The market for IT roles is set to strengthen and more jobs will be in demand in 2024. Following a post-pandemic recruitment surge, teams have stabilised, budgets tightened, and everyone has nervously waited for a recession. But talking to businesses now, especially on the contracting side, there is a desire to see IT and technology projects through to completion – and kick start new ones. They are finding their feet again and keen to continue with digital transformation plans. As the sector moves forward, here are five IT jobs that I believe will be in demand next year.
Enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management – any widely used business system – is a huge area of focus. It’s also a competitive, innovative market, which is changing rapidly. This means businesses need specialists who understand how these products work, and importantly, how they can be implemented. For example, if a client is yet to migrate their IT infrastructure to the cloud, but they want to use a product that will only work in the cloud, they will face challenges. Large-scale change programmes need leaders who can navigate the nuances of these products; they also need leaders who work well with others, and make sure work is delivered on time and on budget.
Many businesses can’t move their IT infrastructure into the cloud for security and privacy reasons. Small and medium-sized businesses, too, are yet to fully embrace the technology. But the development of hybrid models is helping to combine cloud technology and on-premise solutions, and the platforms are becoming more widely accessible. These trends mean cloud technology experts are in demand, and their skills will be pivotal for businesses going on this journey. In a market with skills shortages, IT professionals with a desire to upskill themselves will be well rewarded.
Marketing and technology are now intertwined. Traditional marketing professionals have to appeal to customers in a digital world; software can automate much of the outbound marketing process. We are currently placing people in companies who will implement new tools that will save a lot of money in the future. A.I. is only going to accelerate this process. Demand for marketing professionals with strong data and technology skills is massively on the rise; those who can bring companies’ online presence and influence right up to date.
In 2024, software engineers will have to become more than coders. Why should a business hire developers in London, for example, when the work could be outsourced somewhere cheaper, and the quality will be the same? In addition, A.I. can already replicate some of the work produced by developers, which is also shining a light on their wider skill sets. The software engineers of today will be encouraged to become more rounded and more commercial, helping to develop the vision and strategy for tomorrow.
Businesses need to understand what A.I. can do for them and how to embrace it; they need people to help them do that, of course. A.I. specialists will cover a wide spectrum of work: from machine learning, chat bots and automation, through to translating the technology for their colleagues. These specialists will come from all corners of the IT workforce and will upskill themselves as the technology develops. Those in mid to senior-level positions will lead the charge. They will implement ideas, move forward through trial and error, and help colleagues embrace the potential of A.I.
These are five IT jobs that will be in demand in 2024, helping businesses to move forward with their plans. Technical skills will always be important, but a commercial approach, and understanding how each role adds value, will be pivotal. Businesses are expecting people to be good at what they say they are good at, but also engage with the senior leadership team, communicate well, and work with others. These are the people who will be most successful in the next 12 months and beyond.
Duncan Smorfitt is a market director for technology, digital and marketing at Robert Half. He supports ambitious rapid-growth businesses to grow their technology and marketing teams by providing fast access to the UK's top contractor talent.
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