The secret weapon to bridge the skills gap

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The secret weapon to bridge the skills gap

Zavvy reports that the skills gap increased by 29% last year. Upskilling helps to address this by aligning the demand for skills with the available qualified workforce.

Recent research indicates that upskilling has had a positive impact on the careers of many professionals. Specifically, 43% have experienced career growth within their organizations, 23% have transitioned to a different industry, and 18% have secured a new job (according to Business Today).

The World Economic Forum predicts that automation may displace 85 million jobs within five years, making upskilling a fundamental approach. To stay ahead in today's job market, professionals must actively update their knowledge and techniques.  

Keep reading to discover a cheat sheet to help you acquire the hard and soft skills required to boost your employability!

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☁️ AWS for the win.

If you're a system administrator, web developer, or data analyst, chances are you're already familiar with AWS. But did you know that upskilling in AWS can open the door to some great career opportunities?

Becoming an AWS Engineer, AWS Solutions Architect, Cloud Architect, or DevOps Engineer are just a few of the incredible career paths you can take with AWS skills under your belt. So if you're passionate about cloud computing, taking your career to new heights with AWS is definitely worth considering.

📈 Data analytics as a driver for career growth.  

Did you know that according to Forbes, up to 95% of businesses surveyed admit they need help managing unstructured data? Think text-heavy information like sales chats and results of surveys. It's a slippery slope because the more data (both structured and unstructured) organizations gather, the more they need experts who can manage, process, and interpret that data.

A recent report by PwC predicts that by the end of 2023, 69% of employers will require candidates to have data science and data analytics skills. Essential skills in this category include:

• Knowledge of at least one analytical programming language like R, MATLAB, and Python.

• Basics of SQL to write basic database queries.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Practical use of popular Business intelligence (BI) software and tools.

🗣️ Why are soft skills the future of work?

In the "Soft skills for business success" report, Deloitte analysts predict that by 2030, nearly two-thirds of all jobs will require soft skills. Why? Well, the automation and digitalization of work processes are transforming the job market. As a result, employees need to develop and refine their soft skills to outshine their competition and add value to their organizations.

A study by McKinsey found that up to 30% of working hours could be automated by 2030. So, job seekers are honing soft skills that machines cannot replicate, like data interpretation and creative problem-solving.

💻 Digital skills take center stage. 

Digital skills are rapidly becoming the most sought-after competencies in today's workforce. These skills enable individuals to leverage technology, create value, and understand the digital landscape. Since these skills are relatively new, people already in the workforce must continuously upskill to stay relevant. 

Data visualization is an example of a fast-growing digital skill that highlights employers' increasing interest in data literacy. According to Harvard Business Review, "data skills are now essential for almost every role in every organization."

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• 🖥️ Join a top web development company as a Senior Lead Frontend Engineer (React/Next.js) and create unique, award-winning websites that outshine competitors. Earn $6,500-$8,500 for your skills and expertise.

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✍️ QUOTE OF THE WEEK

🇺🇸 “Be bold. If you’re bold, you might right royally screw up, but you can also achieve much more, so be bold. (...) Find those small moments of boldness because they are everywhere.” - Martha Lane Fox, British businesswoman, and philanthropist.

🇧🇷 “Seja ousado. Se você for ousado, pode estragar tudo, mas também pode conseguir muito mais, então seja ousado. (...) Encontre aqueles pequenos momentos de ousadia porque eles estão por toda parte.” 

🌎 “Sé audaz. Si eres audaz, es posible que te equivoques, pero también puedes lograr mucho más, así que sé audaz. (...) Encuentra esos pequeños momentos de osadía porque están en todas partes.” 

Being bold in career development means taking risks by learning new skills or upskilling to advance or change your career path. With the rapid pace of technological advancements and changing market demands, it is essential to continuously develop and improve your skill set to remain competitive in the job market. While this may involve uncertainty, it can lead to personal growth and new opportunities. 

However, it's important to note that being bold doesn't necessarily mean being reckless or impulsive. It's important to carefully evaluate risks before taking action.

I hope you enjoyed this week's edition! Have questions or topic suggestions? Let's chat! Remember to check out our Discord channel, where you can join a thriving community of 600+ LATAM professionals who discuss career tips and networking opportunities. We're here to help you soar to the top. 

Stephanie Cerf - Head of Community at TECLA.