In Demand IT Skills You Must Have - 6. AI and machine learning

User Rating: 5 / 5

AI and machine learning

As organizations increasingly use big data to make data-driven decisions, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning skills will continue to be in high demand. AI and machine learning are used to identify patterns and trends that humans can’t see or process using traditional methods.

They can also be used to automate time-consuming and menial tasks, which is crucial as nearly 50% of IT professionals say workloads are inhibitors for both work and training.3 It’s no surprise that AI and machine learning are key investment areas for 2020.

AI is also one of the most important skills for organizations whose business has been slowed due to the pandemic. Nearly every company now has employees working remote. AI and machine learning can be used to improve endpoint security, safeguarding the data and devices connected to the corporate network.

IDC predicts the AI market to experience a 12.3% growth year over year.8 This illustrates slower growth in this market than in recent years but IDC expects AI to recover more quickly than other areas.

“The pandemic has interrupted the momentum of AI services market growth in nearly all regions,” said Jennifer Hamel, research manager, Analytics and Intelligent Automation Services for IDC. “However, enterprise demand for AI capabilities to support business resiliency and augment human productivity will sustain double-digit expansion in 2020 even as other discretionary projects experience delays.”

As the need for AI and machine learning grows, IT decision-makers must find a way to procure training for their staff. According to the 2020 IT Skills and Salary Report, AI and machine learning is the second weakest skill area among those surveyed.3