It’s clear that there’s a growing demand for qualified computer scientists – as well as professionals in related fields – throughout the world. In the U.S. alone, the field is expected to grow by 15% between 2021 and 2031, with approximately 377,500 job openings per year. Europe is no different. For instance, the European artificial intelligence (AI) industry is projected to achieve an average annual growth of 15.87% between 2024 and 2030, creating a multi-billion dollar industry in the process.
With such explosive growth, one would assume that getting a job in the tech field should be straightforward as long as a student has the appropriate skills.
That’s often not the case.
Though companies have a large appetite for talented and tech-literate students, they typically want to see industry certifications to bolster their formal education qualifications. Here, you’ll discover the impact these certifications can have on your career. Plus, you’ll learn which certifications are the most desirable and how OPIT’s degree programs align with those certifications.
How do Industry Certifications Help?
We start with the big question – are computing industry certifications even relevant?
After all, as a student, you’re already working towards a degree that provides proof that you’re capable in various technical fields. But even with that degree, you may find that employers favor those with specific certifications.
Why?
Here are some of the most important reasons.
Showcasing a Willingness to Learn
Obtaining specific certifications outside of your degree shows that you’re willing to continue your education beyond your formal studies. That’s vital. The computer science fields evolve so rapidly that what you learn as part of a degree may be obsolete – or, at best, outdated – within a few years. If you’re not doing everything you can to adapt to these changes, you get left behind. When an employer compares two candidates with the same degree against one another, they’ll invariably go for the one who shows more commitment to keeping their skills sharp.
That’s not all.
Industry certifications also show employers that you can take the theoretical knowledge you develop during a degree into real-life practice. Hence the “industry” part of the phrase. That also leads to the second reason why certifications are so crucial.
Certifications Prepare You for the World of Work
Though a degree program may attempt to emulate real-world environments, it may not fully set you up for the demands industry places on you. You’re working for yourself, rather than a company. Plus, the odds are that your degree may not cover specific applications of your knowledge that would be useful in a real-world setting.
When studying for industry certifications, you engage with courses developed by people who have worked for companies that are like – or adjacent to – the types of companies for which you intend to work. That’s crucial. A certification can prepare you for specific duties or roles you’d be expected to take during your career. The result is that the working world is less of a shock to the system for the student who achieves a certification than it would be for somebody who transitions directly from a degree into industry.
Validation of What You’ve Learned
Validation through industry certifications works on two levels.
For the student, completion of certification serves as proof to themselves that they can put what they’ve learned during their degree course into action. Should you take a certification, you’ll be confronted with real-world scenarios and, often, be tasked with coming up with solutions to problems that real companies faced in the past. When you pass, you’ll know that you have verified proof of your competency within the context of working for a company.
That’s where the second level comes in – validation to a potential employer.
A degree is far from worthless to a potential employer. Most require them for any technical role, meaning you must complete your formal education. However, employers are also aware that many degree programs don’t prepare students for the realities of industry. So, a student who only has a degree on their resume may fall by the wayside compared to one who has an industry certification.
Those who do have certifications, however, have proof of their competency that validates them in the eyes of employers.
The Most Valuable Industry Certifications for Computer Science Students
With the value of industry certifications to supplement your degree established, the next question is obvious:
Which certifications are the most valuable?
You may have dozens to choose from, with the obvious answer being that the certification that’s best for you is the one that most closely aligns with the field you intend to enter. Still, the following are some of the most popular among computing students and recent graduates.
Prince 2 Foundation
Where your degree equips you with computer science fundamentals, the PRINCE2 Foundation course focuses on project management. It can be taken as a three-day course – virtually or in a classroom – that teaches the titular method for overseeing complex projects. Beyond the three-day intensive versions of the course, you can also take an online self-guided version that grants you a 12-month license to the course’s materials.
CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)
Again focusing on project management, the CAPM can be an alternative or a complement to a PRINCE2 certification. The 150-question exam covers predictive planning methodologies, Agile frameworks, and business analysis. Plus, it’s available in several major European languages, as well as Japanese and Arabic.
CompTIA Network+
Network implementation, operations, and security are the focuses of this course, which equips you with networking skills that apply to almost any industry system. Consider this course if you wish to enter a career in network security, IT support, or if you have designs on becoming a data architect.
AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials
Offered via several platforms, including Amazon Web Services and Coursera, the AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials course does exactly what it says:
Teaches you the foundations of the AWS cloud.
You’re paired with an expert instructor, who teaches you about the AWS Well-Architected Framework and the models relevant to the AWS cloud. It’s a good choice not just for computer science students, but those who intend to enter the sales, marketing, or project management spheres.
AWS Certified Developer Associate
Where the above course teaches the fundamentals of the AWS cloud, this one hones in on developing platforms within the AWS framework. It’s recommended that you take the essentials course first, gaining experience with AWS tech in the process, and have knowledge of at least one programming language. The latter can come from your degree.
All of the course resources are free, though you do have to pay a fee of $150 to take the 65-question exam related to the certification.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
Cybersecurity is the focus of the CISSP, with successful students developing proven skills in designing, implementing, and managing high-end cybersecurity programs. You also become an ISC2 member when you receive your CISSP, giving you access to further educational tools and an expansive network you can use to further your career.
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
Like the CISSP, the CISM is for any student who wants to enter the growing field of cybersecurity. It covers many of the same topics, with the program’s website claiming that 42% of its students received a pay increase upon successful completion of the course.
CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)
Though adjacent to the two cybersecurity programs above, the CRISC focuses more on risk management in the context of IT systems. You’ll learn how to enhance – and demonstrate said enhancement of – business resilience, as well as how to incorporate risk management into the Agile methodology.
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
When companies implement cybersecurity programs, they need to test them against the hackers that they’re trying to keep away from their data. Enter ethical hackers – professionals who use the same tricks that malicious hackers use to identify issues in a network. With the CEH, you gain an industry qualification that showcases your hacking credentials as it delivers experience in over 500 unique attack types.
Agile and Scrum Certifications
Both Agile and Scrum are management frameworks that have become extremely popular in the computer science field, making certifications in either extremely valuable. The idea with these certifications is to build your technical expertise into an established methodology. For context to why that’s important, consider this – 71% of American companies now use the Agile methodology due to its high success rate.
Where Do OPIT’s Courses Fit In?
If you’re a current or prospective OPIT student, you need to know one thing:
An OPIT degree isn’t the same as one of these industry certifications.
However, all OPIT degree programs are designed to align with the teachings of these certifications. They’re created by professionals who have industry experience – and can build real-world projects into their courses – to ensure that you leave OPIT with more than theoretical knowledge.
Instead, you’ll have a foundation of practical skills to go along with your technical talents, preparing you to take any of these industry certifications later in your career. For instance, our MSc in Enterprise Cybersecurity degree aligns with the CISM and CISSP certifications, meaning you’ll be well-prepared for the concepts introduced in those courses.
An OPIT degree complements the certifications you may need later in your career. If you’re not already an OPIT student, check out our range of online courses – all of which are EU-accredited and career-aligned – to take your first step toward a career in computer science.
-
From the same author
Read the articleSource:
- The Yuan, Published on October 25th, 2024.
By Zorina Alliata
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA – In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has grown and developed into something much bigger than most people could have ever expected. Jokes about robots living among humans no longer seem so harmless, and the average person began to develop a new awareness of AI and all its uses. Unfortunately, however – as is often a human tendency – people became hyper-fixated on the negative aspects of AI, often forgetting about all the good it can do. One should therefore take a step back and remember that humanity is still only in the very early stages of developing real intelligence outside of the human brain, and so at this point AI is almost like a small child that humans are raising.
AI is still developing, growing, and adapting, and like any new tech it has its drawbacks. At one point, people had fears and doubts about electricity, calculators, and mobile phones – but now these have become ubiquitous aspects of everyday life, and it is not difficult to imagine a future in which this is the case for AI as well.
The development of AI certainly comes with relevant and real concerns that must be addressed – such as its controversial role in education, the potential job losses it might lead to, and its bias and inaccuracies. For every fear, however, there is also a ray of hope, and that is largely thanks to people and their ingenuity.
Looking at education, many educators around the world are worried about recent developments in AI. The frequently discussed ChatGPT – which is now on its fourth version – is a major red flag for many, causing concerns around plagiarism and creating fears that it will lead to the end of writing as people know it. This is one of the main factors that has increased the pessimistic reporting about AI that one so often sees in the media.
However, when one actually considers ChatGPT in its current state, it is safe to say that these fears are probably overblown. Can ChatGPT really replace the human mind, which is capable of so much that AI cannot replicate? As for educators, instead of assuming that all their students will want to cheat, they should instead consider the options for taking advantage of new tech to enhance the learning experience. Most people now know the tell-tale signs for identifying something that ChatGPT has written. Excessive use of numbered lists, repetitive language and poor comparison skills are just three ways to tell if a piece of writing is legitimate or if a bot is behind it. This author personally encourages the use of AI in the classes I teach. This is because it is better for students to understand what AI can do and how to use it as a tool in their learning instead of avoiding and fearing it, or being discouraged from using it no matter the circumstances.
Educators should therefore reframe the idea of ChatGPT in their minds, have open discussions with students about its uses, and help them understand that it is actually just another tool to help them learn more efficiently – and not a replacement for their own thoughts and words. Such frank discussions help students develop their critical thinking skills and start understanding their own influence on ChatGPT and other AI-powered tools.
By developing one’s understanding of AI’s actual capabilities, one can begin to understand its uses in everyday life. Some would have people believe that this means countless jobs will inevitably become obsolete, but that is not entirely true. Even if AI does replace some jobs, it will still need industry experts to guide it, meaning that entirely new jobs are being created at the same time as some older jobs are disappearing.
Adapting to AI is a new challenge for most industries, and it is certainly daunting at times. The reality, however, is that AI is not here to steal people’s jobs. If anything, it will change the nature of some jobs and may even improve them by making human workers more efficient and productive. If AI is to be a truly useful tool, it will still need humans. One should remember that humans working alongside AI and using it as a tool is key, because in most cases AI cannot do the job of a person by itself.
Is AI biased?
Why should one view AI as a tool and not a replacement? The main reason is because AI itself is still learning, and AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT do not understand bias. As a result, whenever ChatGPT is asked a question it will pull information from anywhere, and so it can easily repeat old biases. AI is learning from previous data, much of which is biased or out of date. Data about home ownership and mortgages, e.g., are often biased because non-white people in the United States could not get a mortgage until after the 1960s. The effect on data due to this lending discrimination is only now being fully understood.
AI is certainly biased at times, but that stems from human bias. Again, this just reinforces the need for humans to be in control of AI. AI is like a young child in that it is still absorbing what is happening around it. People must therefore not fear it, but instead guide it in the right direction.
For AI to be used as a tool, it must be treated as such. If one wanted to build a house, one would not expect one’s tools to be able to do the job alone – and AI must be viewed through a similar lens. By acknowledging this aspect of AI and taking control of humans’ role in its development, the world would be better placed to reap the benefits and quash the fears associated with AI. One should therefore not assume that all the doom and gloom one reads about AI is exactly as it seems. Instead, people should try experimenting with it and learning from it, and maybe soon they will realize that it was the best thing that could have happened to humanity.
Read the full article below:
Read the articleSource:
- The European Business Review, Published on October 27th, 2024.
By Lokesh Vij
Lokesh Vij is a Professor of BSc in Modern Computer Science & MSc in Applied Data Science & AI at Open Institute of Technology. With over 20 years of experience in cloud computing infrastructure, cybersecurity and cloud development, Professor Vij is an expert in all things related to data and modern computer science.
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the fields of blockchain and cloud computing are transforming industries, from finance to healthcare, and creating new opportunities for innovation. Integrating these technologies into education is not merely a trend but a necessity to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the future workforce. Though both technologies are independently powerful, their potential for innovation and disruption is amplified when combined. This article explores the pressing questions surrounding the inclusion of blockchain and cloud computing in education, providing a comprehensive overview of their significance, benefits, and challenges.
The Technological Edge and Future Outlook
Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses and individuals’ access and manage data and applications. Benefits like scalability, cost efficiency (including eliminating capital expenditure – CapEx), rapid innovation, and experimentation enable businesses to develop and deploy new applications and services quickly without the constraints of traditional on-premises infrastructure – thanks to managed services where cloud providers manage the operating system, runtime, and middleware, allowing businesses to focus on development and innovation. According to Statista, the cloud computing market is projected to reach a significant size of Euro 250 billion or even higher by 2028 (from Euro 110 billion in 2024), with a substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.78%. The widespread adoption of cloud computing by businesses of all sizes, coupled with the increasing demand for cloud-based services and applications, fuels the need for cloud computing professionals.
Blockchain, a distributed ledger technology, has paved the way by providing a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof way to record transactions (highly resistant to hacking and fraud). In 2021, European blockchain startups raised $1.5 billion in funding, indicating strong interest and growth potential. Reports suggest the European blockchain market could reach $39 billion by 2026, with a significant CAGR of over 47%. This growth is fueled by increasing adoption in sectors like finance, supply chain, and healthcare.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Reports from the World Economic Forum indicate that 85 million jobs may be displaced by a shift in the division of labor between humans and machines by 2025. However, 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms, many of which will require proficiency in cloud computing and blockchain.
Furthermore, the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2027, 10% of the global GDP will be tokenized and stored on the blockchain. This massive shift means a surge in demand for blockchain professionals across various industries. Consider the implications of 10% of the global GDP being on the blockchain: it translates to a massive need for people who can build, secure, and manage these systems. We’re talking about potentially millions of jobs worldwide.
The European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), an EU initiative, aims to deploy cross-border blockchain services across Europe, focusing on areas like digital identity, trusted data sharing, and diploma management. The EU’s MiCA (Crypto-Asset Regulation) regulation, expected to be fully implemented by 2025, will provide a clear legal framework for crypto-assets, fostering innovation and investment in the blockchain space. The projected growth and supportive regulatory environment point to a rising demand for blockchain professionals in Europe. Developing skills related to EBSI and its applications could be highly advantageous, given its potential impact on public sector blockchain adoption. Understanding the MiCA regulation will be crucial for blockchain roles related to crypto-assets and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Furthermore, European businesses are rapidly adopting digital technologies, with cloud computing as a core component of this transformation. GDPR (Data Protection Regulations) and other data protection laws push businesses to adopt secure and compliant cloud solutions. Many European countries invest heavily in cloud infrastructure and promote cloud adoption across various sectors. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be deeply integrated into cloud platforms, enabling smarter automation, advanced analytics, and more efficient operations. This allows developers to focus on building applications without managing servers, leading to faster development cycles and increased scalability. Processing data closer to the source (like on devices or local servers) will become crucial for applications requiring real-time responses, such as IoT and autonomous vehicles.
The projected growth indicates a strong and continuous demand for blockchain and cloud professionals in Europe and worldwide. As we stand at the “crossroads of infinity,” there is a significant skill shortage, which will likely increase with the rapid adoption of these technologies. A 2023 study by SoftwareOne found that 95% of businesses globally face a cloud skills gap. Specific skills in high demand include cloud security, cloud-native development, and expertise in leading cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) highlights a need for improved digital skills in areas like blockchain to support the EU’s digital transformation goals. A 2023 report by CasperLabs found that 90% of businesses in the US, UK, and China adopt blockchain, but knowledge gaps and interoperability challenges persist.
The Role of Educational Institutions
This surge in demand necessitates a corresponding increase in qualified individuals who can design, implement, and manage cloud-based and blockchain solutions. Educational institutions have a critical role to play in bridging this widening skills gap and ensuring a pipeline of talent ready to meet the demands of this burgeoning industry.
To effectively prepare the next generation of cloud computing and blockchain experts, educational institutions need to adopt a multi-pronged approach. This includes enhancing curricula with specialized programs, integrating cloud and blockchain concepts into existing courses, and providing hands-on experience with leading technology platforms.
Furthermore, investing in faculty development to ensure they possess up-to-date knowledge and expertise is crucial. Collaboration with industry partners through internships, co-teach programs, joint research projects, and mentorship programs can provide students with invaluable real-world experience and insights.
Beyond formal education, fostering a culture of lifelong learning is essential. Offering continuing education courses, boot camps, and online resources enables professionals to upskill or reskill and stay abreast of the latest advancements in cloud computing. Actively promoting awareness of career paths and opportunities in this field and facilitating connections with potential employers can empower students to thrive in the dynamic and evolving landscape of cloud computing and blockchain technologies.
By taking these steps, educational institutions can effectively prepare the young generation to fill the skills gap and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing and blockchain.
Read the full article below:
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Related posts
Source:
- The Yuan, Published on October 25th, 2024.
By Zorina Alliata
Artificial intelligence is a classic example of a mismatch between perceptions and reality, as people tend to overlook its positive aspects and fear it far more than what is warranted by its actual capabilities, argues AI strategist and professor Zorina Alliata.
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA – In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has grown and developed into something much bigger than most people could have ever expected. Jokes about robots living among humans no longer seem so harmless, and the average person began to develop a new awareness of AI and all its uses. Unfortunately, however – as is often a human tendency – people became hyper-fixated on the negative aspects of AI, often forgetting about all the good it can do. One should therefore take a step back and remember that humanity is still only in the very early stages of developing real intelligence outside of the human brain, and so at this point AI is almost like a small child that humans are raising.
AI is still developing, growing, and adapting, and like any new tech it has its drawbacks. At one point, people had fears and doubts about electricity, calculators, and mobile phones – but now these have become ubiquitous aspects of everyday life, and it is not difficult to imagine a future in which this is the case for AI as well.
The development of AI certainly comes with relevant and real concerns that must be addressed – such as its controversial role in education, the potential job losses it might lead to, and its bias and inaccuracies. For every fear, however, there is also a ray of hope, and that is largely thanks to people and their ingenuity.
Looking at education, many educators around the world are worried about recent developments in AI. The frequently discussed ChatGPT – which is now on its fourth version – is a major red flag for many, causing concerns around plagiarism and creating fears that it will lead to the end of writing as people know it. This is one of the main factors that has increased the pessimistic reporting about AI that one so often sees in the media.
However, when one actually considers ChatGPT in its current state, it is safe to say that these fears are probably overblown. Can ChatGPT really replace the human mind, which is capable of so much that AI cannot replicate? As for educators, instead of assuming that all their students will want to cheat, they should instead consider the options for taking advantage of new tech to enhance the learning experience. Most people now know the tell-tale signs for identifying something that ChatGPT has written. Excessive use of numbered lists, repetitive language and poor comparison skills are just three ways to tell if a piece of writing is legitimate or if a bot is behind it. This author personally encourages the use of AI in the classes I teach. This is because it is better for students to understand what AI can do and how to use it as a tool in their learning instead of avoiding and fearing it, or being discouraged from using it no matter the circumstances.
Educators should therefore reframe the idea of ChatGPT in their minds, have open discussions with students about its uses, and help them understand that it is actually just another tool to help them learn more efficiently – and not a replacement for their own thoughts and words. Such frank discussions help students develop their critical thinking skills and start understanding their own influence on ChatGPT and other AI-powered tools.
By developing one’s understanding of AI’s actual capabilities, one can begin to understand its uses in everyday life. Some would have people believe that this means countless jobs will inevitably become obsolete, but that is not entirely true. Even if AI does replace some jobs, it will still need industry experts to guide it, meaning that entirely new jobs are being created at the same time as some older jobs are disappearing.
Adapting to AI is a new challenge for most industries, and it is certainly daunting at times. The reality, however, is that AI is not here to steal people’s jobs. If anything, it will change the nature of some jobs and may even improve them by making human workers more efficient and productive. If AI is to be a truly useful tool, it will still need humans. One should remember that humans working alongside AI and using it as a tool is key, because in most cases AI cannot do the job of a person by itself.
Is AI biased?
Why should one view AI as a tool and not a replacement? The main reason is because AI itself is still learning, and AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT do not understand bias. As a result, whenever ChatGPT is asked a question it will pull information from anywhere, and so it can easily repeat old biases. AI is learning from previous data, much of which is biased or out of date. Data about home ownership and mortgages, e.g., are often biased because non-white people in the United States could not get a mortgage until after the 1960s. The effect on data due to this lending discrimination is only now being fully understood.
AI is certainly biased at times, but that stems from human bias. Again, this just reinforces the need for humans to be in control of AI. AI is like a young child in that it is still absorbing what is happening around it. People must therefore not fear it, but instead guide it in the right direction.
For AI to be used as a tool, it must be treated as such. If one wanted to build a house, one would not expect one’s tools to be able to do the job alone – and AI must be viewed through a similar lens. By acknowledging this aspect of AI and taking control of humans’ role in its development, the world would be better placed to reap the benefits and quash the fears associated with AI. One should therefore not assume that all the doom and gloom one reads about AI is exactly as it seems. Instead, people should try experimenting with it and learning from it, and maybe soon they will realize that it was the best thing that could have happened to humanity.
Read the full article below:
Source:
- The European Business Review, Published on October 27th, 2024.
By Lokesh Vij
Lokesh Vij is a Professor of BSc in Modern Computer Science & MSc in Applied Data Science & AI at Open Institute of Technology. With over 20 years of experience in cloud computing infrastructure, cybersecurity and cloud development, Professor Vij is an expert in all things related to data and modern computer science.
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the fields of blockchain and cloud computing are transforming industries, from finance to healthcare, and creating new opportunities for innovation. Integrating these technologies into education is not merely a trend but a necessity to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the future workforce. Though both technologies are independently powerful, their potential for innovation and disruption is amplified when combined. This article explores the pressing questions surrounding the inclusion of blockchain and cloud computing in education, providing a comprehensive overview of their significance, benefits, and challenges.
The Technological Edge and Future Outlook
Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses and individuals’ access and manage data and applications. Benefits like scalability, cost efficiency (including eliminating capital expenditure – CapEx), rapid innovation, and experimentation enable businesses to develop and deploy new applications and services quickly without the constraints of traditional on-premises infrastructure – thanks to managed services where cloud providers manage the operating system, runtime, and middleware, allowing businesses to focus on development and innovation. According to Statista, the cloud computing market is projected to reach a significant size of Euro 250 billion or even higher by 2028 (from Euro 110 billion in 2024), with a substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.78%. The widespread adoption of cloud computing by businesses of all sizes, coupled with the increasing demand for cloud-based services and applications, fuels the need for cloud computing professionals.
Blockchain, a distributed ledger technology, has paved the way by providing a secure, transparent, and tamper-proof way to record transactions (highly resistant to hacking and fraud). In 2021, European blockchain startups raised $1.5 billion in funding, indicating strong interest and growth potential. Reports suggest the European blockchain market could reach $39 billion by 2026, with a significant CAGR of over 47%. This growth is fueled by increasing adoption in sectors like finance, supply chain, and healthcare.
Addressing the Skills Gap
Reports from the World Economic Forum indicate that 85 million jobs may be displaced by a shift in the division of labor between humans and machines by 2025. However, 97 million new roles may emerge that are more adapted to the new division of labor between humans, machines, and algorithms, many of which will require proficiency in cloud computing and blockchain.
Furthermore, the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2027, 10% of the global GDP will be tokenized and stored on the blockchain. This massive shift means a surge in demand for blockchain professionals across various industries. Consider the implications of 10% of the global GDP being on the blockchain: it translates to a massive need for people who can build, secure, and manage these systems. We’re talking about potentially millions of jobs worldwide.
The European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), an EU initiative, aims to deploy cross-border blockchain services across Europe, focusing on areas like digital identity, trusted data sharing, and diploma management. The EU’s MiCA (Crypto-Asset Regulation) regulation, expected to be fully implemented by 2025, will provide a clear legal framework for crypto-assets, fostering innovation and investment in the blockchain space. The projected growth and supportive regulatory environment point to a rising demand for blockchain professionals in Europe. Developing skills related to EBSI and its applications could be highly advantageous, given its potential impact on public sector blockchain adoption. Understanding the MiCA regulation will be crucial for blockchain roles related to crypto-assets and decentralized finance (DeFi).
Furthermore, European businesses are rapidly adopting digital technologies, with cloud computing as a core component of this transformation. GDPR (Data Protection Regulations) and other data protection laws push businesses to adopt secure and compliant cloud solutions. Many European countries invest heavily in cloud infrastructure and promote cloud adoption across various sectors. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be deeply integrated into cloud platforms, enabling smarter automation, advanced analytics, and more efficient operations. This allows developers to focus on building applications without managing servers, leading to faster development cycles and increased scalability. Processing data closer to the source (like on devices or local servers) will become crucial for applications requiring real-time responses, such as IoT and autonomous vehicles.
The projected growth indicates a strong and continuous demand for blockchain and cloud professionals in Europe and worldwide. As we stand at the “crossroads of infinity,” there is a significant skill shortage, which will likely increase with the rapid adoption of these technologies. A 2023 study by SoftwareOne found that 95% of businesses globally face a cloud skills gap. Specific skills in high demand include cloud security, cloud-native development, and expertise in leading cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) highlights a need for improved digital skills in areas like blockchain to support the EU’s digital transformation goals. A 2023 report by CasperLabs found that 90% of businesses in the US, UK, and China adopt blockchain, but knowledge gaps and interoperability challenges persist.
The Role of Educational Institutions
This surge in demand necessitates a corresponding increase in qualified individuals who can design, implement, and manage cloud-based and blockchain solutions. Educational institutions have a critical role to play in bridging this widening skills gap and ensuring a pipeline of talent ready to meet the demands of this burgeoning industry.
To effectively prepare the next generation of cloud computing and blockchain experts, educational institutions need to adopt a multi-pronged approach. This includes enhancing curricula with specialized programs, integrating cloud and blockchain concepts into existing courses, and providing hands-on experience with leading technology platforms.
Furthermore, investing in faculty development to ensure they possess up-to-date knowledge and expertise is crucial. Collaboration with industry partners through internships, co-teach programs, joint research projects, and mentorship programs can provide students with invaluable real-world experience and insights.
Beyond formal education, fostering a culture of lifelong learning is essential. Offering continuing education courses, boot camps, and online resources enables professionals to upskill or reskill and stay abreast of the latest advancements in cloud computing. Actively promoting awareness of career paths and opportunities in this field and facilitating connections with potential employers can empower students to thrive in the dynamic and evolving landscape of cloud computing and blockchain technologies.
By taking these steps, educational institutions can effectively prepare the young generation to fill the skills gap and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of cloud computing and blockchain.
Read the full article below:
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