Do you want a job in technology? You need these skills, watch McKinsey Study

ZDNET's main dishes

• Python programming is the most sought -after competence for a range of technological initiatives.
• Amazon's demand for web services skills far exceeds the available supply
• Fast engineering falls flat as a sought -after skill

---

In the era of artificial intelligence, some skills are gold. However, for certain emerging technological fields, there is a significant discrepancy between the available skills and the necessary skills. For example, although fast engineers are considered one of the hot skills in the AI era, there are more fast engineers than demand at the moment.

This is one of the dishes to remember from the latest McKinsey World Institute report On several emerging key technologies, which examines the skills associated with each technology. Interestingly, some traditional technological skills, such as Java and C ++, remain essential. The level of Java skills available on the market – especially for AI projects – is almost equal to the demand of such skills.

Also: Large AI skills were disconnected – and how to fix it

There has been speculation that AI and economic trends can be Reduce opportunities for software developers. However, as this report shows, demand is hot for specific technological initiatives.

The overabundance of rapid engineers is a revelation. Only 12% of lists for AI of agentics requires rapid engineering skillsAnd the supply of talents exceeds the demand of almost four times. Likewise, the C ++ skills offer required by 21% of companies for semiconductors specific to the application exceeds the demand for a factor of three.

Blockchain, which many saw a game change a few years ago, only requires 4% of companies. The skills supply is almost four times the level of demand for such skills.

Also: 5 ways to fill the widening of AI skills in your business

The competence that seems to be shining in most categories of technologies, with a healthy ratio of high demand compared to the low offer, is Python programming. Python is well considered for its versatility and simplicity, used to develop everything, from web applications to automatic learning algorithms to quantum computers. (In particular, Python also came out in addition to ZDNET Programming popularity classificationCompiled by my colleague David Gewirtz.)

To start, the available pool of Python development skills only meets the demand observed by companies. It is the skill most in demand for agent AI projects, with 57% of the announcements requiring this competence.

Python programming skills seem to be the winner at all levels. It is also the most sought-after competence for specific semiconductors, seen in 37% of these announcements, as well as 25% of Cloud and EDGE projects, and 11% of announcements for advanced connectivity projects.

Also: Open source skills can save your career when AI is hitting

The Python talent basin available for immersive reality applications (such as virtual reality) is less than a third of the observed demand. Python skills are also sought for quantum IT initiatives, which are hungry for skills.

The availability of skills of Amazon Web Services is also widely exceeded by demand. Looking at the basic AI, for example, the AWS skills supply report barely has a breach in the level of demand. The same goes for Cloud and Edge projects, in which AWS skills are just as rare.

Regarding quantum IT, anyone with such skills can write their own ticket. Here, perhaps without surprise, the right skills are practically nonexistent – the demand for quantum skills exceeds the supply of a factor of five.

The best skills for each emerging technological zone

Here are the three main skills sought for each key technological field, as documented in the McKinsey study. Note that certain categories have seen a drop in assignments – this reflects a entrenchment of a period of peak hiring between 2021 and 2022.

Also: Do not be fooled to think that AI comes for your work – here is the truth

Originally AI (Employment assignments up 985% between 2025-24):

1. Python
2. Automatic learning
3. Pytorch

Artificial intelligence (employment assignments increased by 35% between 2025-24):

1. Automatic learning
2. Python
3. Amazon web services

Semiconductors specific to application (employment assignments up 22% between 2025-24):

1. Python
2. IT
3. Graphic processing unit

Digital Trust and Cybersecurity (employment assignments up 7% between 2025-24):

1. Risk management
2. Response to incidents
3. Artificial intelligence

Cloud and Edge Computing (work assignments up 2% between 2025-24):

1. Amazon web services
2. Python
3. Devops

Immersive reality technologies (employment assignments down 11% between 2025-24):

1. Virtual reality
2. Augmented reality
3. Artificial intelligence

Advanced connectivity (employment assignments down 14% between 2025-24):

1. Internet of objects
2. 5g
3. Python

Quantum IT (affectations of employment down 15% between 2025-24):

1. Quantum calculation
2. Artificial intelligence
3. Python

Also: The best courses and free AI certificates in 2025 – and I tried a lot

Of course, this is only the upper surface of the multitude of skills and talents necessary to advance innovative technologies. Each of the above categories has its own unique needs. AI is an underlying force in all categories, and those which can channel its power will gain a competitive advantage in their careers, with the right training or the right certifications. It is a rapidly evolving world, but the opportunities are wide open.

Do you want more stories about AI? Check AI rankingOur weekly newsletter.