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What will career development look like in 2017?

13 Jan 2017

As we settle back into the rhythms of work, we take our eyes off the career development present and start envisaging the future. Your future.

We’re celebrating Groundhog Day a little early this year, playing the “seer of seers, prognosticator of prognosticators” and predicting six more weeks of … career development?

Well, not quite. But this week on Siliconrepublic.com was all about looking forward.

Starting out with some good news, we learned that IT and pharma workers will be happy this year, as salaries and bonuses are set to increase across the board.

Salary boosts don’t cure all ills, however, and the talent gap – particularly in cybersecurity – will remain a source of concern.

For those more science than tech, we looked ahead at some of the hiring trends expected in the life sciences sector over 2017, and examined what you should do if you want to be an astronaut. But we also took a look at some of the ways you could get into a tech career, encompassing analyst roles, UX and the law.

If you’re already prepping for an interview, we had some tips that could help you get your head in the right place before you meet your potential new employers.

And, if you’re already in a job you love, we took a look at how you could ensure you stay in it, encouraging you to learn how to future-proof your skills (and, thus, your role).

Planning for a raise? We also found out the little steps you could take to improve your chances of getting a yes from the person holding the purse strings.

We also heard from Jackie Glynn, head of portfolio management at Three Ireland, who spoke about the fourth industrial revolution and how it will change the face of personal development.

And finally, we asked some questions. We wondered if the tech workforce was the most mobile in the world, and encouraged you to find out how your company’s diversity and inclusion practices stack up.

As always, for more on any of these stories, follow the links below.

1. Salaries set to rise in Ireland as IT and pharma sectors continue to grow

A detailed report into salaries across numerous professional industries has found that employment figures will continue to rise in 2017, with up to 10pc salary increases in areas.

2. ICT sector will see pay increases and bonuses in 2017

The ICT sector is looking fruitful in 2017 for those with the right skills, but the talent gap is still causing huge problems within the industry.

3. Does cybersecurity have the most dangerous talent gap?

Virtually all technology sectors have a supply and demand problem, but with cybercrime on the rise, the shortage in the infosec industry could pose the most immediate danger.

4. Top hiring trends in life science for 2017

To kick off the new year, Paul Strouts from Hays Recruitment looks ahead to some of the top hiring trends in the life science career track.

5. So you want to be an astronaut

Is it your dream to be a space traveller? With today’s scientific advancements, it’s only becoming more and more possible. But what do you need to do to get there?

6. Want to work in tech? Get creative and ask ‘why’

Tech is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Ireland, with a workforce to match. But who are the people working in the industry?

7. What kind of UX jobs can I get?

User experience (UX) is one of the most in-demand career tracks at the moment. But what kind of jobs can you actually get in UX?

8. Law Society of Ireland launches social media course

A true sign of the times: the Law Society of Ireland has created a new technology course that encompasses the convoluted realm of social media.

9. How to build your confidence before an interview

Feeling nervous or anxious before a job interview can affect your performance. We have five proven ways to build your confidence before you go in.

10. 4 ways to make sure your skills are future-proof

We’re living in a truly technological age, and the tools with which we work are constantly evolving. How can you ensure your skills keep up? Hays’ Jason Walker has the answer.

11. 10 simple steps to help you get a pay rise

After some bad years, things are finally looking up, so maybe it’s time to ask for that pay rise? Philip Charsley of Hays Recruitment will help you get one with these 10 simple steps.

12. Project management in the 21st century

Jackie Glynn, head of portfolio management at Three Ireland, on the need for continual personal development, and the growing importance of leadership and behavioural skills.

13. Are tech professionals the most mobile workforce in the world?

With technological language consistent across the globe, the tech professionals are becoming the most mobile workforce in the world.

14. How does your company’s diversity practice stack up?

PwC has released a new tool to measure various companies’ diversity and inclusion programmes, with almost half of those already surveyed admitting that not enough is being done.

Looking for jobs in tech or science? Check out our Employer Profiles for information on companies hiring right now and sign up for our Career Republic e-zine for a weekly digest of sci-tech careers news and advice.

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Kirsty Tobin
By Kirsty Tobin

Kirsty Tobin served as careers editor of Silicon Republic from 2015 up to August 2017. When she was younger, she had a dream where she started and won a fight with a T-Rex, so she’s pretty sure she kicked butt at this, too. Passions include eating all the cake, watching more TV than is healthy and sassy comebacks.

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