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ZDNET's key takeaways
Python programming is the most sought-after skill for a range of tech initiatives.
Demand for Amazon Web Services skills far outstrips available supply
Prompt engineering falls flat as a sought-after skill
In the age of artificial intelligence, certain skills are gold. However, for some emerging technology areas, there's a significant mismatch between available skills and needed skills. For example, while prompt engineers are considered one of the hot skills for the AI era, there are more prompt engineers than demand at this time.
This is one of the takeaways from the McKinsey Global Institute's latest report on several key emerging technologies, which looks at the skills associated with each technology. Interestingly, some traditional technology skills, such as Java and C++, remain essential. The level of available Java skills in the market -- particularly for AI projects -- is almost equal to the demand for such skills.
Also: The great AI skills disconnect - and how to fix it
There's been speculation that AI and economic trends may be diminishing opportunities for software developers. Still, as this report shows, demand runs hot for specific technology initiatives.
The glut of prompt engineers is an eye-opener. Only 12% of listings for agentic AI ask for prompt engineering skills, and talent supply exceeds demand by almost four times. Likewise, the supply of C++ skills needed by 21% of companies for application-specific semiconductors exceeds demand by a factor of three.
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