There is no shortage of reports of layoffs from tech companies and a slowdown in funding for startups. an estimate about 90,000 jobs will be cut in 2022 — at least in the tech industry itself.
This may suggest tougher times ahead for tech professionals, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead, the market for tech talent remains strong and demand continues to grow for tech professionals who can combine business requirements with tech savvy.
That’s the word Jeff WilliamsVice President of Enterprise Solutions and HR for payoffers his views on what’s coming for the tech talent market next year.
Q: Despite the headlines, is the balance still in favor of tech professionals in general? Is demand for skills still strong?
Williams: “Technology skills will always be important to businesses, no matter how the macroeconomic environment changes. We are in a special moment, despite the struggles economic recession, the recruitment market is still hot and employee retention is still a top priority for many businesses.
“Legacy IT jobs rely on infrastructure management and expensive, long upgrade cycles. Today, with so much infrastructure in the cloud, meeting requirements and architectures is a problem. A more precise business model is the management of the physical components of an IT system.
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“What’s important yesterday to tech professionals isn’t necessarily important tomorrow. Yesterday it was about flashing lights, making sure hardware works, and asking for money to upgrade. Now , cloud providers that can handle the infrastructure and tech professionals are focusing on their monthly performance while doing more to ensure positive business performance.”
Q: What types of technology skills are most important to employers today, especially in a tough economy?
Williams: “Over the past few years, I’ve seen an explosion in demand for cybersecurity and cybersecurity professionals. Additionally, developing software that automates manual or inefficient processes is welcomed by businesses. Welcome when they tighten their belts. Today, we need people who can speak business to IT and vice versa who can listen to business problems and then translate them into solutions. technology is a rare skill.”
Q: What types of companies are and will continue to be in highest demand?
“In 2023 and beyond, SMEs will need to hone their digital presence in order to successfully grow and attract talent. As a result, countless companies, regardless of sector discovered the need to invest in IT infrastructure and automate customer experience systems, that includes retail, service-based organizations and healthcare. companies are looking to improve efficiency through robotic process automation, the need for technology professionals is only increasing.”
Q: What initiatives or actions should tech professionals take to demonstrate their value to the business and further advance their careers?
Williams: “As businesses continue to adapt to technology, tech professionals with business acumen are still highly sought-after. For example, a tech guru demonstrates how to offset costs. through IT operations rather than just outlining the cost of a project is more likely to be hired or retained in the event of downsizing. Furthermore, technology professionals can often see Get around the corners and understand where the industry is headed before others in the organization can. Develop the ability to communicate clearly and speak the language of business leaders and investors to position yourself. as a business engine and an indispensable asset.
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“Be a student of your company. Know your income statement, balance sheet, competitors and operating environment. Go where you are different, your knowledge and your positives To bridge the gap to higher-level positions, you must demonstrate an understanding of the business you’re in and the role of technology People who understand their operating environment and the position of technology in it tends to be noticed.”
Q: Should professionals consider business opportunities? Please provide any advice for launching or joining a startup.
Williams: “As we see tech giants downsizing, laid-off employees often take the leap to start their own businesses. And that’s not as risky as people. It’s commonly assumed: Businesses often find it more attractive to hire third parties to perform certain functions, presenting a huge opportunity for tech professionals to become successful entrepreneurs.
“But a startup cannot survive on ideas and opportunities alone. Hopeful entrepreneurs should question their motives. Before starting a business, you should ask yourself: ‘ What problem am I here to solve?’ ‘What needs does my business meet?’ ‘Can I protect what I’m building from friends and family?’ Everyone loves the story of the entrepreneur, but let’s really focus on how you can create something of value in a very crowded market.
“Entrepreneurs also need to assess talent needs: To create a solid business plan, you must first realistically analyze your own strengths and weaknesses. From there, identify strong talent to build on. Fill in the key gaps Who will sell the product How will you raise the money Who will convey value to the market?
“Educate yourself about relevant regulations. A stable business is a compliant business. With the growing nuances — and sometimes contradictions — between local, state and federal regulations. state and federal, it is important to research and plan for different situations, this includes not only limiting factors and controls, but also exploring funding and financing opportunities support, shopping and revenue available to you.”
