Saffron Wildbore
~ 4min read
~ 4min read
So, you’ve finished university and got your degree and now you’re considering a career in tech? We think that’s a great choice.
The tech industry is booming and there’s no shortage of opportunities, but that also means that competition can be fierce. To stand out, you’ll need to equip yourself with the graduate skills that employers want.
Here are the top 10 in-demand graduate skills that will help you land your first role in tech.
Tech isn’t just about hard skills, soft skills play a crucial role in guaranteeing your career success. Employers want people who excel in areas like communication, team working, collaboration and problem solving.
When looking at job descriptions, ‘problem-solving’ isn’t just about writing efficient code - it also involves critical thinking, approaching challenges creatively and finding innovative solutions under pressure.
It’s also important to be able to break down technical concepts for non-technical colleagues or clients, to bridge the gap between technology and business needs.
These are key graduate employability skills that companies look for. Developing these skills through group projects and hackathons can help you stand out.
Read more on soft skills and how they’re the secret ingredient to career success.
Knowing how to code is a must for many tech roles. JavaScript is good for web development, Python is great for data science and automation and Java is favoured for enterprise applications.
Even if you’re not a developer, basic understanding and implementation of coding is a huge advantage and is more than likely expected.
Businesses are shifting to the cloud faster than ever! According to the 2024 CDW Cloud Computing Research Report, about 45% of companies have already moved at least half of their applications to public cloud platforms. Plus, another 35% plan to do the same within the next three years, meaning that by 2027, most businesses will be running the majority of their apps in the cloud.
If you’re looking to break into tech, cloud computing is a solid career move. Earning certifications like AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals can help your CV stand out. Plus, it can lead to exciting roles like cloud engineer, solutions architect, or DevOps engineer!
Cyber threats are increasing and companies are looking for talent that can keep their data secure. Even if you’re not aiming for a career in cybersecurity, having an understanding of basic security principles is a bonus.
Knowing how to spot phishing attempts, use multi-factor authentication, and follow secure coding practices can help protect both company and customer data. Plus, with data breaches making headlines more than ever, employers value candidates who are aware of security risks and can contribute to a culture of cybersecurity. Whether you’re a developer, cloud engineer, or data analyst, having security awareness can set you apart and make you a more well-rounded tech professional.
Data is the backbone of modern businesses. If you can analyse data, interpret trends and use SQL to query databases, you’ll be a valuable asset to any team.
SQL is widely used across industries, so mastering it can lead to roles in data analysis, business intelligence and even backend development.
Collaboration is key in tech. Knowing how to use Git for version control and GitHub for collaboration will make you a better team player and show that you can work in a professional development environment. Employers appreciate candidates who can manage their codebase effectively, especially in larger teams.
Understanding DevOps principles and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines can give you an edge, especially if you’re interested in software engineering or IT operations. DevOps practices ensure faster and more efficient software delivery, and professionals with these skills are in high demand.
AI is shaping the future of tech. You don’t need to be an expert, but understanding how machine learning works and knowing tools like TensorFlow or scikit-learn can be a big advantage.
If you’re interested in this field, consider working on small projects like sentiment analysis or predictive modeling to showcase your skills to employers.
Even if you’re not a designer, having an eye for good user experience (UX) and understanding UI principles can help, especially if you’re working in web or app development. Learning the basics of tools like Figma or Adobe XD and understanding accessibility best practices can make you more versatile.
Most tech teams use Agile or Scrum to manage projects. Understanding how sprints, stand-ups, and retrospectives work will help you integrate into teams quickly.
These are among the essential graduate skills employers want in new hires. You can earn Scrum certifications like Certified Scrum Master (CSM) to boost your credentials.
Build a portfolio: Having a portfolio with real projects can showcase your skills better than a CV alone. Create a personal website or contribute to open-source projects.
Network actively: Attend tech meetups, conferences, and join LinkedIn groups to connect with industry professionals.
Stay updated: Follow industry news and trends through blogs, podcasts, and newsletters.
Work on personal projects: Build something meaningful, such as a web app, automation script, or AI model, and share it on GitHub.
Don’t give up: It can be disappointing to apply for roles and not be successful. But this is normal! You must keep applying and stay motivated.
With our graduate programme, we get you ready for your first job in tech. We’ll train you up in the technical skills that employers are looking for, and those all important soft skills!
You’ll then get to work on site for one of our clients, with the opportunity to become a full time employee when your placement has ended. Find out what our previous Alumni have had to say about the graduate programme.
Breaking into tech might seem overwhelming, but you don’t need to master everything at once. Start with the fundamentals, build projects to showcase your skills, and keep learning. The tech industry moves fast, and staying adaptable is just as important as technical know-how.
Your dream role in tech is closer than you think! Discover our current openings today.
Saffron Wildbore is a Senior Marketing Executive at mthree. She has worked in marketing, specialising in creating content for over 5 years. Saffron focuses on writing tips for graduates, Alumni interviews and more!
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