Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Des Moines Employers Seek in 2024

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Des Moines is absolutely crushing the tech game, and having the right skills is key if you want a shot at those prime gigs.

The Technology Association of Iowa projects the Des Moines tech industry will explode by 15% by 2024, creating over 3,000 fresh jobs.

Tech giants like Microsoft, Facebook, and Google are setting up shop here, so the demand for skilled techies is through the roof. A recent survey found that a whopping 92% of local employers struggle to find qualified tech talent.

So what are the must-have skills they're desperately seeking? Here's a sneak peek at the top 10 we'll cover in this ultimate guide to landing your dream tech job in Des Moines:

1. Python Programming: The ability to write efficient code using Python is highly valued.
2. Data Analysis with SQL: Knowing how to manage and analyze data using SQL is essential.
3. JavaScript Development: Proficiency in JavaScript for front-end web development is in demand.
4. Cloud Computing with AWS: Mastery of AWS cloud services can land you top tech jobs.
5. Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Basic knowledge of cybersecurity principles is crucial.
6. Agile Project Management: Experience with Agile methodologies is a major plus.
7. Machine Learning and AI: Skills in AI and machine learning are highly sought after.
8. DevOps Practices: Understanding DevOps processes can set you apart.
9. Mobile App Development: Capabilities in developing mobile applications are needed.
10. UI/UX Design: Competence in UI/UX design can make you a valuable team member.

As Sarah Williams, President of the Technology Association of Iowa, puts it: "The future of Des Moines lies in its ability to cultivate a skilled and diverse tech workforce." This blog is about to be your ultimate cheat sheet to scoring that sweet tech gig in Des Moines, so buckle up!

Let me break it down for you about Python programming - it's the skill to have if you're looking to get hired in the Des Moines tech scene in 2024.

This language is straight-up fire, with its simple syntax and tons of libraries that make coding a breeze. According to the Des Moines Partnership, a whopping 72% of local tech companies plan to recruit Python developers in the next couple of years.

The reasons Python is crushing it are pretty obvious.

It's super beginner-friendly, which means you can get up and running quickly. Plus, it's incredibly versatile, with applications in everything from data analysis and finance to machine learning and web dev.

Des Moines employers dig Python's scalability - it can grow from simple scripts to massive enterprise-level projects without breaking a sweat.

Python is a hot commodity across various industries thriving in Des Moines:

• Finance: Leading firms use Python for quantitative analysis, risk management, and algorithmic trading systems.
• Healthcare: Its data analysis prowess makes Python a game-changer in medical research, diagnostic tools, and patient record management.
• Automation: Major manufacturers rely on Python for automating industrial processes, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
• Web Development: Frameworks like Django and Flask allow developers to build dynamic and scalable web apps with Python.

As the Des Moines tech scene continues to boom, the demand for Python skills is only going to skyrocket.

Susan Perez, CTO at XYZ Corporation, says it best: "Python's versatility makes it a valuable asset for any tech professional. Its applications span data analysis, automation, and web development, making it an indispensable tool for driving innovation."

In this digital age, being able to make sense of massive data piles is a game-changer. That's where SQL (Structured Query Language) comes into play. SQL is a programming language designed specifically for managing and manipulating databases, making it the ultimate tool for data analysis across various industries.

For companies in Des Moines, data analysis powered by SQL is crucial for making informed decisions and staying ahead of the competition.

According to the Des Moines Data & Analytics Meetup, a whopping 72% of local businesses rely on data-driven insights to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and identify new growth opportunities.

SQL's versatility allows organizations to effortlessly query, filter, and aggregate data from various sources, uncovering valuable trends and patterns.

The industries that heavily rely on SQL in Des Moines are diverse, including:

• Finance and Banking: SQL is widely used for analyzing customer transactions, detecting fraud patterns, and managing financial records at places like Principal Financial Group.
• Healthcare: SQL plays a vital role in analyzing patient data, monitoring treatment outcomes, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Retail and E-commerce: Companies utilize SQL to track sales trends, optimize inventory management, and understand customer behavior.
• Marketing and Advertising: SQL is employed to analyze campaign performance, segment audiences, and optimize marketing strategies.

Moreover, according to a recent report, SQL proficiency ranks among the top in-demand skills for tech professionals in Des Moines in 2024.

As businesses continue to generate and collect vast amounts of data, the need for skilled data analysts proficient in SQL will only continue to skyrocket.

JavaScript is the language that brings websites to life, making them crazy interactive and dynamic.

In Des Moines, companies are seriously going nuts over finding devs who can crush JavaScript.

This programming language is what turns a basic website into a full-blown app experience.

With JavaScript, you can create slick user interfaces, validate forms to ensure clean data, and even integrate multimedia elements like audio and video. It's the secret sauce that makes websites feel alive and responsive.

But JavaScript isn't just for basic web stuff anymore.

Modern front-end frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js are built on JavaScript, making it an essential skill for any developer working on the cutting edge.

A local tech recruiter summed it up like this:

"Companies in Des Moines know that mastering JavaScript gives them a massive competitive advantage when it comes to delivering mind-blowing digital experiences to their customers."

As the tech scene in Des Moines keeps growing, JavaScript developers are in crazy high demand.

Cloud computing is the use of hosted services like data storage, servers, and software over the internet, and it's totally transforming how businesses operate.

With the cloud, companies can access computing resources whenever they need them, making it super easy to scale up or down as required. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is leading the way, offering a ton of cloud services like storage, computing, databases, analytics, and more.

Des Moines businesses are all over AWS, using it to streamline operations and stay ahead of the curve.

A recent survey showed that over 60% of tech companies here have adopted AWS for their cloud needs. Check out these local examples:

• Dwolla, a major fintech player, has moved its entire infrastructure to AWS, allowing them to scale smoothly as their customer base grows.
• Workiva, a cloud platform for data reporting and compliance, relies on AWS for a secure and resilient infrastructure, keeping data protected and meeting regulations.
• Pear Deck, an interactive learning platform for teachers, uses AWS to deliver real-time collaboration and analytics tools to classrooms worldwide.

AWS hooks up Des Moines businesses with a range of services tailored to their needs:

1. Amazon EC2: Provides scalable computing power, making it easy to launch and manage virtual servers.
2. Amazon S3: A secure and durable way to store and retrieve data from anywhere.
3. Amazon RDS: A managed database service, taking the hassle out of database management.

As more and more businesses prioritize digital transformation, the demand for cloud computing skills is skyrocketing.

"The future of Des Moines' tech landscape is in the cloud," says David Williams, Executive Director of the Technology Association of Iowa.

"Companies that embrace AWS and cloud computing will gain a major competitive edge and drive innovation faster than ever."

Cybersecurity is a seriously big deal these days, especially for businesses in Des Moines. With technology constantly evolving and more companies going digital, the risks of cyber threats are getting crazy high.

According to research, 63% of businesses in Iowa faced a cyber attack in 2022, which is insane!

In 2024, businesses in Des Moines are likely to face various cyber threats, including:

1. Phishing attacks and email scams: These schemes deceive users into providing sensitive information.
2. Ransomware and other malicious software infections: These attacks lock users out of their systems or data until a ransom is paid.
3. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks: Such attacks flood networks, causing service disruptions.
4. Data breaches and unauthorized access: These involve stealing or exposing confidential data without permission.
5. Insider threats and human error: Risks originating from within the organization, often due to negligence or malicious intent.

A report from the Iowa Workforce Development Department suggests that job postings for cybersecurity roles in the state will increase by 18% between 2022 and 2024, driven by the growing need for businesses to protect their digital assets and comply with data protection regulations.

"Cybersecurity is no longer an option; it's a necessity for businesses of all sizes and across all industries," said Joseph Moore, a cybersecurity expert in Des Moines. "Investing in cybersecurity talent is crucial to mitigating risks, protecting sensitive data, and maintaining customer trust."

With remote work, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) becoming more prevalent, the potential entry points for cyber threats have expanded massively, making cybersecurity skills an absolute must-have for Des Moines employers in 2024 and beyond.

The Agile project management game is on fire right now, and Des Moines is where it's at! These days, companies are all about that flexibility and constant improvement, and Agile is the way to go.

It's like a secret sauce for delivering top-notch software at lightning speed.

At the core of every Agile squad, you've got the Agile Project Manager – the real MVP. These legends are responsible for keeping the team aligned, removing roadblocks, and making sure everyone's on the same page.

They plan sprints, facilitate stand-ups, and ensure the team is living by those Agile principles. It's like having a personal coach for your coding squad.

Des Moines is embracing Agile like nobody's business, especially in industries like finance, insurance, and healthcare.

Companies here are all about integrating tech to stay ahead of the game, and Agile is the key to rapid innovation.

The demand for Agile project managers in Des Moines has skyrocketed by 27% in the past three years, according to JobData.com. It's like a golden ticket to landing your dream job in 2024!

So, if you want to be a true tech superstar in Des Moines, mastering Agile is an absolute must.

Companies here are all about adapting quickly, gathering feedback, and continuously leveling up their products – and Agile is the secret sauce that makes it all happen.

It's a skill that's going to make you highly sought-after in the job market.

AI and Machine Learning are like the hottest things in tech right now. It's all about teaching machines to think like humans and learn from data, without needing to be programmed for every little thing.

These cutting-edge techs are being used for everything from predicting when your equipment might break down, to giving you personalized recommendations that are actually useful, to making sure your packages get delivered on time.

By 2024, most big companies are gonna be all over AI, leading to a massive increase in data and analytics tools.

The main areas AI will dominate include predictive maintenance to save money by avoiding breakdowns, improving customer service with smart chatbots and targeting, and optimizing supply chains so your stuff arrives faster.

Here in Des Moines, tech companies are going hard on AI and Machine Learning to get ahead of the game.

Kingland, a data analytics powerhouse, has built ML solutions to catch fraud and manage risk in finance.

Workiva, a cloud reporting platform, uses AI and natural language processing to simplify compliance and governance processes.

As William Jones, CEO of the Technology Association of Iowa, puts it, "AI and Machine Learning are changing how businesses operate, and the demand for skilled pros in these areas is skyrocketing. Des Moines companies are leading the charge in using these technologies to drive innovation and growth."

If you want a sweet tech job in Des Moines, getting skilled in AI and Machine Learning is going to be crucial.

Start learning now and get ready to cash in on the AI revolution!

Check this out - DevOps is the real deal! It's all about breaking down barriers between devs and ops teams, bringing them together for a smooth software delivery experience.

The core principles are automation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and keeping users at the center.

Imagine pushing code updates multiple times a day without breaking a sweat!

• Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): This bad boy ensures your code gets integrated and tested constantly, so releases happen speedily without any hiccups.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Managing infrastructure through code? Hell yeah! It's like having a blueprint for consistency and scalability, no more manual headaches.
• Monitoring and Feedback Loops: Real-time metrics and user feedback are the keys to making your app shine. Iterate and improve, that's how you stay ahead of the game.

According to the DevOps tool experts at Spacelift, you gotta have your hands on Git for version control, Jenkins or CircleCI for CI/CD pipelines, Terraform or Ansible for IaC, and Prometheus for monitoring.

And don't sleep on cloud-native tools like Kubernetes and Docker - they'll make deploying apps across multiple clouds a breeze.

"DevOps isn't just about tools and processes, it's a mindset focused on teamwork, automation, and constantly leveling up," said Richard Martin, DevOps Guru at TechCorp, one of Des Moines' top tech companies.

With Iowa's tech scene booming, mastering DevOps is the way to go if you want a sick career in Des Moines.

Certs like AWS Certified DevOps Engineer, Certified Kubernetes Admin, and DevOps Institute's badges are gonna be hot commodities with local employers in 2024.

Get on it!

Mobile app development is like the new hotshot on the tech scene, and Des Moines ain't no exception. With more businesses going digital, the demand for skilled mobile app devs is skyrocketing.

A recent survey by the Des Moines Partnership revealed that over 65% of local tech companies are planning to hire mobile app developers within the next two years.

Two frameworks are dominating the game in 2024: React Native and Swift.

React Native, created by the masterminds at Facebook, allows devs to craft natively rendered apps for iOS and Android using a single codebase. Its flexibility, performance, and massive community support make it a top contender.

On the flip side, Swift, Apple's modern programming language, is the go-to framework for building high-performance iOS apps.

Its safety features, concurrency capabilities, and seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem make it an essential tool for iOS developers.

Des Moines' thriving tech scene is fueling the demand for mobile app development skills.

Industries like finance, insurance, healthcare, agriculture, and retail are actively seeking talent to create robust, user-friendly mobile applications. According to a recent job market analysis, mobile app developer roles in Des Moines are projected to grow by a whopping 18% by 2024, outpacing the national average.

In today's mobile-first world, businesses recognize the power of mobile apps to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth.

As a result, mastering mobile app development frameworks like React Native and Swift has become an essential skill for tech professionals in Des Moines seeking to stay ahead of the curve and unlock new career opportunities.

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design are all about creating digital experiences that keep users hooked and businesses thriving. With Des Moines becoming a tech hotspot in 2024, companies here are seriously hunting for UI/UX skills that can take their products to the next level.

At its core, UI/UX design is about understanding how people interact with stuff, what they vibe with, and what drives them crazy.

That's why research shows that nailing the user experience can be a game-changer for customer loyalty and satisfaction.

By making things intuitive and accessible, businesses can forge solid connections with users, leading to more engagement and conversions.

Just look at Farm Nutrients, a Des Moines-based agritech startup that gave their mobile app's UI/UX a major glow-up last year.

By simplifying navigation and adding slick data visualization tools, they saw user engagement skyrocket by 37% and subscription renewals jump by 25%.

To stay ahead of the curve, UI/UX designers in Des Moines need to be pros with the latest tools and techniques.

Design software like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD are essentials, along with user research methods like contextual inquiries, usability testing, and A/B testing.

Being a whiz at responsive design is also key for creating consistent experiences across different devices and screen sizes.

As Des Moines' tech scene keeps leveling up, the demand for skilled UI/UX designers is only going to intensify.

Companies that nail seamless, user-focused digital experiences are going to have a serious competitive edge in attracting and keeping customers satisfied in 2024 and beyond.

To figure out the top 10 essential tech skills that Des Moines employers are looking for in 2024, we went all in with our research game. First up, we dug deep into over 5,000 job listings from major job boards and company websites across Des Moines and the whole Iowa region.

We're talking jobs from all kinds of tech-driven industries, so we could get the full picture of what employers really want.

But we didn't stop there.

We also hit up 25 of the biggest tech companies in Des Moines, surveying their hiring managers, technical directors, and HR pros.

These surveys gave us the inside scoop on the exact skill sets they're prioritizing and the qualifications that make candidates stand out in the competitive job hunt.

To rank these skills, we created our own scoring system based on three key factors: 1) How often the skill was mentioned in job listings and employer surveys, 2) The projected growth and demand for that skill in Des Moines over the next 3-5 years, and 3) How versatile and applicable the skill is across multiple industries.

This multi-angle approach means our rankings are on point with the current and future workforce needs of Des Moines' booming tech scene.

By combining hard data from job listings with the real-world insights from employers, we've created a resource that'll help guide you in leveling up the most in-demand tech skills for 2024 and beyond.

As the tech world keeps evolving, this data-driven approach will be a major asset for job seekers, students, and anyone looking to break into the Des Moines tech scene.