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Coursera has just published a comprehensive analysis of tech and data science skills on an industry by industry basis, and it’s very worthwhile reading for any freelancer working in one or more of the industries covered by the report, which I encourage you to read in detail. Here’s why:
Here’s an industry by industry look at specific strengths and gaps in tech and data science skills, and the opportunities thus presented for tech freelancers, based on Coursera’s proficiency scoring:
Automotive
Tech:
Data Science:
Talent Opportunity: Auto must keep up with advancing technology. Microsoft estimates 6m new tech FTEs by 2025 in software development, cloud and data roles, data analysis, machine learning and AI.
Consumer goods
Tech:
Data Science:
Talent Opportunity: McKinsey predicts 17–19m new FTEs in data science, software development, AI, and robotics. Microsoft estimates 4m new technology FTEs in the consumer goods industry by 2025.
Energy and utilities
Tech:
Data Science:
Talent Opportunity: The industry is predicted to have 4m new technology FTEs by 2025, with more than 2m in software development; 1m cloud and data FTEs, and 500k FTEs added in data analysis, machine learning, and AI.
Financial services
Tech:
Data Science:
Talent Opportunity: By 2025, the industry may create 14m new digital FTEs, requiring skills in software development, data analysis, machine learning, AI, cloud computing and data, cybersecurity, and privacy.
Healthcare
Tech:
Data Science:
Talent Opportunity: New tech FTEs are forecast to grow by 5m by 2025, with key demand skills in software development, data analysis, machine learning, and AI, as well as cloud and data roles, and cybersecurity.
Insurance
Tech:
Data Science:
Talent Opportunity: The industry expects 2m new FTEs by 2025 in software development, data analysis, machine learning, AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science.
Manufacturing
Tech:
Data Science:
Talent Opportunity: More than 2 million unfilled roles plague manufacturing firms. The industry may need 20m new technology FTEs by 2025.
Professional services
Tech:
Data Science:
Talent Opportunity: Microsoft’s estimates 12m new tech FTEs in services by 2025, including software development, machine learning, AI, cloud and cybersecurity.
Technology
Tech:
Data Science:
Talent Opportunity: IT is projected to grow by 500k FTEs in the US. Global software and IT services may need 45m FTEs by 2025, with 5m estimated in hardware and networking.
Telecommunications
Tech:
Data Science:
Talent opportunity: Microsoft forecasts 3m new tech FTEs by 2025 in software development, cloud, data, and cybersecurity. As 5G expands, engineers with hybrid technical and business skill are essential.
Watching the industry evolve, like Gretzky
The legendary Canadian hockey player Wayne Gretzky was once described by a sportscaster something like this: ‘He sees the whole game, like he’s watching from the stands, and sees where the play and puck will be 30 seconds from now.’ Coursera’s analysis – combined with other helpful surveys by Contra and Payoneer – gives the rest of us a bit of that kind of competitive insight, what we call “seeing around corners.” Tech freelancers, take note.
Viva la Revolution!
