If you’re here, you probably care about tech—where it’s going, what’s changing, and how to stay ahead of the curve. Maybe you’re trying to break into the industry, or maybe (like me) you’ve been around long enough to see how fast things can shift. Either way, you’re in the right place.

I’ve spent my career bouncing between different roles at some of the biggest tech companies out there. I’ve been deep in the weeds of network engineering, climbed the management ladder, and even dabbled in DevOps before it became a buzzword. One thing I’ve learned? The skills that got me hired 10 years ago wouldn’t land me the same job today.

So let’s talk about it. What skills actually matter in tech right now? And more importantly, what’s going to matter in the next five to ten years?

The Changing Landscape of Tech Jobs

A lot of the roles we used to think of as “safe” are evolving. Back in the day, if you knew your way around a Cisco router and could configure a solid firewall, you were golden. Now? That’s still important—but you better know your way around cloud networking, automation, and security too.

The shift isn’t just about new technologies. It’s about how companies approach hiring. Tech companies don’t just want technicians anymore, they want problem solvers.

Here’s what’s changing:

Why Traditional IT Roles Are Evolving

• The days of “set it and forget it” are over. Companies expect continuous updates, security patches, and real-time monitoring.
• Hardware is becoming secondary to software-defined everything—from networks to infrastructure.
• AI and automation are eliminating repetitive tasks, which means IT pros need to shift their focus to high-value work.

The Rise of AI, Automation, and Cloud Computing

• Cloud adoption is the standard. On-prem data centers are fading fast, and cloud-native skills are in demand.
• AI is not going to take your job yet. But it will change how you work.
• Automation is replacing manual processes. The less you rely on scripts and human intervention, the better.

The Most In-Demand Tech Skills for the Future

Let’s get specific. If you’re wondering where to focus your time and energy, these are the areas that will make you valuable in the coming years.

Cybersecurity: A Growing Priority

Every year, cyber threats get more advanced. Ransomware, phishing, zero-day exploits—you name it, companies are dealing with it. The best way to future-proof your career? Learn security.

• Certifications like CISSP, CEH, or Security+ are worth considering.
• Understand cloud security. AWS and Azure security skills are massively in demand.
• Think beyond firewalls. Threat detection, incident response, and compliance are just as critical.

Cloud and DevOps: The Backbone of Modern IT

AWS, Azure, Google Cloud—pick one. Then learn how infrastructure is deployed and managed in the cloud. Bonus points if you can automate deployments with tools like Terraform or Ansible.

Data Science and AI: Turning Information Into Insights

Data isn’t just for analysts. Even traditional IT roles are seeing a shift toward data-driven decision-making. If you can work with Python, SQL, or even some basic machine learning models, you’re already ahead of the game.

Software Development: Coding in a Low-Code/No-Code World

Even if you’re not a software developer, knowing some Python, PowerShell, or JavaScript can set you apart. And if coding isn’t your thing? Low-code and no-code platforms are making it easier than ever to automate workflows and build apps without deep programming knowledge.

The Business Side of Tech: Why Soft Skills Matter

It’s not just about technical skills anymore. The best engineers I’ve worked with weren’t just good at configuring systems—they could also explain complex concepts to non-technical teams.

Communication and Leadership in IT Roles

• If you can bridge the gap between tech and business, you’re invaluable.
• Writing skills matter—whether it’s documentation, emails, or proposals.
• Learn how to pitch ideas and present solutions. That’s how you get budget approvals and leadership buy-in.

Adaptability and Lifelong Learning

• Tech changes too fast to stop learning. If you’re comfortable with what you know, you’re already falling behind.
• Keep an eye on industry trends and invest time in continuous learning.

How to Stay Ahead in the Tech Industry

You don’t have to chase every new trend, but you do need a strategy for keeping up.

Building a Continuous Learning Mindset

• Follow tech blogs, forums, and trusted industry sites like MIT Technology Review (and hopefully this site too!).
• Experiment with new tools and platforms. Spin up an AWS free-tier account and start messing around.
• Take online courses or get hands-on with projects that challenge you.

Resources and Certifications That Hold Value

• Cloud: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Fundamentals
• Security: CISSP, CEH, Security+
• Networking: CCNA (Yes, still relevant, but pair it with cloud networking knowledge)

Why Networking and Industry Connections Matter

• Stay connected with peers on LinkedIn.
• Join tech communities, Discord groups, or Reddit threads in your niche.
• Mentorship goes both ways. Teach others, and you’ll learn more yourself.

Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More

If you take away one thing from this, let it be this: tech is about evolution, not comfort. The people who succeed in this industry aren’t necessarily the smartest or most experienced but the ones who adapt the fastest.

Ben’s Bookmarks is about staying ahead in the tech world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, I want this to be a place where we cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.

Let me know what you’re learning, what you’re struggling with, and what you want to see next. We’re in this together.