S3Corp. Tech Blog

Top IT Skills for 2017

Unemployment rates in the IT sector remain low, with some roles like network engineers, security engineers, and software developers showing unemployment rates as low as 1%. These roles have proven vital as organizations expand their technological infrastructure to meet growing demands. Surveys such as those by Robert Half Technology and TEKsystems highlight a positive outlook for IT professionals in 2017. With IT budgets rebounding, businesses are actively looking to fill crucial roles. Below, we delve into the key IT skills that will drive demand this year and why they matter.

Full-Stack Software Developers

In 2017, the value of full-stack software developers cannot be overstated. These professionals go beyond mastering a single programming language or platform. As Gene Richardson, COO of Experts Exchange, emphasizes, they must also navigate tasks traditionally handled by DevOps engineers, quality assurance (QA) testers, database administrators (DBAs), and data analysts. This breadth of knowledge enables full-stack developers to enhance efficiency by shortening development cycles, reducing costs, and improving the team’s overall understanding of business challenges. Companies often seek full-stack developers who can adapt to diverse client needs, demonstrating their versatility across multiple domains.

Project Managers

With growing IT budgets, businesses require skilled project managers to ensure projects stay on track, within scope, and on budget. According to Stephen Zafarino, director of recruiting at Mondo, this role becomes even more critical in specialized fields like healthcare, finance, and IT. Experienced project managers bring structure and clarity to complex initiatives, bridging the gap between technical teams and organizational goals. This ensures resources are allocated efficiently while fostering collaboration among stakeholders. For companies offering IT outsourcing services, project managers are instrumental in maintaining clear communication between international clients and development teams.

Cybersecurity Specialists

Cybersecurity continues to dominate priorities for businesses in 2017, especially as high-profile data breaches capture headlines. As Zafarino notes, the demand for cybersecurity talent far outweighs the supply. Forward-thinking businesses are moving from reactive strategies to proactive measures, investing in securing sensitive information before becoming targets. From encryption protocols to intrusion detection systems, cybersecurity specialists play a pivotal role in fortifying IT infrastructure. This makes them indispensable, especially for firms providing outsourced IT solutions, where ensuring the confidentiality of client data is paramount.

Networking Professionals

Networking professionals are once again in high demand after experiencing a dip in 2016. With the increasing reliance on web-based applications, streaming, and remote collaboration, businesses require skilled network administrators and engineers to ensure seamless connectivity and performance. Competent networking professionals enable companies to grow their digital presence, facilitating operations and enhancing customer experiences. For companies like S3Corp. provide comprehensive IT outsourcing services, robust networking is essential for maintaining seamless communication between offshore teams and global clients.

UI/UX Designers and Developers

User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design have become central to consumer satisfaction. Users demand intuitive, fast, and visually appealing digital products. Whether it’s enterprise software or e-commerce platforms, UI/UX designers ensure that interfaces align with user expectations, promoting engagement and usability. Zafarino highlights that these roles will be in high demand as businesses prioritize customer-centric solutions. Delivering seamless UI/UX solutions is key to enhancing client satisfaction in web and mobile development projects.

QA and Testing Professionals

The role of quality assurance (QA) and testing professionals has grown in significance as applications become increasingly critical to business operations. Even the most polished user interface can falter if the underlying software is flawed. QA testers ensure that applications meet functional, performance, and security standards. According to TEKsystems, the importance of QA has risen as businesses recognize its role in maintaining reliability and efficiency. Outsourcing partners emphasize QA as part of their commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions that align with client expectations.

Cloud Engineers

The continued adoption of cloud technologies has elevated the demand for cloud engineers skilled in designing, integrating, and securing cloud infrastructures. Organizations are increasingly migrating to hybrid and public cloud models, seeking professionals who can manage this transition seamlessly. Zafarino notes a shift toward hiring engineers and developers over architects, reflecting the maturity of cloud strategies. Cloud engineers ensure scalability, security, and performance, making them invaluable in 2017. Integrating cloud expertise into projects adds value by enabling clients to harness the benefits of modern infrastructure.

Big Data Experts

The explosion of data across industries presents both opportunities and challenges. From customer behavior to operational metrics, organizations generate immense amounts of information that require analysis. Big data professionals help businesses capture, process, and interpret data to make informed decisions. Gene Richardson points out that industries ranging from marketing to finance are actively hiring data analysts to derive actionable insights.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer futuristic concepts; they are transforming industries today. Instead of relying on traditional programming, businesses are leveraging algorithms to make real-time, data-driven decisions. Richardson highlights the growing need for technologists skilled in building AI solutions and creating algorithms. From predictive analytics to process automation, these advancements redefine how companies operate.

DevOps Professionals

The integration of development and operations, or DevOps, continues to shape IT hiring trends in 2017. DevOps professionals bridge technical teams with business stakeholders, ensuring alignment between IT projects and strategic objectives. This role encompasses systems administration, business analysis, and software engineering, making it indispensable in optimizing workflows. Zafarino notes the importance of DevOps in integrating technology into business initiatives.

Read more: Understanding DevSecOps: A Framework for Automating Security Testing

Conclusion

As businesses adapt to technological advancements, the demand for skilled IT professionals remains strong in 2017. From full-stack developers to AI specialists, these roles address critical needs across industries. Companies like S3Corp., which offer web app development and mobile development outsourcing services, play a pivotal role in meeting these demands by leveraging expertise across these key areas. Whether it’s cybersecurity, cloud solutions, or big data analytics, the future of IT lies in embracing specialization and innovation to drive success.