse practitioners.Solar array installers are also in high demand, but it’s worth checking your state’s regulation laws before you commit to a path. Some regions are more proactive than others when it comes to energy diversification.3. Data AnalyticsData is the engine that drives artificial intelligence, and for that reason alone, high-level number crunchers will be at the top of the wish list for many tech sector firms. If you’ve got an affinity for spreadsheet software like Excel, you’ve already got a firm foundation for data analytics.There are online courses that can help you build on that foundation, like Chris Haroun’s next-level Excel analytics bundle. MySQL and Python are other good platforms to familiarize yourself with.4. CybersecurityOf course, all that data isn’t much good if you can’t keep it secure. Solid online security is an essential part of any IT team, and this is one specialty where know-how and experience really count. Cybersecurity isn’t the easiest field to learn, and once you master the basic techniques, you need to constantly update your skills to keep up with the latest threats.Again, good training makes all the difference. The A to Z Cybersecurity and IT Certification Training Bundle is a great launching pad. It contains 12 online courses from info security veteran Mohamed Atef, many of which serve as study guides for crucial CompTIA and CISSP certification exams.Along the way, you can learn advanced techniques in ethical hacking that will allow you to build and test secure systems for any network size.
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5. Software DevelopmentThe median pay for software developers was well into the six figures last year, so this continues to be an attractive corner of the tech sector for creatives. But if you get yourself a working knowledge of programming, you’ve got a toolkit that will serve you as more than just a developer.You can create or tweak software that meets your needs as an entrepreneur and have the inside track on what gives today’s killer apps their edge. Python is a must-learn language here, but C#, JavaScript, Ruby, and others will all have their uses.The great part about coding, as always, is the ease of entry once one programming language (or multiple) are mastered. 6. Soft SkillsNo matter what kind of career you’re shooting for, one thing holds true — don’t just look at your resume as a series of boxes you have to check off. Once you land that entry-level job, good leadership qualities, and other intangibles can be the difference between the fast track and a dead end.The ability to code is great, but companies need employees who can explain it in English to management and front-line employees, so don’t underestimate the importance of good communication. Learning a new language can also open many rich growth opportunities if your company has overseas branches.Prices subject to change. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through StackSocial affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.
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