Future-Proofing Your Career: Why Tech Skills Matter in Every Industry
Think your career is immune to the digital revolution because you don’t work in Silicon Valley? Stop and think about it. This revolution is already at your doorstep. You’re witnessing these changes in everyday life whether you’re streaming a movie, paying with a phone, or tracking your steps. Technology is quite literally reshaping our lives. Similarly, AI, automation, and new technologies are shifting how businesses are run, including the decisions they make. The good news is that it’s opening new possibilities. And if you’re willing to adapt, this can open the door to growth and leadership.
Tech Skills Are Non-Negotiable
“On a scale of one to 10, I’d say the importance of tech skills on the job is a 10,” said Gary Szenderski, UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) Digital Marketing instructor, author and brand strategist. “Everything is moving very fast, and AI especially has become the catalyst and accelerator that is opening doors everywhere and unfortunately closing some as well. It’s especially critical that students gain a knowledge of how AI can enhance their lives.”
No matter which industry you’re working in or aspire to join, there is a baseline of technical proficiency needed to succeed, and UC Irvine DCE has the resources to set you up to master these requirements, he added.
“At UC Irvine we cover the bandwidth from beginner to expert with industry-centric instructors that understand what works and what doesn’t. Technology’s role and the tech skills required may be different for everybody but there is no ignoring that technology today more than ever influences how we see the world and how we can find our place to thrive in it.”
Here’s a look at some of the most popular DCE certificate programs that can set you up with the tech skills necessary for continued success.
Investing in Your Future
Being tech-savvy is essential for anyone working in marketing-related jobs today, and the Digital Marketing & Communications certificate program provides a solid, comprehensive foundation in the tech tools you need to excel. You will learn how to optimize marketing strategies with AI-driven data mining and advanced analytics through mobile marketing, social media, and search engine optimization.
Expert instructors like Szenderski blend new tools with traditional tactics aimed at opening new markets, improving profitability and more. Plus, you will automatically qualify for industry-recognized dual certification as a Certified Digital Marketing Associate and Associate Professional Certified Marketer.
For anyone working in healthcare and related industries, tech proficiency is increasingly mandatory for advancement. With electronic health records systems, telemedicine, and AI-assisted imaging now ubiquitous, healthcare workers need to get up to speed on these rapidly developing technologies.
The Healthcare and Public Health Analytics certificate program gives you a strong background in the latest digital information and analytics tools that can lower costs and improve the quality of healthcare. The program is intended for those working in health science, community health organizations, medical insurance, pharmaceuticals---any area of healthcare, really.
You will also learn the basics of collecting data from a wide variety of sources and systems like electronic medical records, genomics, clinical trials, and insurance claims. Then the focus shifts to using analytics to determine the most effective outcomes with the trove of data.
Upskilling with Advanced Tech
The Business Analysis certificate program prepares you for the future by combining business functions with the most advanced information technology---a must-have skillset for business professionals, software system architects, product managers, programmer analysts, and more.
The curriculum aligns with the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK) and Project Management Institute (PMI) Guide to Business Analysis, both industry standards for those working in analytics-driven professions.
The Data Analytics for Business certificate program puts you on a fast track to master technical tools that can determine optimal, actionable business solutions. You will learn how to utilize analytic tools and models to accurately forecast trends and use visualization software to determine the most effective strategies.
Professionals from a variety of industries can benefit from DCE’s Machine and Deep Learning certificate program, taught by industry experts who focus on improving insights and competitiveness with AI-powered processes. You will learn to understand algorithms, how they can be applied, along with methodologies and tools to use them effectively. DCE brings leading-edge analytics and tech tools to programs across the board, including Human Resources Management, Project Management, and Facilities Management.
The Curriculum for Now
DCE’s technology-based programs “offer a start-to-finish curriculum,” Szenderski said, that equips you with the tools to thrive in this tech-driven world, now and for the future.
“In terms of skills, each industry has its own set of challenges which require a working knowledge of different processes and technology to be effective. For example, in the Digital Marketing certificate program, I teach about the structure of effective marketing so that students’ technical skills can be used more effectively. Of course, AI facilitates many aspects of the planning process.”
And here's the thing: AI isn't just relevant to a few select courses anymore. “There isn’t a course that can’t use or see the benefit of AI. From my perspective, it’s already being baked into the curriculum.”
Your Next Move
You need tech skills far beyond email and Office 365 nowadays. Virtually every industry has been transformed over the past 15 years or so, evolving exponentially and forcing businesses, government agencies, and organizations large and small to adapt or risk becoming obsolete.
The same goes for employees, especially young and mid-career professionals, who will see unimaginable breakthroughs in the years and decades to come. That makes continuing education an absolute must to stay relevant and future-proof your career. The future of work is here. You can take control of your career trajectory by building the skills that will keep you competitive and relevant for years to come. We bet your future self will thank you.