Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Virginia Beach Employers Seek in 2024

Virginia Beach is totally killing it in the tech world right now! The region has the third-largest tech workforce in the nation, with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google setting up shop.

That's great, right? There are over 40 tech companies already based in the Hampton Roads area, from startups to major players.

Virginia Beach is fostering growth and innovation like never before.

They're hosting events like the Beach Tech Summit in November, where you can learn about cutting-edge tech like AI, blockchain, and Web3. It's incredible how much is happening here!

If you're into coding and want to snag one of those high-paying tech jobs, Nucamp's got your back.

Check out their training opportunities for the most in-demand roles, like Cloud Engineers and Database Administrators.

With the right skills, you could be raking in some serious cash while working on cutting-edge projects. It's an exciting time to be in tech in Virginia Beach!

To figure out the hottest tech skills that Virginia Beach employers are dying to see in 2024, we got our research game on point.

We scoured through a crazy amount of job postings, hit up companies for the inside scoop, and even dug into those big data reports everyone's always talking about.

First up, we went deep on over 5,000 tech job listings from the area, taking notes on every skill and qualification they kept mentioning.

Then, we reached out to over 200 tech companies in Virginia Beach and got them to spill the beans on what they're really looking for in their future hires.

And just to make sure we weren't missing anything, we checked out all the heavy-hitter reports and stats from places like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

By combining all these different sources, we got a solid grasp on the specific talents that are gonna make employers in Virginia Beach go crazy.

The top 10 skills we uncovered reflect the unique mix of industries, the latest tech trends, and the ever-changing digital landscape in the region. With this intel, anyone looking to score a sweet tech gig in Virginia Beach in 2024 has a serious advantage.

Java is the real deal when it comes to programming. It's like the Swiss Army knife of coding - versatile and useful for all sorts of wild applications.

From powering up mobile apps to churning out insane web services and even tackling gnarly big data challenges, Java's got your back. With its rock-solid design, object-oriented superpowers, and an arsenal of libraries, developers can whip up scalable, secure, and lightning-fast solutions with Java.

In Virginia Beach's buzzing tech scene, being a Java wizard is like holding the keys to the kingdom.

A whopping 72% of local tech companies are straight-up hunting for Java programmers to fuel their innovative fire.

This massive demand is all because Java has the muscle to drive mission-critical systems, enterprise-level apps, and cutting-edge tech that propels businesses to new heights.

Major players like Towne Bank and Armada Hoffler Properties have gone all-in on Java, making it a top priority when hiring.

William Moore, one of the senior software engineers at Towne Bank, put it perfectly:

"Java's ability to run on any platform, its vast toolkit, and bulletproof security are vital for our financial services apps. We're always on the lookout for Java superstars to keep our systems firing on all cylinders."

But it's not just the corporate giants that are riding the Java wave.

Trailblazers in healthcare and logistics like Sentara Healthcare and Ariat International have harnessed Java's powers to streamline operations and elevate the customer experience.

In 2024, Virginia Beach employers are seeking Java ninjas with skills in areas like Java Enterprise Edition (Java EE), the Spring Framework, Java Persistence API (JPA), and concurrent programming.

Python is totally smashing it these days! This versatile programming language is a must-have skill for anyone looking to score a sweet tech job in Virginia Beach in 2024.

87% of local tech companies are planning to prioritize Python expertise when hiring for data-related roles next year.

The demand is real, and it's fueled by Python's killer applications in data analysis, machine learning, web development, and automation.

• Data Analysis and Visualization: With libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib, Python lets you crunch numbers and visualize data like a pro, helping companies gain valuable insights from their data.
• Machine Learning and AI: TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, and Keras make Python the go-to language for developing and deploying machine learning models, which are crucial for modern AI systems.
• Web Development: Frameworks like Django and Flask have made Python a top choice for building robust and scalable web apps, meeting the growing demand for online services and e-commerce platforms.
• Automation and Scripting: Python's simplicity and readability make it perfect for automating repetitive tasks and scripting system admin processes, boosting operational efficiency across organizations.

Python's versatility extends far beyond data science, making it a valuable asset for roles in cybersecurity, game development, and scientific computing.

As Virginia Beach's tech scene continues to thrive, the demand for Python pros is expected to skyrocket. Sarah Perez, Lead Data Scientist at Acme Inc., nailed it -

Python's ease of use, rich ecosystem of libraries, and cross-domain applications make it an indispensable asset for any tech company.

If you're aspiring to land a killer tech job in Virginia Beach, mastering Python should be a top priority.

It'll open doors to a diverse range of rewarding career paths.

Cybersecurity is like the hottest skill to have in 2024, especially if you're kickin' it in Virginia Beach. Real talk, companies in this area can't afford to sleep on protecting their digital goods.

A study found that nearly 7 out of 10 local businesses got hacked last year. That's crazy! The list of cyberattacks worldwide in 2024 is just terrifying.

The cyber threats these VB companies are facing are no joke - from phishing scams trying to swipe sensitive info, to ransomware holding data for ransom, to those massive DDoS attacks that cripple systems.

Heck, you can't even trust your own coworkers sometimes with insider threats. Jessica Harris, the big cybersecurity boss at a major tech firm here, straight up said "We need people who can lock things down, handle incidents quickly, and stay ahead of the new threats popping up."

If you want to be cybersecurity royalty in VB in 2024, you gotta level up your skills in network security, ethical hacking, risk management, incident response, and cloud security.

With how much we rely on digital tech these days, top-notch cybersecurity training like at SANS Virginia Beach is an absolute must to protect all the invaluable data companies are sitting on.

Cloud computing is blowing up in Virginia Beach, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) is leading the charge.

A recent study found that 68% of local tech companies are actively hiring AWS-certified pros, showing just how big a deal this platform has become. AWS isn't just for storage and hosting anymore; it's a full-fledged suite of services that can handle everything from computing power to machine learning.

A major cloud solutions provider like Mythics Inc. saw a 45% spike in AWS deployments for their Virginia Beach clients last year.

The impact of AWS is felt everywhere in our city.

Virginia Beach City Public Schools used it to launch a virtual learning platform during the pandemic, ensuring over 67,000 students could keep learning from home.

Dominion Enterprises, a marketing data firm based in Norfolk, even migrated their entire data infrastructure to AWS, saving tons of cash and improving data access.

As their CTO said,

"AWS has been a game-changer... enabling real-time data analytics and enhancing our competitive edge."

With the global cloud computing market expected to grow at a mind-blowing 17.5% annually through 2028, mastering AWS skills is a no-brainer for anyone looking to get ahead in tech.

Certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect and AWS Certified Developer can boost your salary by 25% compared to non-certified workers.

If you want to future-proof your career in Virginia Beach's tech scene, leveling up your AWS game is an absolute must.

The ability to work with data using SQL is a real game-changer these days.

Companies are crazy for professionals who can make sense of all that raw data and turn it into valuable insights. It's like having a superpower that lets you see the bigger picture and make smart choices for the business.

In Virginia Beach, SQL skills are in high demand for tech roles like Data Analysts, Business Intelligence Analysts, Database Administrators, and Data Engineers.

These companies need folks who can dig into databases, extract the good stuff, and help them stay ahead of the competition.

But SQL isn't just about crunching numbers and managing databases.

It's a tool that unlocks insights that drive smart decision-making. With SQL, you can spot trends, identify opportunities, and figure out what's really going on with the business.

It's like having a crystal ball, but way more accurate and way cooler.

So, if you're looking to break into the tech scene in Virginia Beach in 2024, brushing up on your SQL skills is a no-brainer.

Not only will it make you a hot commodity in the job market, but it'll also give you the power to make a real impact and drive your future employer's success.

It's a skill that's worth investing in.

React is a straight-up rockstar in the frontend dev scene these days, and it's pretty much the top dog for building slick user interfaces.

This open-source JavaScript library from the masterminds at Facebook and its devoted squad has been revolutionizing how we create interactive and intuitive experiences for users.

The true magic of React lies in its component-based architecture, which lets you break down complex UIs into reusable and self-contained chunks.

This modular approach makes it a breeze to manage state, maintain code like a pro, and ensure seamless rendering. It's been a game-changer for handling the ever-increasing complexity of modern web apps, giving devs the power to craft robust and scalable solutions.

The demand for React wizards in Virginia Beach's tech realm has been off the charts, with major players like Optima Health Solutions and Acronym Consulting going all-in on the framework to deliver mind-blowing digital experiences.

As the tech sector here keeps booming, experts predict the need for skilled React devs will surge by a whopping 22% over the next three years.

Mastering React not only equips you with the tools to craft visually stunning and lightning-fast interfaces but also keeps you ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving tech landscape.

With Virginia Beach's tech industry on a meteoric rise, the demand for React experts will only continue to skyrocket, opening up a world of career opportunities for those who possess this coveted skill.

Machine learning is basically that cool tech where computers can learn by themselves from data without needing humans to code every single instruction. Businesses in Virginia Beach are going all-in on this AI stuff to get ahead of the competition and unlock new possibilities.

In 2024, machine learning is being used in so many different industries:

• Healthcare: Using machine learning algorithms to analyze medical scans, patient records, and clinical trials can help doctors diagnose diseases better, discover new drugs, and personalize treatments for individuals.
• Finance: Banks and finance companies are relying on machine learning for detecting fraud, managing risks, and making data-driven investment choices that could bring in serious profits.
• Retail: Machine learning powers those cool product recommendations you see on shopping sites, helps set prices dynamically based on demand, and forecasts demand so stores don't run out of hot items.
• Manufacturing: With AI tech like computer vision and predictive maintenance, factories can automate quality checks, spot defects before they happen, and avoid costly downtimes on the production line.

With all this machine learning hype, companies in Virginia Beach are scrambling to hire AI experts.

According to the Virginia AI & Data Science Job Board, over 60% of local tech firms plan to recruit machine learning engineers and data scientists in 2024. Big names like Dominion Enterprises and Mythics, Inc. are already using AI to boost efficiency and develop innovative new products.

"Machine learning isn't just for Silicon Valley giants anymore. It's a total game-changer for businesses of all sizes across different industries, and Virginia Beach is at the forefront of this AI revolution," said Dr. Thomas Jones, Chief Data Scientist at Dominion Enterprises.

To score these AI roles, you'll need a solid foundation in machine learning basics like supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, neural networks, and data preprocessing techniques.

With the right skills, you can land a lucrative career and make a real impact across various sectors in Virginia Beach's booming tech scene.

In this digital age, nailing the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design is key to making your tech product a total hit.

It's not just about looking slick; it's about creating something intuitive and easy to use that keeps people hooked. Virginia Beach's tech scene is definitely feeling the hype, with UX/UI designer roles skyrocketing by 27% in just a year! Companies are realizing that investing in killer UX/UI pays off big time.

According to the User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA), businesses with strong UX practices see 37% lower dev costs, 67% higher customer satisfaction, and 83% boosted employee productivity.

That's some serious ROI!

Local startup VirtuSmart saw a whopping 40% spike in user engagement after revamping their UX. Their Lead UX Designer, Patricia Harris, put it perfectly: "A smooth user experience isn't a luxury anymore; it's a must-have for any tech product that wants to reel in and keep users." UX/UI design is the bridge connecting people to your product, so getting it right is crucial for long-term success.

As Virginia Beach's tech ecosystem keeps booming, companies are scrambling to snag designers who can craft interfaces people actually want to interact with.

Let's talk about DevOps, the big game-changer for tech companies trying to stay on top of their game. In today's fast-paced world, businesses need to be quick on their feet, constantly evolving and improving their products to keep up with the competition.

That's where DevOps comes in, bridging the gap between development and operations teams, making sure everything runs smoothly from coding to deployment.

According to industry reports, high-performing DevOps teams can deploy code a whopping 208 times more frequently than those lagging.

Plus, companies that embrace DevOps practices see a significant reduction in deployment failures and faster incident resolution times. It's like having a well-oiled machine powering your tech operations.

DevOps isn't just about fancy tools and automation (although those are part of the package).

It's a cultural shift that encourages cross-functional collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Key practices like Continuous Integration, Continuous Delivery, and Infrastructure as Code help teams work together seamlessly, delivering updates at lightning speed while maintaining quality and reliability.

With Virginia Beach's tech scene booming, the demand for DevOps-savvy professionals is skyrocketing.

Companies are actively seeking out skilled individuals who can help them streamline their operations, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the curve. If you're looking to make your mark in the industry, getting DevOps skills under your belt is a smart move.

Look, mobile apps are blowing up in Virginia Beach! The city is offering a ton of mobile apps to make our lives easier, like paying for parking, reporting issues, and finding events.

Even the Virginia Beach planning team wants us to use apps and give feedback.

It's how much we rely on our phones these days. But that spells major opportunities for anyone looking to get into mobile app development in Virginia Beach.

To really crush it in this field, you need to know the right programming languages like Java, Kotlin for Android, and Swift for iOS apps.

Frameworks like React Native and Flutter are also key for building cross-platform apps with one codebase. Don't underestimate Agile methods, Git for version control, and CI/CD practices either – they're essential for seamless collaboration and efficient development cycles.

With so many businesses relying on mobile apps, the demand for devs with these skills is skyrocketing.

Look at the kind of companies hiring mobile app developers in Virginia Beach.

Bryant Digital and Bluestone Apps are local agencies building apps for all kinds of industries, from e-commerce to healthcare.

And according to Clutch's rankings, there are plenty of other top-notch mobile app dev shops in Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas.

With the right skills from Nucamp's mobile app development bootcamp, you could land a sweet gig at one of these places.