The beauty in Computer Science (CS) is turning theory into tangible solutions; practical results. Apparently, though, there will be a shortage of computer scientists, or higher-level computer and information technology research and development experts. Over the last 8 years, roughly, there was a surge in the IT workforce, particularly, there were many entering the Computer and IT workforce under specific fields, providing concentrated skills and abilities. This was and is great for getting specific tasks done, resourcefully, but not so great for the development of newer technologies and methods. This ultimately hurts innovation in the tech field or stunts the development in and operations of higher-level technology roles. We will see more of this exact observation in the coming years, according to current reports and predictions of the industry at large.
Let’s explore this observation a little further.
Reportedly, up to 2030, there will be a significantly larger number of advanced tech positions (by the hundreds of thousands) than trained and qualified experts to fill each position. This is what is meant when you hear of a “gap” in the tech industry; this is precisely what is meant; a growing number of positions/opportunities; an increasingly lesser amount of qualified workers to fill each position. The growth of the IT industry persisted mostly of the roles that are easier and more accessible to beginner and intermediate prospects. These roles include: Tech Support (Help Desk), Computer Hardware/Software configuration or troubleshooting, Database or Server Administration, Web Design and Development, and data management, to list only a few. These can all be generally summed up as IT support, or, someone who is an IT specialist. Notice how, of these roles listed, non regard the development or innovation of completely new tech or concepts, not particularly. Roles involving the researching and development of completely new technologies and methods would be akin to that of a computer scientist or researcher, computer engineer, software developer etc. It are the experts of the latter description that many employers, from larger organizations to smaller businesses, will possibly grow to see less of and long for the most.
Growth in the IT industry, but a decline in Computer Scientists?
Are there less CS experts? But, we see a growing number of IT workers? You see, the IT industry, at the highest levels, have already moved passed specialized IT and general computer tech practices, and moved on to advanced computer technology methods and practices (i.e. Artificial Intelligence applications including Machine Learning/Deep Learning, Neural Networking, Natural Language Processing etc.). For example, Meta (formally Facebook, inc.), are exhaustively in search of workers to fill their A.I. research, V.R./A.R., Software Development and Machine Learning positions, to list a few. It is not just Meta, but you look at the top 5 tech companies of the world, and you’d see a common theme of what they are in search of; Software Developers, Cybersecurity Analysts, and Computer Scientists, essentially. The BLS and DOL even reports that the top most in-demand occupations of the coming decade will be Software Developers, Cybersecurity Analysts and general Computer Scientists.