Want a job in tech? You need these skills, McKinsey study shows

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Python programming is the most sought-after skill for a range of tech initiatives.
• Demand for Amazon Web Services skills far outstrips available supply
• Prompt engineering falls flat as a sought-after skill

In the age of artificial intelligence, certain skills are gold. However, for some emerging technology areas, there's a significant mismatch between available skills and needed skills. For example, while prompt engineers are considered one of the hot skills for the AI era, there are more prompt engineers than demand at this time.

This is one of the takeaways from the McKinsey Global Institute's latest report on several key emerging technologies, which looks at the skills associated with each technology. Interestingly, some traditional technology skills, such as Java and C++, remain essential. The level of available Java skills in the market -- particularly for AI projects -- is almost equal to the demand for such skills.

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There's been speculation that AI and economic trends may be diminishing opportunities for software developers. Still, as this report shows, demand runs hot for specific technology initiatives.

The glut of prompt engineers is an eye-opener. Only 12% of listings for agentic AI ask for prompt engineering skills, and talent supply exceeds demand by almost four times. Likewise, the supply of C++ skills needed by 21% of companies for application-specific semiconductors exceeds demand by a factor of three.

Blockchain, which many saw as a game-changer a few years back, is only in demand among 4% of companies. The skill supply is almost four times the level of demand for such skills.

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The skill that seems to shine across most technology categories, with a healthy ratio of high demand versus low supply, is Python programming. Python is well-regarded for its versatility and simplicity, used for developing everything from web applications to machine-learning algorithms to quantum computers. (Notably, Python also came out on top of ZDNET's programming popularity rankings, compiled by my colleague David Gewirtz.)

For starters, the available pool of Python development skills only fulfills half the demand seen by companies. It's the skill most in demand for agentic AI projects, with 57% of listings asking for this skill.

Python programming skills seem to be the winner across the board. It is also the most-sought-after skill for application-specific semiconductors, seen within 37% of these listings, as well as 25% of cloud and edge projects, and 11% of the listings for advanced connectivity projects.

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The pool of available Python talent for immersive-reality applications (such as virtual reality) is less than one-third of the demand being seen. Python skills are also being sought for quantum computing initiatives, which are starved for skills.

The availability of Amazon Web Services skills is also far outstripped by demand. Looking at basic AI, for example, the ratio of AWS skills supply barely makes a dent in the level of demand. The same is true for cloud and edge projects, in which AWS skills are equally scarce.

When it comes to quantum computing, anyone with such skills can write their own ticket. Here, perhaps not surprisingly, the right skills are virtually non-existent -- demand for quantum skills outstrips supply by a factor of five.

The top skills for each emerging tech area

Here are the top three skills sought for each key technology area, as documented in the McKinsey study. Note that some categories saw declines in postings -- this reflects a retrenchment from a peak hiring period between 2021 and 2022.

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Agentic AI (job postings up 985% between 2023-24):

1. Python
2. Machine learning
3. PyTorch

Artificial intelligence (job postings up 35% between 2023-24):

1. Machine learning
2. Python
3. Amazon Web Services

Application-specific semiconductors (job postings up 22% between 2023-24):

1. Python
2. Computer science
3. Graphics processing unit

Digital trust and cybersecurity (job postings up 7% between 2023-24):

1. Risk management
2. Incident response
3. Artificial intelligence

Cloud and edge computing (job postings up 2% between 2023-24):

1. Amazon Web Services
2. Python
3. DevOps

Immersive-reality technologies (job postings down 11% between 2023-24):

1. Virtual reality
2. Augmented reality
3. Artificial intelligence

Advanced connectivity (job postings down 14% between 2023-24):

1. Internet of Things
2. 5G
3. Python

Quantum computing (job postings down 15% between 2023-24):

1. Quantum computing
2. Artificial intelligence
3. Python

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Of course, this is only the top surface of the multitude of skills and talents needed to drive innovative technologies forward. Each of the above categories has its own unique needs. AI is an underlying force across all categories, and those who can channel its power will gain a competitive edge in their careers, with the right training or certifications. It's a fast-changing world, but the opportunities are wide open.

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