Technology plays an increasingly vital role in an organization’s success. Tech-driven concepts, such as data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), can help organizations work smarter and more efficiently by enabling hypertargeted consumer marketing strategies, optimized operational processes, safer work environments and much more. This can make it easier for a company to reach its growth and stability goals. 

With this in mind, students looking for successful careers in these areas must develop strong technology skills for their resumes. Those skills can be developed through independent study and real-world experience as well as by earning a technology degree. A host of tech-focused undergraduate and graduate degrees — in areas such as applied technology, computer information systems, technology management and applied computer science — can help students boost their resumes when the time comes to pursue professional roles. 

Why Develop Technology Skills?

Building a strong set of technology skills for a resume is vital for maintaining relevance and upward mobility within the professional landscape. Even as technology becomes more advanced, the human factor is required to ensure that all this tech does what it’s supposed to do. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects some 356,700 new job openings within the computer and information technology (IT) field each year between 2023 and 2033, with the field growing at a much faster rate than the average for all occupations. 

However, the term “technology” doesn’t just refer to advanced tools and complex concepts; it can also refer to relatively basic elements, such as understanding various software applications. As such, having a firm grasp of essential tech skills can reflect competence in some of a role’s most fundamental elements. For an employer, this could mean greater efficiency in an employee’s training and development, resulting in the employee being productive in their role more quickly. 

Overall, job seekers can make themselves more competitive by having strong technology skills on their resumes. Those skills can signify to a potential employer the candidate’s motivation to stay current in the industry, adaptability, and ability to think critically and problem-solve independently. 

5 Tech Skills for Your Resume

Although tech in general continues to be in a state of flux, a few core skills can help a resume stand out in a crowded field. 

1. Programming

Having a firm grasp of popular programming languages, such as Python, Java or C/C++, can indicate an understanding of the fundamentals of several tech-driven systems and processes to an employer. However, one doesn’t have to be in tech to make an impression by listing programming on their resume. Basic programming concepts, such as HTML, can be used to optimize workflow in different departments. 

2. Productivity Software

Productivity applications, such as Zoom, Google Docs and Slack, have expanded the possibilities of workplace communication and collaboration. Because these applications are increasingly commonplace, employers may expect potential employees to have at least a fundamental grasp of these concepts. As such, when listing these applications, it may benefit candidates to highlight specific knowledge of a feature within an application. 

3. Networking and Security

With cyber threats looming over nearly every industry, the ability to manage — and protect — computer networks is a valuable skill to emphasize on a resume. All types of employers are looking for employees who understand the security issues they’re facing and have the skills to protect them from disruption amid an ever-changing threat environment. 

4. Analytics

Big data — huge chunks of data collected from a wide host of sources — is only an effective business tool if skilled individuals know how to properly interpret the information. Listing data analysis capabilities as a key technology skill on a resume informs potential employers that a job candidate can gather, interpret and apply data appropriately. This can be crucial for an organization to achieve its long-term goals. 

5. Artificial Intelligence

AI applications are expanding rapidly, and technology professionals need to be able to show knowledge of AI advancements and at least minimal AI skills. Areas of training that can be added to resume skill lists include machine learning algorithms, natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning.  

How to Develop Tech Skills

Tech skills are not simply learned from a book. They’re developed through study and application.  

One way individuals can make tech skills an actionable competency is through enrollment in a reputable postsecondary academic program. Many technology degree programs offer a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on application, enabling students to put their knowledge to use in a controlled environment. The specific skills learned will depend on the area of study. For example, a computer information systems program generally teaches programming languages and database management concepts, while an applied computer science program often offers courses in advanced networking and cybersecurity. 

Another key method behind tech skill development is practice. A degree program can provide students with opportunities to hone their skills, but they can also fine-tune these skills through personal or open-source projects that require a certain level of tech acumen to complete. This lets them assess their skill sets as they evolve, identifying their strengths and weaknesses in the process. 

Finally, it’s always wise to keep abreast of the different ways technology is evolving. Books, news items and online videos can expose a professional to new technologies; having this knowledge can help them reassess their skill sets and strengthen areas where they lag. 

Build a Technology Skill Set That Helps You Stand Out

Building a solid stable of tech skills for your resume does more than help you potentially land a job. It sets you up for a lifetime of success. The core competencies you develop establish a foundation for building your career and shaping its trajectory to match your interests. 

Technology programs from SEMO Online can provide you with the ideal environment to develop and grow your skill set at multiple levels. We offer you several entry points to immerse yourself in coursework that ties closely to your personal interests, all while studying under experienced faculty within a collaborative environment. 

SEMO Online’s tech programs include the following: 

• Associate of Applied Science in Applied Technology 

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Technology 

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems 

• Bachelor of Science in Technology Management 

• Master of Science in Applied Computer Science 

• Master of Science in Technology Management 

Southeast Missouri State University also offers on-campus degree programs for students who prefer an in-person experience. Its main campus is located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. 

Learn more about how SEMO Online can help you reach your tech career goals.