Youth must learn industry relevant skills in fields such as Analytics, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence to get a leg up in their careers, writes Arjun Nair
On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day it is essential to reinforce United Nations’ efforts towards encouraging young students and professionals to train themselves in digital skills and leadership qualities that will help them to power ahead in the ever-evolving work ecosystem. Youth makes up 25% of the global working-age population, yet it is alarming to note that 40% of them remain unemployed. What is interesting to note is that a large share of the reason for this unemployment is not only lack of jobs, but lack of relevant skills needed to land one.
A survey by UNESCO, the International Labour Organization and the World Bank identified that online learning has found widespread acceptance amongst young learners to get armed with career critical competencies and skills. Access to quality education, work-based learning, counselling and career guidance, and regular hand holding on EdTech platforms help youth to learn industry relevant skills in fields like Analytics, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence to get a leg up in their careers. This helps them become more competent, in turn increasing their chances of getting employed.
Artificial Intelligence
AI has become the most sought-after domain with organisations implementing it across the sectors to benefit from artificial intelligence applications. AI is rapidly changing the landscape of work and possessing AI skills can open pathways to a variety of tech careers, from data scientists to software engineers to product managers. With AI companies remarkably expanding across domains, arming skills in this domain will reap benefits.
Data Analytics
The increasing growth of data volumes and analytical complexity over the past few decades has led to the increasing adoption of in-database analytical tools. Companies are driving their major business decisions by analysing various data. According to a recent report, 93,500 data science jobs were vacant in India for the want of relevant talent. Sectors such as BFSI, e-commerce, EdTech, and logistics are still hiring fresh and top-rated tech talent for lucrative job roles like analytics specialist, data scientist, decision science manager, business analyst, analytics manager, and operations analytics manager. Skilling in these domains can lead to high paying job across sectors.
Cloud Computing
With a lot of firms migrating to the cloud from their traditional application owing to the pandemic, jobs in this domain are growing massively. Recent reports suggest that India is expected to see more than 1 million cloud computing job roles as more organisations shift their operations to the cloud infrastructure. There is a high demand for key roles including Cloud Application Developer, Cloud Network Engineer, Cloud Automation Engineer, and Cloud Security Manager. The salary survey suggests that cloud professionals can earn anywhere from Rs 4 lakh per annum to Rs 35 lakh per annum based on their experience and skills.
Cyber security
Keeping network and data secure is paramount for any organisation. With data breaches and cybercrimes exponentially increasing by the day, there is a spurred need for professionals skilled in the security field. Giving an opportunity for exploration in the cyber world, arming up with skills in this field can get one an opportunity to work with coveted government agencies and security firms on undercover operations. Reports have confirmed that the demand for cybersecurity jobs will increase manifold and result in 3.5 million unfilled positions.
Global in-house centers (GICs) along with other leading organisations including Deloitte, KPMG, EY, PwC, Amazon, Walmart, Paytm, Accenture to name a few are hiring professionals for roles like security engineers, security analysts with an average salary hike of 15-20%. This domain is likely to witness a steady demand and skilling here will lead to fruitful results with regards to job opportunities.
Blockchain
Although India is still at the nascent stage in exploring Blockchain technology, it holds an immense potential for the youth of today. Worldwide spending on blockchain solutions is expected to grow from 1.5 billion in 2018 to an estimated 15.9 billion. The integration of Blockchain technology is now witnessing major demand across various sectors including banking, insurance, logistics, healthcare and public administration. Companies in nearly every industry are speeding up their efforts to create value for their business and thereby, fueling the demand for roles including Blockchain Developer, Blockchain Software Engineer, Blockchain System Architect. Blockchain has become a line of business for corporate biggies like IBM, Oracle, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Amazon, and American Express, to name just a few. In India, a blockchain developer commands a salary package ranging from INR 2 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs.
Publication: Education Times
