While much has been made of the skills gap the UK tech industry currently faces—it’s estimated that the digital skills gap costs the UK economy £63 billion per year—specialising in one particular niche area may not be the best long-term solution, for your career, or the tech sector at large.
That’s according to Eddy Barker, an engineer at U.S. telecommunications company AT&T, who believes that focusing on one particular area in isolation is limiting in terms of developing technical knowledge, and the ability to innovate and solve complex technical problems.
“Having a wide skillset, on the other hand, can give you more career flexibility and job security, especially if technology shifts or new opportunities arise in other areas of the business. If you’re passionate about cybersecurity, having skills in programming, application development, and network can enhance your value to your company,” Barker explains.
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“By diversifying your expertise, you create more opportunities for career advancement and adaptability. AT&T, for instance, encourages employees to explore various roles and projects to broaden their skillsets and enhance their career prospects.”
However, that doesn’t mean tech workers should ignore new tools and technologies, particularly as AI adoption ramps up and more than 75% of companies—tech and non-tech—are seeking to incorporate generative AI, cloud computing and big data into their business models in the next five years.
Instead, Barker says that AI should be incorporated as a way to enhance performance and make workers more efficient.
“For entry-level workers, AI tools can significantly enhance productivity by automating routine tasks and allowing a greater focus on complex problem-solving and creative work,” he offers.
“AI can make programming more efficient, for instance, by reducing the emphasis on technical syntax and increasing focus on outcomes. Technologies like AI-enhanced digital twins can boost productivity and technical depth in ways previously unattainable. As AI continues to evolve, new opportunities will emerge that allow employees to develop new skills and become more efficient in their work.”
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Tech skills and a proficiency in tools that can increase output are only one piece of the puzzle, and Barker also believes that soft skills are key if you want stay relevant in the workplace, something the World Economic Forum has also endorsed in its most recent Future of Jobs report. It stipulated that analytical thinking and creative thinking will remain the most important skills for workers.
“Soft skills have never been more important. Effective communication, collaboration, empathy, and adaptability are becoming table stakes for career success. Soft skills such as creativity, organisation, respect, and a strong work ethic are essential for building strong working relationships, and learning from more experienced colleagues.
“These interpersonal skills, combined with ongoing technical development, will help new employees meet and exceed expectations, leading to career success.”
