FROM THE DEAN’S DESK
There has been a lot of uncertainty this past year. As we’ve waited for clearer skies, world events have put many of us in a holding pattern. We’ve been consumed and coping with the pandemic while the technology juggernaut marches on.
Beyond the pandemic
We need only look to the explosive growth in the tech sector last year, the best year on the Nasdaq since 2009, to see phenomenal changes in the tech landscape. We saw Apple and Amazon stock gain 75 percent or more. Microsoft jumped 40 percent, and MicroVision a 28-year-old miniature display technology company, gained 702 percent.
I don’t think anyone has to look long into the rear view mirror to see what’s on the horizon. Many disruptive tech skills are already in high demand and increasing job opportunities across industries.
Top disruptive technologies
Consider the comprehensive list of disruptive skills outlined in Skills of Mass Disruption: Pinpointing the 10 Most Disruptive Skills in Tech, a recent report published by Burning Glass Technologies, a job market analytics company.
Topping the list are: AI and machine learning, cloud development, Internet of Things, natural language processing, software development methodologies, and cybersecurity, to name just a few.
Upskilling from adjacent skills
While a few identified technologies are highly specialized, such as quantum computing, many of the newest jobs are available to people who have adjacent skills and are willing to upskill for the new technologies. Employers are interested in people who are willing to keep learning, so they can retrain their current workforce.
That’s what UCSC Silicon Valley is here for: to provide short-term training programs that are tailored to people wanting to develop their abilities for better opportunities.
Are you ready to build on what you already know?
This the future of tech. It does not mean that the existing jobs will go away, but they will become more of legacy play.
Let’s learn from National Hockey League champion Wayne Gretzky and “skate to where the puck will be.”
Join us for virtual topic discussions
We’ve launched a series of informal virtual topic discussions to introduce you to some of the latest trends in tech and business. From critical workplace skills around diversity to entrepreneurialism and A-to-Z marketing strategies—we’ve got you covered.
Join us at our community open house Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2-3 p.m. to learn more. I’d love to talk with you about your plans for the future and introduce you to our directors and staff.
I wish you a very Happy New Year and hope it is filled with discovery, success and lightness.