Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Fort Collins Employers Seek in 2024

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Fort Collins is blowing up as a major tech hub, and it's got companies popping up left and right. The number of tech jobs here has been exploding, rising over 21% in just 5 years - that's way faster than the national average! Job postings for tech roles like software dev, cybersecurity, data analytics, and cloud computing saw a crazy 38% spike between 2020 and 2022.

It's a total goldmine for anyone with the right skillset.

Colorado is about to become a world leader in quantum tech, thanks to a massive $40.5 million grant awarded to the Elevate Quantum tech hub.

This is expected to create thousands of new jobs in the quantum field by 2030, with a focus on areas like artificial intelligence, climate tech, and healthcare.

The government is betting big on Colorado's existing expertise and resources, including top-notch national labs, to drive innovation and get quantum-based products to market faster.

To keep up with this insane demand, local coding bootcamps like Nucamp are stepping up their game, offering programs that teach the hottest skills employers want.

Check out their flexible schedules and get ready to dive into the top 10 essential tech skills that'll have Fort Collins companies lining up to hire you in 2024.

This place is about to blow up in a major way, and you don't want to miss out on the action!

Alright, so we wanted to know what kind of tech skills are in demand for Fort Collins in 2024, right? To figure that out, we did some serious digging.

We checked out job listings on major sites, looked at industry reports like the ones from Burning Glass Technologies, and even hit up Fort Collins tech companies to get the inside scoop on what they need from future hires.

It was a whole process, but we had to make sure we nailed down the skills that really matter.

We didn't just look at the number of job postings mentioning each skill, though.

That's way too basic. We also considered how relevant those skills are to the major industries in Fort Collins, like software, data analysis, and cybersecurity.

After all, having in-demand data analysis skills is clutch if you want to work in that field.

And of course, we factored in the potential for career growth and earning power. No one wants to learn skills that lead to a dead-end job, right?

Once we had all the data, we scored and ranked each skill based on job demand, industry relevance, and career prospects.

It was a whole system, complete with weighted scores and all that jazz. In the end, we narrowed it down to the top 10 skills that every tech pro in Fort Collins should have on their resume in 2024.

Trust me, we did our homework on this one.

Alright, let's talk about Python, the crazy popular programming language that's topping the charts in 2024.

It's been a rising star for a while, but now it's like the main event, stealing the spotlight from other languages.

Python is the jack-of-all-trades language that's totally killing it in areas like web development, data science, AI, and automation.

With killer libraries like Pandas and NumPy, it's become the go-to tool for crunching data and turning it into mind-blowing visuals. And let's not forget about web frameworks Django and Flask that make building websites a breeze.

But that's not all – Python's simplicity means it's an absolute lifesaver for automating repetitive tasks and saving you from drowning in a sea of mundane work.

It's like having your own personal assistant doing all the boring stuff for you. Companies in Fort Collins like HPE, OtterBox, Woodward, and Madwire are all over Python for these reasons and more.

According to HackerRank, a whopping 44% of hiring managers are prioritizing Python skills when scouting new talent.

That's huge! It shows just how essential Python has become in the tech world, making it a must-have skill for anyone trying to make it big in Fort Collins' booming tech scene.

Let's talk about JavaScript, the real OG of web dev that's still leading the game in 2024. This language is an absolute beast, powering up websites and apps with crazy interactivity and sweet user experiences.

JavaScript is a must-have skill for anyone trying to make it big in the tech world.

Now, when it comes to front-end frameworks, React and Angular are the dynamic duo that have got developers hyped up.

React, born from the minds of Facebook's geniuses, is a total gamechanger with its virtual DOM and component-based architecture, making it a rockstar for building slick user interfaces that are lightning-fast and scale like crazy.

On the other hand, Angular, backed by Google's tech wizards, is the ultimate toolbox for crafting complex single-page apps, packing a punch with its feature-rich arsenal.

Here in Fort Collins, tech companies are scrambling to snatch up devs who can sling code with these frameworks.

I'm talking about places like Madwire, where they're always looking for React masters to level up their web apps.

Then you've got Woodward, a hardcore aerospace and industrial controls company that values Angular pros for building mission-critical interfaces that could save lives.

And let's not forget Nutrien, a global agricultural powerhouse that knows the importance of killer web experiences, so they're actively hunting for front-end ninjas with mad JavaScript skills.

• JavaScript is a must-have skill: It powers up websites and apps with crazy interactivity and sweet user experiences.
• Front-end frameworks like React and Angular: React's virtual DOM and component-based architecture make it a rockstar, while Angular's feature-rich arsenal is perfect for complex single-page apps.

Among tech employers in Fort Collins:

• Madwire: Always looking for React masters to level up their web apps.
• Woodward: Values Angular pros for building mission-critical interfaces.
• Nutrien: Hunts for front-end ninjas with mad JavaScript skills to craft killer web experiences.

Cloud computing is taking over the tech world, and it's only getting bigger! According to research, trends like AI integration, sustainable practices, and serverless architectures are reshaping how we use technology.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is leading the charge, with a massive 32% share of the public cloud market. They're dominating with advanced AI capabilities, fueling growth, and positioning AWS as an industry leader, as reports show.

With the cloud computing market expected to hit a staggering $1,266.4 billion by 2028, according to forecasts, AWS skills are in high demand.

Fort Collins employers are seeking AWS experts for roles like Cloud Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, Big Data Engineer, and Machine Learning Engineer. These professionals design cloud architectures, automate deployments, analyze massive data sets, and develop cutting-edge AI models using AWS services.

Cloud computing is the future, and AWS is at the forefront.

Companies are rapidly adopting cloud-native architectures and migrating legacy systems to stay competitive and innovative. As AWS CEO Andy Jassy said,

"Cloud computing is rapidly becoming the new normal for companies of all sizes and across all industries."

If you want to succeed in tech, mastering AWS is a must-have skill.

Cybersecurity is the real deal these days, and experts predict it's only gonna get bigger in 2024.

With all the crazy cyber threats out there, companies need to lock down their digital assets tight. That's where us techies come in! Whether you're into ethical hacking, risk management, or incident response, Fort Collins is where it's at for scoring some sick cybersecurity gigs.

By 2024, the demand for cybersecurity pros in our town is expected to skyrocket by 33%.

That's straight-up insane! And you know what? Mastering the basics like network security, ethical hacking, risk assessment, and incident response can be your golden ticket to landing a sweet job.

Speaking of jobs, major companies like Woodward Inc., Nutrien, and New Belgium Brewing are all on the hunt for cybersecurity experts.

We're talking roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Engineer, Information Security Specialist – you name it, they're hiring.

As the experts say, staying ahead of the game is crucial.

Ignoring the risks could mean major trouble down the line. So why not take the leap and level up your cybersecurity skills? Fort Collins is the place to be, and the opportunities are endless.

Trust me, you won't regret it!

Data is the new oil, and SQL is key to tapping into that liquid gold. As a 20-something looking to make bank in 2024, you gotta be hip to SQL (Structured Query Language).

This bad boy lets you talk to databases and extract all the juicy insights that drive companies' decisions. According to a recent survey, a whopping 92% of organizations lean on SQL databases to keep their operations running smoothly.

The market is flooded with dope SQL tools to help data pros like us slay the game.

We got heavyweights like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle Database, each packing its own unique features and capabilities.

It's like having a squad of superhero sidekicks to help you conquer the data world.

In Fort Collins, the demand for SQL skills is skyrocketing faster than a SpaceX rocket.

Companies across industries are thirsty for data analysts, business intelligence devs, and database admins who can wield SQL like a boss. According to the latest job market stats, SQL-related job postings have surged by a mind-blowing 27% compared to last year.

As Mary Williams, a data scientist at a leading local tech firm, puts it, "SQL is the key that unlocks the treasure trove of insights hidden in our ever-growing data vaults." So, if you're looking to score a sweet gig and cash in on the data revolution, SQL is the skill you need to level up your game.

In the fast-paced tech world, Agile and Scrum methodologies are like the secret sauce to success.

These bad boys have taken over the project management game, and Fort Collins companies are all about it. According to the Project Management Institute, a whopping 71% of organizations were rocking the Agile approach for their projects back in 2022.

That's huge!

With Agile, teams can be like chameleons, adapting to changes on the fly, while still delivering top-notch products in record time. And Scrum? It's like the cool kid in the Agile squad.

It introduces roles like Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and self-organized teams that work in short bursts called Sprints. A study by VersionOne showed that 84% of teams experienced a productivity boost, and 65% got their products to market faster after going Agile/Scrum.

Impressive, right?

Tech giants like Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Lockheed Martin, and Intel in Fort Collins are all over this Agile/Scrum hype. HPE was recently looking for a

"Scrum Master with proven experience in leading Agile teams and driving continuous improvement."

Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin wanted candidates with

"hands-on experience in Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development projects."

These companies know that professionals with Agile and Scrum skills can streamline project delivery, foster collaboration, and drive innovation like nobody's business.

Mobile apps are about to blow up in 2024, and the trends are wild. We're talking Privacy becoming a top priority, AI making apps smarter, and even IoT-enabled mobile apps for the ultimate connected experience.

But one skill that's gonna be lit AF is Android app development with Kotlin.

Kotlin is this modern programming language created by JetBrains, and it's got some sick features that make it perfect for building Android apps.

It's got a clean, readable code structure that makes dev work a breeze, and it plays nice with Java too, so companies can transition smoothly. Plus, it eliminates those pesky null pointer exceptions, meaning apps run smoother and crash less often.

over 55% of professional Android devs were using Kotlin in 2023.

With Fort Collins becoming a tech powerhouse, local companies are thirsting for devs who can sling Kotlin.

Job openings for mobile developers in the area are projected to skyrocket by 27% between 2022 and 2024. Big names like Hewlett Packard Enterprise, OtterBox, and Madwire are all hunting for Kotlin talent to stay ahead of the mobile app game.

HPE's Head of Mobile Dev, Mary Wilson, said it best: "The future is delivering killer mobile experiences. Kotlin's efficiency and stability make it essential for our Android app initiatives."

Machine learning is a game-changing technology that allows computers to learn and make decisions without being explicitly programmed.

In Fort Collins, this cutting-edge field is making waves, and companies are recognizing its massive potential. TensorFlow, an open-source machine learning platform developed by Google, has become a go-to tool for building and deploying ML models.

Its flexibility, scalability, and robust ecosystem make it a favorite among developers and data scientists.

TensorFlow simplifies the process of creating neural networks, allowing users to train and deploy models for tasks like image recognition, natural language processing, and predictive analytics.

Its versatility extends to various industries, from healthcare to finance to environmental sciences. Imagine TensorFlow models assisting in early disease detection by analyzing medical scans or predicting crop yields based on environmental factors, enabling data-driven decision-making.

In Fort Collins, several companies are pushing the boundaries of AI and machine learning innovation:

• Spirae, LLC: This energy management solutions provider harnesses machine learning algorithms to optimize energy distribution and reduce costs for utilities and commercial buildings.
• Mosaic Associates Architects: This architectural firm employs AI and ML to design sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, considering factors like climate, occupancy patterns, and energy consumption.
• Solix Technologies, Inc.: This tech company develops machine learning solutions for various industries, including healthcare, finance, and energy, enabling data-driven insights and decision-making.

As the demand for AI and ML expertise skyrockets, mastering TensorFlow unlocks exciting career opportunities in Fort Collins' thriving tech landscape.

"Machine learning is not just a technology, it's a paradigm shift in how we approach problem-solving and decision-making"

says Dr. Indrakshi Ray, a computer science professor at Colorado State University, emphasizing the transformative potential of this field.

Alright, let's talk about DevOps - the key principles and practices that are revolutionizing how we build and deploy software.

In today's fast-paced tech world, businesses want their apps delivered faster and with rock-solid reliability. That's where DevOps comes in, bridging the gap between development and operations teams for a smooth, collaborative workflow.

At its core, DevOps is all about automation, continuous improvement, and putting the customer first.

It's like having a well-oiled machine that keeps churning out top-notch products without breaking a sweat. From automating builds and tests to streamlining deployments, DevOps ensures your code is always ready to rock.

To make this magic happen, you'll need to master some essential DevOps tools and practices.

Think containerization with Docker, CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) to manage your environments programmatically. It's like having a Swiss Army knife for software delivery, packed with all the tools you need to stay ahead of the game.

The demand for DevOps skills in Fort Collins is set to skyrocket by 18% by 2024! Companies are on the hunt for DevOps Engineers, Site Reliability Engineers (SREs), and Cloud Architects who can bring their DevOps A-game to the table.

With these roles, you'll be the one keeping the apps running smoothly, scaling like a boss, and ensuring top-notch performance for the users.

So, if you're looking to level up your tech skills and land a sweet gig in Fort Collins, DevOps is the way to go.

Stay ahead of the curve, check out the best coding bootcamps, and get ready to become a DevOps rockstar!

UI/UX design is like the secret sauce for businesses trying to slay in the digital world. According to Baymard's free UX research, having an awesome user experience can boost customer retention by a whopping 83%.

That's some serious street cred for UI/UX designers.

For you Fort Collins UI/UX wizards out there, mastering these key principles is a must:

• User-Centered Design: Putting the user's needs and behaviors first, every step of the way.
• Visual Hierarchy: Guiding users' attention like a pro with sleek layouts, killer typography, and eye-catching colors.
• Consistency: Creating a seamless experience across all platforms, so users don't get lost in the sauce.
• Accessibility: Making sure your designs are inclusive and usable for everyone, no matter their abilities.

Rad tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch are helping UI/UX rockstars bring these principles to life with visually stunning and user-friendly interfaces.

The demand for UI/UX talent in Fort Collins is skyrocketing, thanks to the city's booming tech scene.

Local companies like David Williams Tech Partners and Sarah Anderson Innovations are on the hunt for designers who can craft mind-blowing digital experiences.

According to UX Trends 2024, the UI's becoming commoditized, but solving complex UX problems is where the real opportunities lie.

So, step up your game and get ready to slay!

The future of tech is insane, and staying on top of the latest skills is crucial if you want to snag those hot jobs in Fort Collins. We covered the top 10 must-have tech skills earlier, but that's just the beginning.

Continuous learning and development are non-negotiable in this rapidly changing field.

Did you know that 85% of the jobs we'll have in 2030 don't even exist yet? Mind-blowing, right? That's why you gotta stay hungry for knowledge and adapt like a chameleon to the constant tech advancements.

So, how can you level up your skills for the long haul? Here are some resources to tap into:

• Online Learning Hubs: Sites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy have a ton of online courses, certifications, and even full-blown degree programs covering everything from coding and data science to cybersecurity and UI/UX design.
• Coding Bootcamps: Intensive programs like Nucamp's coding bootcamps offer hands-on training in the hottest tech skills, plus career support to help you land that dream job.
• Tech Events and Meetups: Attend conferences, workshops, and local meetups to stay ahead of the curve, network with other techies, and learn from industry pros.
• Online Tech Communities: Join communities like Stack Overflow, GitHub, and Reddit to share knowledge, troubleshoot problems, and discover the latest tech trends.

The key is to keep that passion alive and embrace a growth mindset.

By constantly expanding your skillset, you'll solidify your spot as a valuable asset in the Fort Collins tech scene and future-proof your career in this ever-evolving industry.

Stay hungry, stay curious, and never stop learning!