Thursday 29 March 2012

Top Twelve Skills for 2012

Global Knowledge, a worldwide leader in IT and business skills training, with main offices in US, Canada and London, has defined the most relevant and most valued skills that are sought by organizations in the US and global economies.  According to this firm, global economies rely heavily on information technology (IT), thus six of the “Top Twelve Skills for 2012” are related to the IT industry.  

It is interesting to confirm that several of the skills that the working team of the e-Jobs Observatory has defined as key skills to succeed in the European labor market are also defined as such by this global training company.

Download the whole report

1. Network Administration.
The skills needed to understand, build, implement, maintain, support, and continuously improve data and voice networks are in great demand.

2.  IT Security

Cyber security is a vital concern for corporations, government agencies, military, and academic institutions. IT security professionals must develop fundamental skills needed to understand the numerous threats and hacking methods as well as vendor-specific competencies required to protect networks, data, hardware, and software.

3. Cloud Technology/Virtualization

Organizations are moving to cloud computing and virtualization to take advantage of financial and operational benefits of these technologies. In addition to understanding the fundamental concepts of working with cloud computing platforms and virtualization, practitioners must be able to understand and manage the security and compliance implications.

4. Project Management

Most businesses require the skills of project managers to direct the tasks, resources, and people involved in implementing and completing complicated projects.

5. Desktop Support/IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL®)

Computers dominate our personal and office environments, and virtual workstations are becoming more prevalent as improved communication technologies and remote access to corporate resources become more viable and reliable. The skills, knowledge, and abilities to plan, configure, troubleshoot, and repair desktop computers, laptops, peripheral devices, applications software, and network operating systems are essential for organizations and individuals.

6. Programming and Application Development

Business and personal success in the IT industry is often a direct result of the ability to develop innovative and useful applications. Applications can be driven by user needs and new technologies, or IT professionals can create demand by developing novel programs.

7. Leadership

Every organization needs leaders, and leadership qualities are, perhaps, the most important asset that a person can have to excel in business and in life.

8. Business Acumen

Excelling in the world of business requires a “big picture” understanding of the financial, accounting, marketing, and operational functions of an organization and the ability to make intelligent strategic decisions that result in proper and profitable outcomes.

9. Innovation/Creativity

New and improved products, services, processes, and practices are the ingredients for success for many businesses.  Those who can “think outside of the box” and have the abilities to formulate ideas; manage innovation initiatives; and elaborate, refine, analyze, evaluate, and communicate ideas to maximize business results are invaluable to their companies.

10. Financial Awareness

Individuals at almost every professional level need to be financially literate to positively contribute to business success. Financial literacy involves an understanding of financial concepts and terminology, including budgeting, justification of personnel and capital investments, and preparation of business proposals.

11. Selling and Communications Skills


In many companies, the top sales person earns more compensation than the highest-ranking executives. This seemingly incongruent compensation structure indicates the importance of sales and communications skills to business.

12. Technology Application

In a global business environment dominated by technology, it’s important that individuals, regardless of position, understand the application of technology to their specific business function(s) as well as the potential for existing and emerging technologies to contribute to performance improvement

No comments:

Post a Comment