Top Tech Skills Needed in the Workforce (and how MBS can Help!)

According to a report released by the Wall Street Journal, the need for tech skills in all aspects of office work has grown exponentially. Even those who do not work directly in technology need to know the basics—including specific applications. In their 2023 Workplace Learning Trends Report, Udemy reported a 49% growth of technical skills learning on their platform over the last year. The increased need for tech skills is undeniable. 

The Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program prepares our students to enter into the rapidly changing workforce. We equip our students with the skills and knowledge needed to be adaptable employees and lifelong learners. Our courses allow students to strengthen both their technical and transferable (also known as human or soft) skills.  

Here are the top technology skills that the Wall Street Journal reports office workers need today—and MBS courses that can help you acquire them.  

1. Data 

Companies are generating more data, and employees need to make sense of the numbers. The MBS degree offers an entire concentration in Analytics: Discovery Informatics & Data Sciences with different pathways to suit your interests. Here are some related MBS courses.  

• (16:137:550) Fundamentals of Analytics and Discovery Informatics 

• (16:137:551) Advanced Analytics and Practicum 

For those looking to improve your data communication skills (without programming) we recommend: 

• (16:137:538) Database and Data Warehousing 

• (16:137:553) Business Intelligence with Visual Analytics 

2. Presentations 

Employers want presentations that are polished, look professional, and tell a story. Luckily, most MBS courses require an element of presentation ranging from papers to posters and PowerPoints. Presentations are included from the first communications course to the final capstone.  

• (16:137:502) Principles of Communication and Leadership 

• (16:137:600) Science and Technology Management Capstone 

3. Communication Tools 

As employees work remotely, there has been an increased need to master collaborative tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and more. Many MBS courses require remote collaboration, allowing students to explore these tools. 

• Externship Exchange 

4. Managing Projects 

Companies look for employees who can effectively manage projects using organizational and planning programs.  

• (16:137:601) Project Management for the Scientific and Technical Practitioner 

5. Automation 

The ability to automate simple tasks is a must. This can be done with or without programming knowledge.  

6. Programming 

It’s useful for employees to know at least a small amount of coding. This also leads to better collaboration between programmers, data scientists, user-experience designers, and other teams.  

• (16:137:552) Python Methodologies

7. Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Since the introduction of ChatGPT and other tools, AI has become more accessible. According to the Lightcast 2023 Global Talent Playbook, machine learning operation was the fastest growing skill in 2022. 

• (16:137:551) Advanced Analytics and Practicum 

• (16:137:550) Fundamentals of Analytics and Discovery Informatics 

• (16:137:562) Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) from Concept to Market 

Want to cover all your bases? Read more about top tech skills in demand.