Pursuing a tech career is an exciting journey into the future in our rapidly evolving digital age. Technology professionals are the driving force behind innovation, shaping our world profoundly. Choosing this path opens doors to a dynamic, ever-changing field that offers endless opportunities for creativity, problem-solving and growth, spanning AI, cybersecurity and data science, beyond just coding.
High demand for tech talent ensures job security and competitive pay. A study by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Gallup revealed that advanced digital skills lead to a 97% higher salary in Singapore compared to peers lacking these skills. Despite this demand, there's a looming shortage – Singapore will need 1.2 million additional digital workers by 2025.
High-paying IT roles, like VP of Technology or IT Manager, often require extensive education and experience, but there are diverse paths to success in IT careers. Professional certificates provide a swift path to acquiring essential skills, demonstrating your competency to employers. Certifications from industry leaders like Google and Microsoft are widely recognised, valued and can be an essential criterion for some employers. A Coursera-THE survey found that 86% of students surveyed in Asia agreed that micro-credentials will help them stand out to employers.
If you're starting out or thinking about changing careers, consider these beginner-friendly certificates to boost your resume:
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Cybersecurity, crucial as businesses move to the cloud, involves assessing threats, designing strategies and implementing technologies to safeguard against attacks.
This 8-course certificate programme prepares you for entry-level roles like cybersecurity analyst and security operations centre (SOC) analyst. You’ll learn how to protect networks, devices, people and data from unauthorized access using (SIEM) tools, gaining hands-on experience with Python, Linux and SQL. Upon completion, you can directly apply for jobs with Google and employers including American Express, Deloitte, Colgate-Palmolive, Mandiant, T-Mobile and Walmart. - Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
Data analysis skills like data visualisation and analysis complement traditional human skills like people management and storytelling. As a data analyst, you can work in almost any imaginable field, providing you with a range of options for specialisation.
This 8-course certificate offers 180 hours of interactive content, created exclusively by experienced Google employees in data analytics. It includes videos, assessments and hands-on labs, introducing you to analysis tools and skills needed for entry-level roles like junior data analyst or database administrator. - Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate
As data-driven decision-making gains prominence, Business Intelligence analysts are in high demand. Microsoft Power BI is the top tool for data analytics and business intelligence, trusted by 97% of Fortune 500 firms for data-driven decisions.
This 8-course series teaches data preparation in Excel, Star schema data modeling, DAX calculations and prepares you to take the industry-recognised PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst certification exam. - Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Since the IT Support Certificate was launched in 2018, 82% of graduates have reported a positive career outcome like a new job, promotion or raise within six months.
This beginner-friendly programme covers fundamental IT disciplines like cybersecurity, computer networks and customer support with hands-on exercises. When you complete this Professional Certificate, you can continue your learning journey, earning credit if you are admitted to University of London’s BSc Computer Science. - Meta Database Engineer Professional Certificate
Database engineers are in high demand across industries and functions, driving the need for professionals skilled in designing and implementing digital databases.
With industry-recognised experts at Meta, this programme teaches key skills in database creation and management, along with SQL, Python and Django for web and app development. Upon completion, you’ll get access to the Meta Career Programmes Job Board and career support resources.
A tech career empowers you to drive progress, make a meaningful societal impact and embark on an exciting and rewarding career path. Earning one of these professional certificates will not only provide a solid foundation in technology but also pave the way for further specialisations.
See also: Becoming an adaptive leader in the age of technology
Raghav Gupta is the managing director for Asia Pacific at Coursera
