5 Most In-Demand IT Jobs and What You Need to Get Hired

The IT industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. Those in it, particularly IT professionals who work in executive positions, also have some of the highest earnings globally.

With this in mind, it’s natural for many people to want a job in this sector. But while that may seem daunting given how technical the jobs are, it’s not always as complicated as you think.

The truth is, landing your dream job in the tech world can be quite straightforward, especially if you know where to look and what jobs to apply for.

If you need more information, below is a list of the five most in-demand IT jobs, including the average salary per month, and required educational background and skills:

5 Most In-Demand IT Jobs and What You Need to Get Hired

1. IT Security Specialist

One of the things that turned IT into a booming industry is the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT). But like many things in this world, it sometimes comes with certain risks – cybersecurity risks, that is.

This is where IT security specialists come in.

In this line of work, you’ll be tasked to design, implement, and maintain protective measures that help secure the data and other intellectual properties belonging to the organisation you work for.

An IT security specialist is also responsible for creating contingency plans in case of security breaches in the company’s servers and networks. They also develop strategies to troubleshoot issues as they arise.

 

Average Monthly Salary: From AED 8,000

Also visit: IT Jobs in Dubai & UAE

Skills, Education and Other Job Requirements

Among the basic requirements to become an IT security specialist is a bachelor’s degree or certification in the field. The courses herein usually cover programming, maths, and operating systems.

Because they deal with potential cyber threats, IT security specialists also need to know how to break into the security measures set up in place. That said, undergoing a certified ethical hacker course can serve an added edge over other applicants, if not set as a requirement for the position.

Other essential skills for this position include:

• Attention to detail and assessment skills, particularly in relation to threats and vulnerabilities
• Network security skills
• Penetration testing skills
• Intrusion detection and prevention

2. Artificial Intelligence Engineer

The age of artificial intelligence (AI) has paved the way for more AI-related jobs.

Along with machine learning (ML) technology, AI has empowered people and their businesses to grow in a more automated world. With more companies seeing the benefits of AI, it’s not surprising that the number of artificial intelligence engineers needed has also grown.

As their title indicates, an AI engineer is tasked with building, programming, and training the complex networks of algorithms comprising an AI program. Their ultimate goal is to create a machine that functions as close to the human brain as possible.

Average Monthly Salary: From AED 27,000

 

Skills, Education and Other Job Requirements

Given the extent of the responsibilities attached to the role, you would need combined expertise in various tech fields to succeed as an AI engineer. This includes:

• Programming
• Software development
• Data science
• Data engineering

In terms of education, those with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, IT, statistics, and finance usually have an edge.

Besides preferring candidates with an aptitude or experience in the fields mentioned above, most employers want someone with the following credentials:

• Knowledge in statistics, probability, and linear algebra
• Analytical skills
• Communication skills
• Business acumen
• Critical thinking skills
• Collaboration skills

3. Web Developer

Considered one of the most in-demand IT jobs in the UAE, web developers are responsible for creating, optimising, and managing websites. They use programming languages such as JavaScript, CSS, and HTML to code the design and layout of a website based on specifications set by an organisation.

Depending on their background and training, web developers can also build mobile apps and other computer programs. This means you’ll have plenty of career pathways and opportunities to explore in this line of work, including consultancy and full-time in-house web development.

 

Average Monthly Salary: From AED 6,750

 

Skills, Education and Other Job Requirements

Besides expert skills in coding and computer programming, web developers will have an edge in the talent market if they have knowledge in graphic design. After all, the job usually entails delivering something with optimal user experience (UX) and usability whilst pleasing to the eye.

The ability to create responsive web design is also a critical skill, as well as an aptitude for the following elements:

• User interface (UI)
• Visual design
• Frontend web programming languages, particularly Ajax, JavaScript, and web animation techniques
• Backend web programming languages, including Java, PHP, C++, Ruby
• Design software, like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Sketch
• Search engine optimisation (SEO)
• Web servers and their functionality

 

4. Blockchain Engineer

Besides AI, another big word you’ll usually hear in the IT sector is “cryptocurrency.” This digital payment system has opened numerous doors for businesses and has exponentially changed various industries today, ranging from finance to gaming.

The technology that enabled cryptocurrency is called “blockchain.”

Given the extent of cryptocurrency reach and development, the demand for blockchain engineers continues to rise. These experts design, develop, manage, analyse, implement, and support blockchain networks.

 

Average Monthly Salary: From AED 17,000

 

Skills, Education and Other Job Requirements

Because blockchain is still a developing concept, there’s still no degree focused solely on it. However, those with a bachelor’s diploma in information systems, computer science, or any technical field of engineering have an edge in this line of work.

As for the skills, there are many things needed to become a blockchain engineer, but the following are the most important ones:

• Software development
• Programming languages, including Java, JavaScript, C++, or C# (depending on the project)
• Standard algorithms and data structures
• Cryptography
• Peer-to-peer network management
• Writing multi-headed codes

Experience in the following is also considered a major plus:

• Codebases
• Open-source projects
• Existing blockchain technology (e.g., Ethereum and Bitcoin)

 

5. UX Engineer

Optimal UX – or user experience – is one of the things that make websites, apps, and other programs intuitive. In other words, UX is all about making sure that a tool, system, or program is easy to use, even without the need for a user to read a hefty instruction manual.

To make sure their digital offerings are user-friendly, companies hire UX engineers who will design and build them with UX principles in mind. As such, these professionals mainly deal with the front end of these digital products, such as layouts, buttons, and interface flow.

Average Monthly Salary: From AED 8,300

 

Skills, Education and Other Job Requirements

UX engineers must be proficient in using programming languages, like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, to perform their job well. On top of that, they also need:

• In-depth knowledge about UX principles.
• A good sense of design elements, such as typography and colour theory.
• Proficiency in using design tools like Figma and Sketch.

 

Succeed in the IT Industry

A successful career in the IT industry is within arm’s reach if you can match the skills you need for the jobs that are currently in high demand.

Use this article as a guide and land your dream IT job today.