What are the top IT certifications?

When looking at the top IT certifications it’s important to remember that certifications are not only time consuming to obtain, they are also expensive, so before making the commitment to earn one, make sure you are making a sound investment.

The Top 6 IT Certifications for 2018

1. Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Average Salary: $127,507

2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Average Salary: $122,448

3. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Average Salary: $119,085

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Average Salary: $118,179

5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Average Salary: $110,634

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Average Salary: $105,324

The Industry Trends for the Top 6 IT Certifications: It’s All About Security and Risk 

When looking at the top six IT Certifications, it’s not hard to spot a trend: Security and risk management is in high demand, and it’s no wonder why. With headlines detailing the latest breaches of company and personal data, security spending is at the highest level in history. Furthermore, it is fair to say this trend will continue in the years ahead. Thus, IT certifications in information security would be a good investment.

Another trend that can be found on the list is the emphasis placed on management as the PMP certification appears in the top six. While not an IT certification itself, it does hold high value for employers since it speaks to a candidate having knowledge of fundamental project management principles.

How Do I Know if a Certification is Right for Me?

Looking at trends is useful, but one should make sure a certification aligns with their career objectives. For example, a PMP, while a great certification, may not provide immediate benefit for a junior IT professional. However, a more senior IT professional may benefit greatly from a PMP certification as they look to move into a management position.

Something else you must consider is that many of the listed certifications require professionals to have a minimum number of years of work experience. For example, the CISM and CISSP both require candidates to possess at least five years of work experience in the area covered by the certification. This criterion may rule out these certifications for most junior IT professionals.

Moving Forward

When in doubt about what certification may be best for you and your career, it’s best to contact an industry expert, a professional recruiter. A recruiter will be able to advise you on the best certification for your current situation and for your future.

The post Will a Certification Earn You More Money in Your IT Role? appeared first on Open Systems Inc..

Soft Skills for 2018

Recruiters will be looking for candidates who excel in communication and cross-team functionality. While these soft skills aren’t an area where certifications can demonstrate expertise (with the possible exception of the Program Management Professional (PMP) certification), candidates can provide relevant examples of these soft skills when interviewing.

Communication

The skills to interface and interact with others will always be necessary, no matter the industry. Those candidates who can effectively and efficiently communicate ideas and processes will stand out. Not only must a candidate express ideas well, but they must also listen.

Cross-Team Functionality

In today’s tech industry, much work is done across an entire organization. Now more than ever, tech professionals are engaging with divisions outside the IT department. Tech professionals who have some basic familiarity with other business disciplines like HR, marketing, finance, and operations are highly valued.

Technical Skills for 2018

For 2018 and beyond, employers are looking for high tech skills that range from AI, Cloud, and SaaS to unique programming languages. These skills can be demonstrated with certifications but, in many cases, hands-on experience is also required.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is all the rage in 2018. Experience with data analytics, machine learning, coding, mobile app development, and innovation are critical. For example, in Silicon Valley, currently, there is an intense “arms battle” for top “engineering talent with a focus on AI and machine learning.”

Cyber Security

Following another year of high profile breaches, security will stay front and center for 2018. Candidates that are well versed in information security principles and protocols are in high demand. Knowledge of network security, firewalls, and penetration testing are key. In this area, certifications such as the CISSP and CISM are useful. Also, the area of offensive security is becoming a more significant part of the practice. As such, one of the most sought-after certifications is the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). The expected employer search rate for OSCP professionals in 2018 is expected at 34%.

Cloud Computing and SaaS

Cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS) will continue their growth into 2018. Jeremy Williams from Vyudu, of the Forbes Technology Council, states that “virtualization skills in Amazon AWS, Microsoft Hyper-V, and VMware for private cloud hosting will, without a doubt, help you stand out from the crowd. Experience with DevOps, containers, the entire cloud stack, and IPv6 will also benefit your chances for a top job tremendously.”

Programming Knowledge

Popular programming languages are influenced by the latest trending frameworks and platforms. For example, Spark is an open source cluster computing platform that is used by industry leaders such as Netflix and eBay. Languages such as Java, Scala, Python, and R are used on the Spark platform. R is an open source programming language that supports statistical work and is used extensively in the areas of data mining.

Coding and Engineering Experience

Experience with engineering principles and hands-on experience with coding is crucial going into 2018. According to Chalmers Brown, from Due, of the Forbes Technology Council “an engineering mind and coding skills are now essential for the high-tech industry. Everything is about new ways to build and use products and services that are more intuitive.”

Mobile Application Development

The demand for mobile application development in 2018 will continue to rise. Scott Stiner, of UM Technologies, states that “successful developers should be fluent in multiple programming languages including Java, HTML5, Objective-C, C++, C#, Python, and Swift. Also, app developers with UX and UI design skills can offer much more value for project management.”

Moving Forward

As job seekers find themselves preparing for 2018 and possible job searches in the new year, it’s best to consult a professional recruiter. Furthermore, a professional recruiter can use their expertise and connections to help guide a potential candidate and provide advice on how to best present the top skills a candidate possesses.

The post Here Are The Top Skills Companies Are Looking For in 2018 appeared first on Open Systems Inc..