It’s no secret that AI is transforming the world.
From changing the way we write, code, and create, it’s become embedded in our lives, and companies need experts in using this technology to get ahead of the curve.
AI is one of the key technologies that’s shaping the future technology landscape – in this edition of the newsletter we explore what skills are in demand (including AI) and the skills you need to boost your career.
Emerging Tech: Unleashing the Power of AI and Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is no longer science fiction; it’s the driving force behind innovations like self-driving cars, personalised recommendations, and virtual assistants. Machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision are its building blocks.
From healthcare to finance to e-commerce, AI specialists are seriously in demand. They analyse data, build predictive models, and create chatbots that converse seamlessly with users. The surge in demand is huge and includes roles such as Data Scientists, AI Engineers, and Chatbot Developers.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is crucial for every business, protecting digital assets from sensitive customer data to critical infrastructure. It’s not just about firewalls; it’s also about anticipating and preventing threats.
In a world where data breaches make headlines, Security Analysts, Ethical Hackers, and Penetration Testers play a pivotal role.
Impact on Job Opportunities: Where the Action Is
Growth Trends: Fueling the Hunger
It’s clear these IT skills are in demand – the numbers talk for themselves:
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The global cybersecurity workforce has surged to 5.5 million professionals, an impressive 8.7% increase from 2022, resulting in 440,000 new jobs [1].
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But this need for talent isn’t uniform. This area doesn’t operate in the same way as traditional industries, so adaptability is key.
So, why is there such a struggle to find qualified people? One key reason is that technologies change quicker than textbooks can print. This only widens the gap between supply and demand, with companies desperate to find those elusive individuals who can code, communicate, and innovate [1].
Salary Insights: Show Me the Money
It’s clear AI Specialists and Cybersecurity Professionals are in demand – and their salary levels reflect this. Their average annual salaries reach close to six figures, with penetration testing ranging from £40,000 – £80,000 depending on seniority (higher for London) and security architecture ranging from £75,000 – £95,000 (again higher for London).
These roles can command even higher salary levels as you become more experienced. A security architecture leader takes home £173,000 after two decades of expertise, while a seasoned penetration testing leader enjoys a rewarding £102,000 [3].
Certs and Training: Sharpening Your Edge
So, how can you increase your chances of getting hired in these fields?
One thing to consider is certifications. For cyber security professionals being a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) gives you credibility in your field. Or you can dive into the world of AI with the AWS Certified Machine Learning credential.
Certifications are just one way to learn. There are plenty of online courses, bootcamps, and university programs that offer immersive learning experiences.
Industry-Specific Insights: Where Tech Meets Reality
Healthcare: Healing with AI
The Healthcare industry is seeing significant changes with the adoption of AI applications in areas such as:
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Medical Diagnosis: AI aids doctors in spotting diseases early.
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Drug Discovery: Algorithms sift through data to find life-saving compounds.
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Patient Care: Personalised treatment plans based on individual needs.
There is also a big challenge for their cybersecurity. Protecting sensitive patient data is a 24/7 job – with increasing threats and high stakes, they need cybersecurity specialists to protect both their systems and data.
Finance: Algorithms and Risk
Finance is another industry seeing a change due to AI, including:
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Algorithmic Trading: AI predicts market moves faster than caffeine kicks in.
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Fraud Detection: Spotting anomalies in transactions.
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Risk Assessment: Evaluating investment risks with machine precision.
E-commerce and Retail: The Personalisation Game
Possibly the biggest change to e-commerce and retail in the last decade is due to AI-powered experiences.
We’ve all experienced Amazon scarily knowing exactly what we want. And it’s all down to AI personalisation! But using AI in this way does open up to bigger cybersecurity risks.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
It may be you’re already working within the world of AI and Cybersecurity. Or perhaps you see this as a career step for you outside of your current IT role.
This is the time to explore your career opportunities further as the demand for these technologies rises. Start exploring the learning opportunities, networking with other AI or Cybersecurity professionals, and attending conferences/events to start your progression.
To explore the opportunities we currently have, check out our website for our latest jobs. Or you can get in contact with us directly to speak to one of our consultants:
Phone: 01489 850202
Email: info@mexasolutions.com
