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    The top and relevant career skills you must learn in 2019

    Synopsis

    If you want to stay relevant at work in the coming year, make sure you know of and learn at least some of these skills.

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    With more businesses going digital, the first step should be to learn data handling.
    By Devashish Chakravarty

    Workplace scenarios and trends are constantly changing. In such a dynamic environment, naturally one needs to adapt and imbibe newer and more relevant skills. From technology-related to people-oriented skills, here are the top ones you must acquire to up your career game this year.

    1. Learn to handle data
    With more businesses going digital, the first step should be to learn data handling. The base skills to chase are understanding data in your domain, database handling and querying, including SQL, data visualisation and tools to convert data into usable charts and insights. Advanced skills include R programming for data science, Python for coding and Hadoop for big data. A base in maths and statistics is a boost for employment.

    Also read: Where are the jobs in 2019? Find out

    2. Machine learning
    How does a firm use data to profit? Through machine learning (ML) skills, which include data science skills like R/Python, data modelling and validation techniques, expertise in statistics and probability, and implementation of machine learning libraries and algorithms

    3. Tech advisory and analysis
    Organisations need technical support, in the form of system analysts, application analysts and technical advisers, to understand business problems, help design solutions, test applications, solve errors and help people transition to new technology. These roles are part of the IT department and relevant skills include an experience in operating systems, languages and databases like UNIX, Java, Oracle, etc.

    Also read: Will you lose your job? Look for these signs

    4. Full stack in tech
    There is a growing demand for the full-stack development skill set, which is the ability to develop tech both on the front-end/client side and back-end/server side. Front -end skills include profi ciency in html/css/dynamic UI and frameworks like angular.js. Back-end skills include system administration, server-side languages like Node/Python and database skills like SQL. Since you can’t learn all, select a combination like MEAN or LAMP stack.

    5. Customer success
    To achieve upsell and repeat sales, there’s need for customer success managers, who focus on customer usage of product and support for challenges. Employability is high for people with social skills, communication ability and specifi c product knowledge.

    Also read: This is the key to job security

    6. Sales skills
    Often undervalued and misunderstood, good salespeople are always in demand because they possess a multitude of skills that make them invaluable. These include relationship building skills, listening, communication skills, time management, product knowledge and demonstration skills, and negotiations. Sales is a skill set that is transferable and will always keep you employed.


    (The writer is Founder and CEO at Quezx.com and Headhonchos.com)
    (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)

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