As companies aim to perform essential business functions remotely both during and in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the pace of digital transformation has accelerated across many sectors. While the catalyst for the speed of change has been COVID-19, however, the longer-term benefits of investing in IT infrastructure are also becoming apparent to many business leaders.
With remote working practices – at least on a part-time basis – likely to remain commonplace for some time, current operational necessity will probably give way to a long-term, technology-led cultural shift which will continue to favour working flexibility and support productivity – to the benefit of managers and workers, alike.
Here are some of the most sought-after technology roles in the current employment market.
Software Engineer
Right now, many companies are introducing new and alternative digital products to help fill the gaps created by the impacts of the pandemic. What’s more, while consumers have increased their awareness of the value of digital tools and solutions in recent months, companies also recognise – now more than ever - how intuitive software internally can improve business operations.
As an increasingly critical business function, companies are likely to onboard more software engineers who can leverage their knowledge of computer science, analysis, and programming to create software that meets the needs of business and the expectations of today’s consumers.
Project Manager
As businesses strive to be leaner, more efficient, competitive and remote-work ready, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of continuing to prioritise company digital transformation initiatives. IT project managers will continue to be critical in the coming months to coordinate the skills and work of other IT professionals as companies roll out new software, systems, and security processes, among other essential responsibilities.
IT Sales Representative
With IT products and solutions taking centre stage in the current business environment, companies must ensure their sales teams are equipped with the right technical expertise so they can educate, consult with, and provide high-quality support to existing and prospective customers. With economic challenges afoot, companies are likely to be seeking IT sales representatives who have strong communication skills and the ability to identify clients’ and customers’ needs and offer compelling solutions.
IT Security Consultant
A significant number of companies today - especially those in professional services - are responsible for managing high volumes of sensitive customer and client information. With large numbers of staff members remotely accessing and dealing with information, however, IT security professionals are critical for ensuring that companies maintain safe and secure working practices as we continue into the “new normal”.
According to this recent analysis by the World Economic Forum (WEF), cyber-attacks and data fraud owing to the abrupt adoption of new working patterns are considered the most likely technological risks of COVID-19 for organisations across the globe, cited by almost one-in-four (38%) of top risk professionals.
IT security consultants are invaluable to companies as they seek ongoing advice around making remote work more efficient, convenient, and safer such as developing protocols for allowing staff to use personal devices for work.
Software/Applications Architect
With people working from home in recent months and many businesses having to close the doors to their physical premises, reports have revealed that there has been a surge in the numbers of people buying online. What’s more, another report says Coronavirus has driven a 72% rise in the use of FinTech apps. As consumer priorities and patterns continue to evolve in the wake of the pandemic, many companies are likely to turn to software solutions to promote and sell their products to increasingly digitally-savvy clients and customers.
Talented software/applications architects are essential for designing and maintaining software and systems, whether it’s to help companies adapt to a digital market or simply ensuring their customers are having exceptional digital experiences.
Onboarding the right tech skills has always been important for companies looking to gain the competitive edge in an increasingly digitised business environment. But the Coronavirus pandemic is encouraging many organisations to prioritise and roll out their digital strategies faster. Over the coming months, tech skills will continue to be in demand as they’re deemed critical for helping businesses redefine the way they work while responding to changing markets.
Companies are also increasingly attracted to a flexible staffing approach, consisting of a mix of talented permanent IT professionals and project-based IT specialists. This staffing strategy allows organisations to build an agile team that is responsive to changing conditions without compromising on the required institutional knowledge and business-critical skills that will support the company through COVID-19 and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to hire on-site or remote staff, we got you covered. Our highly skilled, pre-vetted IT and technology professionals are capable of working remotely from anywhere.