TOP THREE TRENDS THAT IT AND TECHNOLOGY GRADUATES SHOULD KNOW TOP THREE TRENDS THAT IT AND TECHNOLOGY GRADUATES SHOULD KNOW

Find out the top trends in the technology sector today and evaluate if your specialisation is one of the most sought-after by employers!

Even as economic uncertainties and fears of budget cuts, hiring freezes and retrenchments shadow a robust IT market, digital transformation continues to be an integral initiative in every industry. It’s crucial that you come to know and understand them, whether you choose to enter the IT industry or not. Here are the top three going into 2023 (and beyond)!

Trend #1: Edge Computing

What it is

Edge computing comes from a formerly cutting-edge technology – cloud computing. Although businesses are still migrating processes onto the cloud, cloud computing itself has become mainstream, with major players like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform in the market.

The focus has now shifted to addressing the shortfalls of cloud computing – namely the limitations of moving large quantities of data online in remote geographic areas where internet connectivity is an issue.

Edge computing is the answer, as it bypasses the need to upload data onto the cloud through the internet by getting data to centralised data centre for processing. Moreover, it’s immensely useful when dealing with time-sensitive data.

What it means for IT graduates

Edge computing is on the upward trend, and usage will increase alongside the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT).

In fact, the global market for edge computing was predicted to hit $9.17 billion in 2022! In turn, the growth of this industry will herald newly-created job openings and opportunities for graduates looking to get into software engineering.

Skills needed

Edge computing needs a range of skills including solid knowledge of programming languages, such as Java, Perl and Python, as well as database security, systems design and networking.

A good understanding of the data normalisation process is needed, too, as is expertise in databases, from storage, analysis and distribution of data.

Trend #2: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

What it is

Part of Extended Reality (XR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) aren’t new in the IT sector. In fact, they’ve long been immensely popular in the gaming industry, and are being used as training tools as well.

In gaming, VR users are immersed in a completely digital environment, where they’re able to move freely and complete realistic missions in the game. Some renowned games that depend on VR include Serious Sam and Half-Life.

For training purposes, however, trainees can either be provided with a 360° view of a video, or dropped into a simulation where they encounter “live” scenarios with no risk.

Emerson, an automation solutions company, is a high-profile example of a company that uses VR to train engineers who may be sent to high-risk areas (like power plants). Singapore’s RSAF also trains personnel with VR. Gaming and training with VR usually needs users to wear headsets.

On the other hand, AR simply looks to adding interactive and virtual elements to a live environment through a phone or tablet (headsets are used occasionally).

In AR, 3D computer-generated objects are added to the space in front of you through your device, and can be manipulated by users.

Like VR, AR is also used for training in a risk-free environment, and is a popular gaming tool. For instance, the most wellknown example of a game that engages users with AR is Pokémon Go.

What it means for IT graduates

AR and VR will be far more integrated into daily life. Some sectors that are bringing VR and AR technology aboard are education, marketing and even injury rehabilitation.

To solidify AR and VR’s space in IT trends, the market for AR and VR technology had been forecast to grow to a staggering $285.7 billion in 2022, and demand for developers in this area skyrocketed, as well.

Skills needed

Skills in software development is a must, with understanding of mobile app development, game development and web development.

You don’t need to be very familiar with all three of them – you can focus on one, and understand the basics of the other two. General knowledge of user experience (UX) is needed, too, as are skills in machine learning, programming, graphic rendering and 3D modelling.

Trend #3: Cybersecurity

What it is

Cybersecurity might not seem like an emerging technology anymore – having been around for years now – but the truth is that the knowledge behind cybersecurity needs to be updated. For instance, every time cyber threats evolve, cybersecurity must evolve to tackle them, too.

A good example of this constant evolution is how the global pandemic has affected cybersecurity. Sudden remote working arrangements and increased reliance on the internet quickly exposed weak spots in cybersecurity systems that hackers were keen to exploit.

Accordingly, this led to a sharp increase in phishing and malware attacks that showed employers how important their digital assets were. In fact, 45 per cent of businesses in Singapore indicated in a 2021 PwC Digital Trust Survey that they were looking to improve their cyber defences.

What it means for IT graduates

As long as there are grey- and black-hat hackers, cybersecurity is a must. The rising number of cyberattacks in Singapore over the years (and especially over the pandemic) have also driven home to companies and organisations that proper security systems are needed.

A study by Gartner further showed that by 2025, organisations all over the world will use cybersecurity risk as the primary factor in deciding on business engagements and transactions with third parties.

As proof of this, demand for cybersecurity professionals has remained high with no signs of flagging, and jobs in cybersecurity are being created three times faster than other jobs in other technology areas.

Skills needed

Key skills most employers look for are that of knowledge of security across several platforms, problem-solving and computer forensics. Also needed are communications skills and attention to detail.

As companies are looking to safeguard their data against hackers, they greatly appreciate candidates who understand hackers well (or are white-hat hackers themselves).

As cyberattacks are constantly changing and evolving in response to cyber defences, a strong desire to keep learning is paramount, too.

Conclusion

Technology will always evolve around us, and new technologies will also emerge frequently. However, as of the present time (and foreseeable future), these are the three most promising trends that welcome skilled graduates. Hopefully, shining a light on these three trends will help position you for success!