8 In-Demand Tech Skills Companies Are Looking For Right Now
It's more than just programming and app development.
Published for Taylor's University, 28 Jul 2021, 11:29 AM
1. Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets knowledge
Regardless of what industry you're in, there's a high chance that knowing how to use Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets will help you do your job better.
From simple SUM formulas to powerful complex VLOOKUP formulas, sheets will help you to organise your data, manage operations, and perform insightful reporting. Plus, this skill is transferrable across industries.
Free Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets resources: HubSpot | Automate.io | Exceljet
2. Software development and translation
Software development includes creating, testing, debugging, and deploying programmes. One of the core foundations of software development is learning coding languages, including commonly used ones like Go, JavaScript, Java, and Python.
Besides that, another in-demand programming skill is translation, converting code from one computer language to another. Being able to process multiple programming languages gives you an added advantage.
Free software development resources: Hackr.io | Codeacademy
3. UI/UX design
UI/UX design is one of the fastest growing professions. User Interface (UI) is all about creating intuitive and aesthetically-pleasing designs, while user experience (UX) focuses on helping users solve problems and have a seamless experience.
Nowadays, every company needs a solid website, which requires a UI/UX designer. Additionally, these skills are also sought after to create e-commerce sites, apps, and devices, ensuring they are beautiful and easy to navigate.
Free UI/UX resources: Coursera | Hack Design | Mockplus
4. Data science
One of the trending topics right now is big data. However, while many companies have a lot of raw data, they need skilled professionals to help them make sense of it, which is where data science comes in.
Data science helps you transform raw data into usable feedback that can help companies create better products and services. Some of the technical skills needed for data science include math, statistics, visualisation, advanced computing, and data engineering.
Free data science resources: KDnuggets | Data School
5. Technopreneurship
Technopreneurship is for people who are tech savvy, but also have an entrepreneurial spirit. Besides having technical skills in development or industry-specific technologies, you'll need to have soft skills like communication and idea pitching.
As a technopreneur, it's also important to develop a basic understanding of finance and marketing, as you'll most likely need to raise capital, do accounting, and sell your product.
Free resources on technopreneurship: MOOC List | Class Central
6. Artificial intelligence (AI)
AI is the ability of a computer to learn how to solve problems, recognise objects, or make decisions over time. AI is already being used across industries, like how music-streaming platform Spotify uses it to predict the songs you'll like.
Many companies are seeking out talents with skills in AI. To be successful, you'll need to be familiar with software design, statistics, coding, engineering, as well as natural language processing (NLP).
Free AI resources: Google AI | Great Learning | MarkTechPost
7. Fashion and textile technology
Nowadays, fashion companies are investing in all kinds of technology, including robots that cut and sew fabric, VR mirrors in dressing rooms, as well as advanced materials to create better clothings.
While traditional fashion designers focus on the aesthetics of clothes and accessories, fashion technology covers a wide usage of technology in apparel production. From choosing the right kind of material, to coming up with efficient ways to produce it, knowledge in fashion technology is a valuable asset to retail companies.
Free fashion and textile technology resources: Techpacker | Current Daily
8. Robotics
The field of robotics is changing rapidly. We now have robots that can cook, industrial robots for manufacturing, and even animal-like robots that are designed to operate in hard to reach areas.
As we come up with more kinds of robots to help us perform repetitive or hazardous tasks, we'll need more robotics engineers, technicians, and operators. If this is an area you want to grow into, some of the essential robotics skills include technical expertise, creativity, and active learning.
Free robotics resources: Future Learn | edX
With new emerging technology, many industries will see a big shift in the next few years. This will also transform the kinds of jobs available and the skills that employers look for.
To help prepare students for the future, Taylor's University has introduced two technology-based programmes – both of which are the first undergraduate degree of its kind in Malaysia
Bachelor in Fashion Design Technology (Honours)
Recognising the impact of technology on the fashion business scene, this unique programme combines standard design and sewing curriculum, injected with technological components.
In partnership with Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW), students will get to enjoy international fashion exposure, as well as the tutelage of reputable Andrew Tan, founder of KLFW. There will also be opportunities to work with renowned brands and fashion mentors.
The Fashion Design Technology programme is also home to Malaysia's first co-working fashion studio, Mayamode. It provides top-level equipment and machinery for Taylor's students, including high end sewing machines, pattern digitiser, pattern plotter, pattern drafting facilities, a material library, and a commercial platform where students can exhibit their final products.
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Robotic Design and Development
Endorsed by industrial experts from the Malaysian Robotic and Automation Society (MyRAS), this multi-disciplinary programme combines mechanical engineering, electrical & electronics, and computer science.
The three-year programme also incorporates work-based learning in the final year, placing students in renowned companies like Western Digital, FourFang, Robopreneur, Omron Electronics, and Me.Reka. This allows students to develop specialist knowledge, theory, and skills with actual workplace experience.
One of the highlights of this degree is that students will be taught by 100% certified professionals with both academic and industrial backgrounds. This means there is a potential opportunity for students to be absorbed as interns or staff in top-tier organisations before or upon graduation. If you want to be part of Malaysia's growing robotics sector, Taylor's University offers a fast-tracked entrance into the industry.
If you’re still unsure of what to study or what career to go into, Taylor’s University wants to help you with the Taylor’s Future Movement programme
From now until 15 August, you'll get to level up your skills and get inspired by fascinating personalities like Datuk Nicol David, Yuna, and Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.
Throughout these eight weeks of activities, there will be workshops, Taylor’s MicroCreds taster classes, and "Ask me anything" sessions. Plus, if you need personalised guidance on what to study, you can have one-on-one sessions with academic counsellors and lecturers. Sign up for Taylor's Future Movement here.
Find out more about Taylor's University and their unique technology-based programmes on their website today
