Top 5 skills to get in 2022
When we start out it's often confusing, we don't know where to go. Your career is going to be a long journey and you can go on different paths, but just look at the major trends and where technology is going. Ride the trends and then decide where you want to lead yourself. Look at what's interesting to you and what you think is going to give you the most return on your time, because we all have limited time. We all have limited resources. In this article, I'm going to summarize the top 5 skills that I think you should look at to get in 2022.
You can't change what happened yesterday. You can only change what happens today and what happens in the future. No one expects you to try and learn all of the stuff in a snap. It takes time to learn technologies. Spent some time every day learning something new, you'll be amazed how quickly you pick up information, how quickly your skills develop, and swiftly you can change where you're at the moment. If you're not happy with your current skills or your job if possible spend time every day learning something new. Decide where you want to lead and ten spend time every day reaching those goals.
So the first skill that you should need to learn in 2022 if you haven’t started yet is…
1. Programming — Python
It's a very easy language to pick up, If you're in cybersecurity a lot of scripts and a lot of code are available on Github that you can leverage if you code in python. If you learn a programming language it changes your standards in the industry. Rather than just being a user of an application, you can create your own fortune if you like. You can create your own code that does what you wanted to do. As a beginner, you can grab a code from one developer on Github and some code off from another developer then you can combine them together to experiment with your ideas. So coding can really help you, I'm not suggesting that you have to become a developer if you want to get into cybersecurity or Network Engineering, but you would be having an advantage over others.
There are other languages that are really good and gaining traction in the industry today like GO and Rust, but if you're not sure where to start, I would suggest you start with Python. Later on, you can switch to any language once you have command of Python but the lesson here is to start learning a programming language.
2. Linux
Linux is ubiquitous. If you intend to work in any sort of technical capacity you’re going to run into it. You need to learn Linux. Doesn’t matter if you want to get into cybersecurity, cloud, network engineering, or data science. While it's possible to learn to develop and write code for work or personal use on Windows or Mac with relative ease, there are a lot of advantages that you will gain by learning Linux well. The biggest reason is that it is a FREE OS that has a lot of features.
On AWS, the biggest cloud provider. Therefore, if you plan to enter the workforce, it is very likely that you will be ssh into a Linux server to do something. Free and Open Source (FOSS) software alternatives exist for most of the popular software that you use. Generally, they may be lacking features compared to commercial alternatives, but for the majority of use cases, these are not an issue or available through extensions or configuration. If you have experience in setting stuff up and configuring this software, you will be able to have the same functionality except for free.
It’s worth learning Linux because it’s powering all the tech infrastructure of the world. Accessing the lower-level command line gives you a lot more power over these systems. There’s a steep learning curve but it pays huge dividends. Everyone who is making six figures in software or data is using the Linux command line regularly. It enables every bit of technology and software on the web you use regularly to exist and function well.
3. Networking
Now, the world runs on networking. You need to have an understanding of networking. Doesn’t matter which path you wanna go. You just need to have an understanding or an appreciation of networking. But if you don’t understand what an IP address? what is a port number? what is routing or switching? it’s going to put you at a serious disadvantage. So get Network+ or CCNA at least gives yourself a good foundation in networking.
Research the branches that are out there, find out what it is that your personal passion is closest to in the field, and keep reading up on that. Once you’ve found the one(s) for you, schedule a class or buy a book to study for a relevant cert. Lookup jobs in that field, see what you’d like to apply for when ready.
Also, if you think it’s too late to get into networking (due to age or how much time you’ve put into education already), ask yourself what you’re willing to put in the time to learn. If you have the passion, it really doesn’t matter how far along you are, ’cause who’s gonna stop you? If/when you do take the first jump and schedule your first networking class, please be excellent at what you do. If you know the material and understand the technology, you will do well: in class, on tests, and in the field.
If you’re still not sure, YouTube/Google different networking topics to get seeing the terminology and some different network configurations. No physical equipment is required to learn networking. You won’t be able to economically build a learning network that would translate well to networks in the field. Instead, virtualizing your networks will be your best bet by far: GNS3 and Packet Tracer are the two program choices you’ll hear of most. Many start with Packet Tracer, and that’s what Cisco’s NetAcad uses for its labs and it would pique your interest.
4. Cloud — AWS (Amazon Web Services)
The demand curve for Cloud Computing services continues to flourish and is a critical element in business. In terms of total Cloud Computing service and infrastructure market share, Amazon Web Services (AWS) currently leads and continues to grow. If you want to learn AWS, there is no better time to do so than right now.
There are plenty of opportunities for employment or to start your own business if you have AWS certification. After AWS certification, you can get an amazon certified logo and use it to flaunt and brand your AWS skill set, and you can become a part of the AWS community. Amazon has grown big in the IT market, with it expanding its cloud services. More and more companies are moving to the cloud and amazon provides highly secure and flexible cloud services. The need for many skilled people has increased and will keep on increasing. Having a certification will help you stand out of the crowd and you are sure to get huge benefits out of it.
New skills need to be developed in order to improve yourself and stay in the loop with the latest technological advancements. AWS certification helps you gain this expertise. With most of the AWS certifications based on real-time scenarios, you need practice and knowledge to clear the exam. Passing the exam and having a certification certainly shows your expertise in the subject and helps you get higher-level certifications.
5. Blockchain
Blockchain. Decentralization. Peer to peer technologies. Web3. All of these are going to be a vital part of the next evolution of the shitshow we call the Internet. The surveillance economy is about to face a legal and trend decline and blockchains can serve as a very handy replacement both for the authentication component and commerce.
Educate yourself and have an understanding of how blockchains can help companies. How can we use a distributed blockchain to make sure that people and companies are accountable? How do we keep a record of what’s been happening? You don’t have to give up your current career path to explore the possibilities of blockchain technology. In fact, applying your existing skillset with a specialist blockchain, the lens is what could see you advance into a higher-paying role.
Some examples of careers in blockchain include blockchain developers, designers, engineers, legal consultants, and project managers. Blockchain has continued to gain popularity and has become increasingly useful in a lot of domains. After bitcoin, there have been many kinds of cryptocurrencies operating on a blockchain network. Along with having applications in cryptocurrency, blockchain is also proving to be useful in areas such as governance, cybersecurity, industrial processes, financial sector, entertainment, etc.
It takes time to learn this stuff, but try and learn something new every day. Try and increase your knowledge every day. Rather than spending an extra hour scrolling social networking sites, why not take that hour and spend some time learning something. Go and watch YouTube videos that educate you, rather than just entertain you. Watch training material available from many companies.. There’s so much free content out there. Happy learning and I wanna wish you all the very best in 2022 :)
