Getting your first job when you’re fresh out of college is hard enough as it is, but the added stress of navigating the different trends in the job market, it makes the process even more daunting. Fortunately, we’re here to help. With our list of the top in-demand skills of 2023, we hope to make your job search just a tiny bit easier.
1. Artificial intelligence research
Average salary: $130,000
With self-driving cars and realistic humanoid robots on the horizon, the need for people with a good understanding of AI is higher than ever. AI is a new field for the world, and this means that before releasing it out into the open for people to use and abuse, companies need to ensure they have taken note of every possible outcome and have tested every single aspect of the products they release, which is why the need for people who can perform well documented AI research is incredibly vital.
2. Machine Learning
Average salary: $130,000
This next one pairs well with artificial intelligence, which is why we’ve put them together. Machine learning involves using technology to help improve how well AI run products. The process is used to better-existing AI technology so that companies can be confident that their products are constantly making use of the latest technology to ensure their users have the best possible products at their disposal. The job involves the understanding and learning of complex algorithms, which is why machine learning is one of the most in-demand skills right now.
3. Data Analysis
Average salary: $90,000
In an age where companies are fighting over who has the right to collect and use data on user behaviour and user analytics, data analysis has become a pressing need of the hour. Collecting numbers is a task in itself, but being able to analyse and understand what to do with them is what businesses value the most. There’s no use for data without a direction, which is why data analysis is one of the most in-demand skills of 2023.
4. Cloud computing
Average salary: $106,000 (US)
No, this sadly has nothing to do with the fluffy clouds in the sky, but you knew that already. Cloud computing refers to the process that needs to take place, so that a computerised system of resources is available to all members of an organisation that does not take up much time and effort for a user. Cloud computing allows organisations to manage their entire companies online without needing physical asset storage space or physical infrastructures. Many companies are moving to a highly digital mode of operations which is why cloud computing is currently one of the most in-demand skills you could learn.
5. Translation
Average Salary: $70,000
The world has become increasingly globalised, with content from all over the world which is why translation and knowledge of foreign languages are skills that are in high demand. In the current market, translation is required in many different fields, including media and entertainment, medicine, technology and more. Contracts, research proposals and industry articles from different countries need to be shared worldwide, which is why the demand for translators is projected to increase by 20% between now and 2031, according to the Bureau of Labour statistics.
6. Mobile development
Average salary: $107,000
According to a study published by the national library of medicine, young adults have an average screen time of around 30 hours per week, and that number is likely set to increase. With so many people glued to their phones, tailoring apps and websites to best suit user need becomes one of a company’s top priorities, making mobile developing an increasingly in-demand skill. Mobile developers are tasked with creating code and working with UI/UX teams to ensure the smooth functionality of apps.
7. Ethical Hacking
Average salary: $105,000
Contrary to what you’ve seen in Mr. Robot, not all hacking involves bringing down the government. Ethical hackers don't go after different companies or top-secret organisations. Instead, they are tasked with improving the security of their own companies. With so much data online, companies need to learn how to protect their assets, which is why ethical hackers are in very high demand. They make use of their skills to try and find weaknesses within the companies’ existing systems so they can see how they can improve.
8. Video production
Average salary: $60,000
An increasingly in-demand skill in 2023, video production and video producers are required by companies across many different industries. In an age where consumers demand audio-visual content, video production becomes a very important skill to have. Video producers need to have an idea of all the steps and resources needed to create a video. They need to have their foot in every door, so they know how smoothly the production process is running and can immediately troubleshoot whenever they run into any issues.
9. Audio Production
Average salary: $60,000
Higher demand for video content also creates a higher demand for good audio producers. Choppy sound or a mismatched audio track can immediately turn a viewer away from your content. Knowing how to sync sound and pick the right sound effects that evoke different emotions is a very in-demand skill that helps improves a viewer's impression of a company’s content. Users don’t always notice when an audio track is good, but they always know when it's bad.
10. UI/UX design
Average salary: $75,000
Marketing and product creation has become increasingly user-focused, with the primary aim being to create a clear and smooth flow for customers. UI/UX designers are tasked with ensuring that any product being put out by a company, whether it be an app, website or survey form, are all incredibly user-friendly. If a user finds your product pleasing and easy to navigate they are much more likely to come back, which is why UI/UX designing is an increasingly in-demand skill for employers.
11. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Average salary: $75,000
Oberlo reports that in 2022 Google was processing an average of 99,000 searches every second. With so many potential customers spending so much time on Google, companies need to learn how to make sure their websites are Google approved. That’s where SEO analysts come in. Search Engine Optimization is a very in-demand skill for organizations because they need to ensure that the content they are putting out is being seen by the right people.
12. Blockchain Development
Average salary: $120,000
To help protect a company’s information, data is stored in interlinked databases that are continuously recording and increasing the set of information. All this information is stored in what are known as blocks. Blockchain development is a very in-demand skill by employers because developers help to create systems to collect and preserve blockchain data in a way that hinders alterations or hackers, enabling secure digital transactions. They also develop application features and interfaces and secure blockchain technologies so companies can keep their data safe.
13. Industrial design
Average salary: $60,000
Industrial designing has always been a very in-demand skill because they are responsible for creating, developing and improving the hardware that companies use to run their businesses. Industrial designing involves combining skills from different disciplines including business, engineering and even art to ensure that products manufactured are easy to use, efficient and long-lasting.
14. Trading
Average salary: $90,000
You may have heard the famous saying - “time is money.” Well, the phrase rings truest for traders. Traders are people who buy and sell assets on the stock market on behalf of a company. There are a couple of people who engage in trading themselves but being an incredibly in-demand skill, companies are willing to pay large sums of money to people who can watch the stock market for them.
15. Cinematography
Avergae salary: $60,000
If you’ve ever hated a photo of yourself because it was taken from a bad angle, you know why good cinematography is so important. Audiences are becoming more and more in tune to what presents itself as quality entertainment and what doesn’t. Good cinematography is an in demand skill because a good cinematographer will ensure that a company’s message will be clearly delivered without having to worry about the quality of content.
16. Financial Management
Average salary: $130,000
If you’re finding managing your own finances hard and budgeting as a student in college just isn’t working out for you, you can only imagine how hard companies have it. Organisations need people who can look after all of their finances and make sure budgets for projects are allocated efficiently and fairly, making financial management an incredibly in-demand skill that employers look for in candidates.
17. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Avergae salary: $120,000
Augmented and virtual reality are not just used for video games (even though that is the most fun practical use). The future of virtual reality aims to make many different aspects of our lives easier, by improving the way we communicate with people across borders. Scientists are even working on developing haptic suits that will allow users to not only be visually and audibly immersed in a new environment, but will also be able to touch and feel the things around them. With such high hopes for technological advancements in the field, it's no surprise that augmented reality development is currently one of the most in-demand skills.
18. Copywriting
Average salary: $55,000
The ability to write concise and informative content that conveys a brand’s message and keeps its identity intact is one of the most in-demand skills for companies that put out a large volume of content across different platforms. With the rise of the need for companies to have a social media presence regardless of the industry they are within, copywriting skills are incredibly important for candidates to showcase in their resumes.
19. Digital journalism
Average salary: $60,000
Slightly different from traditional journalism, digital journalism refers to the creation of content that goes up on websites and online distribution platforms as opposed to being published by traditional forms of media like magazines or newspapers. Digital journalism is an increasingly in-demand skill as people are slowly shifting to using online platforms as their primary source of not only entertainment but also news.
20. Computer Animation
Average salary: $60,000
Ice Age, Up, Inside Out, Encanto, Shrek, and all the other films that you grew up with were all possible because of the work of computer animators. Computer animation is presently a highly in-demand skill primarily due to the added distribution channels that have become available due to the rise of on-demand video streaming services. Additionally, with platforms like Youtube that have a very low barrier to entry, creators have the liberty to put out content and create their own audience bases without needing to pitch their ideas to traditional media companies.
That was our list of the top 20 skills in-demand by employers in 2023. Most of these skills are needed across a number of different industries and knowing any of them will likely guarantee you a secure professional career. If you haven’t yet chosen your field of study, explore your options with our blogs on the highest-paying jobs for psychology majors and the highest-paid jobs for engineers.
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