This article was originally published by Jetcake.

Looking to get hired in the new year? Freelance developers are in high demand. Analysts predict that roughly 4.5 million new tech jobs will be created by the end of 2020 to fuel the widespread adoption of the Internet of Things, the rise of AI, and growing cybersecurity concerns in virtually every industry. Developers with certain skills will be well-positioned to take advantage of the many opportunities coming this year.  

There are many soft skills professional developers need to be successful. Along with characteristics like communication, teamwork, and flexibility, job experience in these technical areas is predicted to be highly sought-after in 2020. Here’s where developers need to focus their professional development in the coming year. 

Python

“Python is one of the hottest skills out there, named the most in-demand skill for 2020 across nine of our global markets,” writes one industry analyst. Since 2018, there’s been a 45% increase in developers listing Python as one of their areas of expertise: this coding language is in high demand for its versatility and ease of learning. Because Python can support everything from functional programming to object-oriented programming, it will continue to be one of the most in-demand skills of 2020. 

Java and JavaScript

Research by Indeed found that demand for both Java and JavaScript has risen by 6% and 17%, respectively, since 2014. Similarly, Hackerrank’s research found that JavaScript was 2018’s most well-known language. Developers interested in working on mobile and web applications, games and database software should invest in Java training; those interested in front-end applications and making websites more interactive should spend time focusing on JavaScript. 

Web development

Companies are adopting new web development tools such as Gatsby.js, React Hooks, Next.js, and SwiftUI, according to Udemy. Gaining expertise in the newest, cutting-edge apps and software can give developers a competitive edge in the job market. If you’re already an expert in web development, consider deepening your experience by mastering one of these platforms. 

Amazon Web Services

Amazon is dominating the market in cloud computing with Amazon Web Services. Their comprehensive cloud division covers database storage, analytics, content delivery, and other services that help businesses scale and grow. Demand for experience in AWS has grown 418% since 2014; consider getting a certification in AWS for 2020 to improve your position in the job market. 

Cybersecurity

Recent headlines aside, cybersecurity is a continuous priority for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses are especially vulnerable, with 43% of cyber attacks aimed at small merchants who are ill-equipped to protect their customer data. Cybersecurity offers a lot of job security (pun not intended) as more and more companies collect and store sensitive customer data to fuel their marketing and product innovation. Expertise in data security, InfoSec, network security, penetration testing, and Linux security can earn developers a high salary in a fast-growing field. 

Machine learning

Machine learning encompasses a variety of capabilities related to AI and IoT. Python and Java are part of machine learning expertise, but so is C++, R, probability and statistics, data modeling, distributed computing, automation, deep learning, and more. This field focuses on teaching computers to perform specific tasks without explicit programming. A background in applied math, algorithms, and statistics is also very helpful.

Data science and analysis

“In the last two years alone, 90% of the world’s data has been generated. The digital era has helped businesses across all industries to collect and store data in great volumes and this rapid growth isn’t slowing down,” writes one industry analyst. Experts at The Economist argue that the world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil – it’s data. There’s an overwhelming amount of data available, and demand for developers who can help collect, clean, synthesize, and analyze this data has grown exponentially since 2005.

 

Across the board, career coaching has shown to have remarkable benefits for an individual’s career. The Institute of Coaching reports that over 70% of those who receive coaching see improvements in their work performance, communication skills and relationships.

Executive and senior managers routinely get coaching from consultants hired to help them develop their leadership skills. CEOs including Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Eric Schmidt have all worked with career coaches to hone their communication, develop new concepts and get feedback on their visions.

By working with a coach, developers and programmers can cultivate new skills, receive feedback on their career trajectory and learn how to future-proof their resume. Coaching can take different forms from informal coaching, like a coffee chat with experienced peers, to semi-formal mentoring or joining an organisation/team that provides mentorship. Coaching is critical to freelance developers seeking to stay ahead of the competition. Here’s why every developer needs career coaching along the way.

Develop your soft skills

Tech and coding skills dominate LinkedIn’s 2019 list of skills on employers’ wish lists. Most developers have a relatively easy time finding work. In the job market, 90% of developers have at least part-time work. Very few developers are unemployed and actively seeking a new job. It’s a great position to be in, but it does mean competition for work at top companies will be steep. How can a developer stand out from the crowd?

Soft skills are among the most in-demand qualifications any employee can have, yet many developers and programmers ignore this area of professional development. Linkedin’s list of most-needed skills includes creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability and time management. These are things that can make a freelancer stand out to Silicon Valley CTOs and recruiters who view dozens of coding candidates for one open position.

“In general, people from the technology sector tend to focus on hard skills but are not as focused on the soft skills currently in high demand. Once an employer has figured out they have the hard-techy skills, what will make them stand out beyond that?” says one expert.

Coaching can help developers by simulating real-world projects that hone communication skills, teach candidates to use agile methodologies and prepare them for work in collaborative teams. Companies are seeking to hire and you can command a better position in the job market by becoming a well-rounded candidate with more than one skillset.

Get guidance on your career path

Because there’s always a demand for developers, it’s easy to set your career on autopilot. When one opportunity ends, inevitably a few others pop up. A tech career coach can help freelance developers and tech professionals undergoing a transition choose which opportunities are worthwhile.

“A tech career coach can help you figure out how you can get from working on small projects to large projects. They can assist you in planning which types of companies to work at in order to work on large-scale projects. If you are a freelancer, career coaching can help you design a plan to turn small opportunities into larger ones,” writes one software developer blog.

Get your questions about freelancing or consulting answered by someone with experience in the tech industry. A career coach can connect you with a larger network of professionals to help you proactively approach your career path.

Future-proof your skillset 

The tech industry is constantly evolving, and as AI, VR, and IoT trends grow, developers must add new skills to their arsenal. However, when you’re immersed in work every day, it can be hard to sit back and predict what skills you will need to develop next.

Take the growing demand for JavaScript as an example. In 2018, reports Hackerrank, 73% of developers said they knew JavaScript. This number is a marked increase from 67% in 2017 – and it makes JavaScript 2018’s most well-known language.

However, students graduating from computer science programs aren’t learning JavaScript. Only 42% of student developers are learning JavaScript – it’s simply not taught at most universities. That means most developers are having to teach themselves JavaScript to stay competitive in the current job market.

Coaching can help flag discrepancies like this for developers seeking to future-proof their knowledge and skillsets. “Coaches can use assessments to identify strengths and weaknesses, both in terms of personality and skillsets. They can also help job seekers understand how a skill can be applied in a different way to a new job,” writes TechRepublic. Coaches keep tabs on macro-trends in the tech world to tell you where you’re falling behind. Some tech coaches will also take it a step further and place a developer in a job. These coaches know IT recruiters and can help you study for the technical portion of an interview. Developers can take advantage of coaching to stay competitive in the job market, grow their soft skills and ensure the longevity of their professional status.

This article was originally published at JetCake.