The top 10 in-demand tech jobs in 2024

5 min | Dave Brown | Article | Industry insights Market trends

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Looking for change? Discover the Top 10 Tech Careers for 2024 based on data-driven research

In 2023, many employers in Canada realized that AI was the next big challenge to tackle. Even so, they still needed experts who could help them transition to the digital world. Tech professionals who wanted to stand out had to improve their AI abilities and learn how to use it in their everyday work.

If you want to explore new opportunities in tech, check out our list of the most in-demand IT jobs below and find your ideal position here.

The 10 Most Wanted Tech Careers in 2024 

10. Software Tester

The role of a Software Tester:  

The role of a software tester is to ensure that software products meet the quality standards and the user requirements. 

The skills of a Software Tester:  

  • Analyzing the software specifications and designing test cases 
  • Executing the test cases and reporting the defects 
  • Verifying the fixes and conducting regression testing

 

9. DevOps Engineer

The Roles of a DevOps engineer

These are people who work between Development and Operations and are responsible for supporting the software applications, from development to deployment.  

The skills of a Project Manager:  

  • Since you’ll be working with different parts of the organization, you’ll need to be a strong collaborator and communicator.  

  • Experience with software development and knowledge of cloud computing technologies are also required. 

 

8. Solution Architect 

The role of a Solution Architect:

A Solution Architect is a new and in-demand role that involves creating and implementing solutions that match the business goals. They work with stakeholders to understand their requirements and design suitable solutions. 

The skills of a Solution Architect:

  • Robust analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Background in software design and development.

 

7. Cloud Engineer 

The role of a Cloud Engineer:

Cloud computing is essential for digital transformation, and that’s why organizations of all sizes need Cloud Engineers. These professionals are responsible for keeping the cloud infrastructure that powers the business applications and services running smoothly. 

The skills of a Cloud Engineer:

  • Programming languages: Python, Java, JavaScript, Node.js, Go, etc. 
  • Cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, etc. 
  • Cloud services: computing, storage, database, networking, etc. 
  • Infrastructure as Code: Terraform, AWS CloudFormation, Azure Resource Manager, etc. 

 

6. Java Developer 

The role of the Java Developer: 

A Java deployer is a professional who is responsible for deploying and managing Java-based applications and software on various platforms and environments. 

The skills of the Java Developer:   

  • Technical skills: proficiency in Java, Java EE, Java Servlets, JSP, JDBC, etc.
  • Deployment tools: familiarity with tools and frameworks for deploying and managing Java applications and software, such as Maven, Gradle, Ant, Jenkins, etc.
  • Platform skills: knowledge of various platforms and environments for running Java applications and software, such as Windows, Linux, AWS, Azure, Android, etc.


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5. Cyber Security Engineer

The role of the Cyber Security Engineer:

A cyber security engineer is a professional who protects the organization’s data, systems, and networks from cyber threats and attacks. 

The skills of the Cyber Security Engineer:

  • Technical skills: proficiency in security tools and techniques, such as encryption, firewalls, antivirus, malware analysis, etc. 
  • Programming skills: knowledge of programming languages, such as Python, Java, C++, etc., and scripting languages, such as PowerShell, Bash, etc. 
  • Analytical skills: ability to identify and assess the risks and vulnerabilities of the systems and networks, and to provide solutions and recommendations. 

 

4. Data Analytics (Data Engineer/ Data Analyst/ BI Analyst/ Systems Analyst)

The role of the Data Analyst:

A data analyst is a professional who collects, organizes, analyzes, and interprets data to produce business insights. A data analyst performs various tasks, such as: Finding patterns and trends in data, writing reports and presenting findings, collaborating with stakeholders and making recommendations, creating and maintaining databases and data systems.  

The skills of the Data Analyst:   

  • Technical skills: proficiency in data analysis tools and methods, such as Excel, SQL, Python, R, Tableau, etc.
  • Analytical skills: ability to understand and solve complex problems using data.
  • Business skills: understanding of the business goals, challenges, and opportunities, and how to align the data analysis with them.

 

3. IT Support Technician (Help Desk/Desktop Support)

The role of the IT Support Technician:

An IT support technician is a professional who provides technical assistance and troubleshooting for computer systems, software, and hardware. An IT support technician performs various tasks, such as: Responding to user inquiries and providing technical support for computer systems, software applications, and hardware devices. And diagnosing and resolving technical issues such as network connectivity, system failures, and software errors.

The skills of the IT Support Technician:

  • Technical skills: proficiency in IT tools and methods, such as operating systems, networking, security, troubleshooting, etc.
  • Communication skills: ability to convey information and instructions clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Customer service skills: ability to listen to and empathize with the users, and to provide friendly and professional support.

 

2. IT Project Manager

The role of the Project Manager:

An IT project manager is a professional who leads and coordinates IT projects, such as software development, system integration, network installation, etc. An IT project manager performs various tasks, such as: Defining the scope, objectives, deliverables, and milestones of the project, creating and managing the project plan, budget, and schedule and assigning and supervising the project team and the resources.

The skills of the Project Manager:

  • Project management skills: proficiency in project management methodologies, tools, and best practices, such as Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, PMBOK, etc.
  • Technical skills: knowledge of IT systems, software, hardware, and networks, and their development, implementation, and maintenance processes.
  • Leadership skills: ability to motivate and inspire the project team and the stakeholders, and to manage the expectations and the conflicts.

 

1. Software Engineer

The role of the Engineer:

This role has climbed the list since our last edition, reflecting today’s market. Software Engineers shoulder the responsibility of crafting software applications, necessitating collaboration with various sectors within the organization. 

The skills of the Engineer:

  • The requisite skills can differ based on whether the engineer specializes in front-end, back-end, or end-to-end development.  
  • Irrespective of the specific role, proficiency in programming languages is indispensable.

 


About this author

Travis O'Rourke
President of Hays Canada & CCO, Hays Americas

Travis is a Marketing graduate from Fanshawe College and was the 2023 recipient of their Distinguished Alumni Award. He joined Hays after holding various leadership roles elsewhere in the Canadian staffing industry. Travis setup and established Hays' outsourced talent solutions business and played an integral role in building Hays’ temporary and contract divisions throughout Canada. Initially joining Hays with a deep background in Technology, he holds extensive cross functional knowledge to provide clients with talent solutions in Financial Services, Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Retail, and the Public Sector.

Connect with Travis on LinkedIn

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