Digital transformation has touched virtually every industry. No matter their role, most professionals today work with one or more technology tools on an everyday basis. As new technologies—including generative artificial intelligence, machine learning, low-code and no-code applications, robotics and more—continue to infiltrate the workplace, it’s wise for today’s workers to learn how to leverage these tools.
However, navigating in a tech-forward world takes more than just learning your way around software; it takes a blend of hard and soft skills to both make the best use of digital tools and work effectively with colleagues. Below, 20 Forbes Technology Council members share specific tech-related skills and subjects that professionals should consider learning or brushing up on to future-proof their careers.
1. Process Improvement
Unfortunately, we live in an era when people still debate processes and process frameworks. Learn to build appropriate processes, measure value throughout and conduct process improvement changes (which includes measuring the impact of change). Process improvement can make all the difference for a company and increase efficiency by magnitudes. - Arthur Miller
2. Data Literacy
In the digital era, I recommend professionals enhance their data literacy skills. This involves understanding, interpreting and communicating data effectively, which is essential for informed decision making in a data-driven business environment. - Saif Sultan, Volos Portfolio Solutions, Inc.
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3. Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is a must-know in today’s age! Ask yourself: How do I protect my data and the data of those around me? We can’t keep looking in the other direction when it comes to our personal data and how it’s stored. Where is it stored, and who ultimately has access to it? Leveraging 2FA provides basic security for devices and applications. So if you have the option to enable 2FA, do it! - Kevin Huber, IT Outlet
4. AI
Artificial intelligence is the future of almost every single industry—from content generation to operations to analytics. Rather than being concerned about AI taking your job, learn to master AI to increase your efficiency and output, and you’ll become more valuable than ever to your company. - Alan Vey, Aventus
5. Knowledge Sharing
While it’s seemingly obvious, knowledge sharing is one of today’s most important skills. A tech leader must maintain an open line of communication and symbiotic learning with their team to ensure strategic alignment with the company’s mission. Training teammates on the role emerging technology will play in your workplace will drive agility in today’s digital-first world. - Matthew Polega, Mark43
6. Building And Managing Teams
People are the backbone of transformation. Identify the skills, talents and expertise needed to bring your products or services to life. This includes retraining your current staff, hiring new talent or even outsourcing tasks. It’s important to diversify perspectives, leaning on the different industry backgrounds of your staff. Without the right people, your transformation could stall or fail. - Ross Meyercord, Propel Software
7. Machine Learning And Generative AI
Every technology professional must have a fundamental understanding of AI—what it means and how it works—and its two main ramifications: machine learning and generative AI. In the early days of digital transformation, these topics were dedicated to specific business units and innovation labs as companies experimented with new AI use cases. Now, they’re an enterprisewide priority. - Marco Santos, GFT
8. Storytelling
It doesn’t matter how technically savvy you are or how much you know if you can’t get the message across to your audience. Storytelling is a skill as old as humankind. In business, it is crucial to achieve buy-in, especially for large transformation projects. Consider: Who are the characters, what are you trying to share and what does your audience care about? Storytelling equals success. - Jeffrey Wheatman, Black Kite
9. Cybersecurity
Cybercriminals are upping their game. Therefore, cybersecurity knowledge is not just the concern of IT professionals; it’s become a crucial skill set for individuals across all industries. As cyberthreats continue to evolve, professionals must actively seek ways to enhance their cybersecurity awareness and skills to protect their organizations and contribute to a more secure digital environment. - David Bennett, Object First
10. Listening And Empathy
Listening and empathy are core to connecting with other people. Truly understanding the other person, their position and the best approach to collaborating with them will open up tremendous opportunities for both you and the company. Digital transformation is a process of evolving automation to create a positive impact. Learning from and listening to cross-functional partners builds trust. - Jimmie Lee, JLEE
11. Assessing The Quality Of Data
One crucial skill for professionals to acquire or refine amid the wave of digital transformation is the ability to assess quality data, critically analyze its source and reliability, and ensure a high level of trustworthiness. This skill becomes increasingly vital as the volume of information continues to surge, enabling individuals to make informed decisions based on reliable and accurate data. - Simon Bennett, AVEVA
12. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is a foundational skill that can provide a gateway to digital transformation. Critical thinking arouses states of doubt; through doubt, individuals and businesses can change who they are, what they believe and how they act. The possibility of positive change or growth is limited without the ability to work through and resolve states of doubt. - Dr. Vivian Lyon, Plaza Dynamics
13. Written And Verbal Communication
As digital transformation continues to impact businesses across industries, don’t forget the human side of work. Communication skills—written and verbal—are a must for a successful career. Don’t lean too heavily into tech tools. Make sure you continue to build your communication skills to speak up in meetings and compose compelling answers to questions on the fly. Practice! - Ann Westerheim, Ekaru
14. Email Marketing
All professionals should brush up on email marketing. It not only helps with customer acquisition, but also keeps customers engaged in your offerings and product development. Knowing how to create a low-cost marketing strategy is beneficial when cost cutting is necessary. Email marketing also gives you complete control over your messaging, with the ability to track and measure campaign success. - Ryan Barone, RentRedi
15. Prompt Engineering
Prompt engineering is becoming a crucial skill across all functions and departments of digitally transformed organizations. In order to get the most out of corporate investments in GenAI tools such as Copilot, professionals should be proactive in seeking opportunities to upskill themselves and their teams for the age of generative AI assistance. - Husein Sharaf, Cloudforce
16. Adaptability
I’d suggest the one skill needed is probably one of a few skills that’s hardest to “brush up on”: adaptability. Digital transformation is a moving target, not a point in time. People need to be able to adapt quickly to changes in business needs and requirements. To do this, a person needs to be skilled at critical thinking. - Robert Martin, Oil City Iron Works, Inc.
17. Self-Guided Research And Learning
Between AI, synthetic biology and quantum computing, the seismic level of change we’re witnessing right now can’t be understated. It’s important to set aside time to consume high-quality tech podcasts, newsletters and books and to form your own understanding and perspective. The nuance and implications behind some of the questions we’re facing—and will continue to face—are monumental. - Lindsey Witmer Collins, WLCM “Welcome” App Studio
18. Deep Reasoning
Critical thinking skills will still be important, especially as AI eliminates routine tasks from our lives. Deep reasoning about a business problem will be our biggest value. - Sanjay Gidwani, Copado
19. Creative Thinking
In my experience building high-performance teams at both Big Tech companies and Silicon Valley startups, one characteristic that is in short supply is, simply, creativity. The ability to come up with creative solutions to problems, think outside the box and discover new approaches is not only a super-valuable skill, but also one that energizes the whole team. It transcends technology waves. - Pete Bernard, EDGECELSIOR
20. Prioritization
The ultimate skill is prioritization. Every professional often feels as if they’re having the “whole kitchen sink” thrown at them and that they need to keep up with everything to be successful. But we have limited time in our days, so smart prioritization will take you a long way. Choose wisely, gain momentum, iterate your processes and evolve your skills. - WaiJe Coler, InfoTracer
