Tech Career Decoded #4: OpenAI Leadership | Cybersecurity Skills Gap | Tech Talent Trends

Welcome to the latest edition of Tech Career Decoded. In this issue, we'll dive into the recent developments at OpenAI, explore the widening cybersecurity skills gap, and unveil the key findings from our Tech Talent Trends Report. Let’s get right into it!  

AI is the future, but what future will it be? 🙄

For those considering a career in AI: is a company's ethical responsibility key to who you work for? Will you want to join a team that prioritises the responsible development and deployment of AI? 

These questions are particularly relevant in light of recent events at OpenAI, where CEO Sam Altman was fired and rehired within a matter of days.  

The reason for his initial departure is still unclear, but there's been speculation about a conflict between the company's profit-driven and nonprofit-aligned factions— with Altman's focus on rapid growth and monetization clashing with the board’s emphasis on safety and ethics. 

While Altman's reinstatement may have brought temporary calm to the company, it begs the question: AI is the future, but what future will it be? And with what ethical standards? We can no longer afford to ignore the ethical implications of this technology, as it has the potential to reshape every aspect of our lives—good and bad.  

The vision of AI's future, as articulated by its leaders, will play a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Will AI leaders be champions of ethical technology, or will they pursue profit at the expense of human values? Time will tell, but the stakes are high. 

As you weigh up your next career move (whether that’s in AI or another tech field), ask yourself: what kind of impact do I want to make on the world? Do I want to be part of a company that’s building a better future for all, or am I driven by pushing the boundaries of innovation? 

Perhaps the AI companies that will thrive in the years to come are those that strike a balance between the two.

Let us know what you think in the comments below. 👇

Embark on a rewarding career in cybersecurity   

The frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks are skyrocketing, and organisations are working hard to protect their sensitive data and infrastructure. But there's a major roadblock in their path: the cybersecurity skills gap.  

Did you know that there’s a shortage of 3.4 million cybersecurity experts to support today’s global economy? So, in a world where cyber threats are always looming, one of the biggest dangers isn't the hackers themselves, but the lack of people who can stop them.  

Are you intrigued by the world of cybersecurity but unsure how to break into the field? You're not the only one. Cybersecurity can seem like an elusive career, but it's not an impossible one to crack.  

If you're a techie with a strong foundation in networking protocols, operating systems, and cloud environments, you're already well-positioned for a career in cybersecurity. Familiarity with networking and system administration provides a solid base for understanding and mitigating cyber threats, making a career shift in this direction a breeze. 

Of course, there’s no need to dive in headfirst. Instead, test the waters with hands-on training programmes, virtual labs, open-source tools, and adrenaline-pumping ‘Capture the Flag’ competitions to discover if this field is your calling. 

It’s also worth noting that cybersecurity isn't just for tech gurus; it's a dynamic field that embraces diverse skill sets and welcomes individuals with a range of talents and expertise. Generalist roles, such as education and awareness specialists, policy writers, and governance professionals also play a crucial part in the cybersecurity industry.   

So, if you're passionate about technology, protecting data, and solving complex problems, consider a career in cybersecurity. With the right skills and dedication, you can make a real difference in this ever-growing field. The industry needs you!  

The Tech Talent Trends shaping the future of work 

We're thrilled to unveil our inaugural Tech Talent Trends Report, which uncovers the pivotal trends transforming the tech talent landscape across industries. Let’s dive into the 4 trends:  

1️⃣ Trend #1 - Loyalty has lost its lustre - but many are opting to stay put 

Employee loyalty is a relic of the past, with our research revealing that 90% of tech professionals are open to new opportunities. While 40% of tech workers remain undecided about a career change, you’re still less inclined than your non-tech counterparts to seek a new role within six months. 

2️⃣ Trend #2 - Flexibility is of paramount importance  

In the wake of the pandemic, remote work and flexibility have become non-negotiable for organisations seeking to attract and retain top talent. Our recent survey revealed that a staggering 74% of tech professionals consider flexibility to be crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

3️⃣ Trend #3 - Rising salaries  

As we’ve already seen with the cybersecurity skills gap, the ongoing demand for tech talent and the dwindling supply are bound to increase salaries for tech roles across the globe. Interestingly, despite this trend, 61% of tech professionals feel satisfied with their salary, compared to only 53% of non-tech professionals. 

4️⃣ Trend #4 - A focus on mental health and work-life balance 

Mental well-being is trumping career advancement in the workplace, especially among younger generations. A whopping 77% put their mental health ahead of their career trajectory, while 55% of tech professionals agree that work-life balance is key to job satisfaction.  

As we approach the end of the year, are you still seeking new job opportunities that align with your priorities of mental well-being, flexibility, and a healthy work-life balance?

What emerging workplace trends do you anticipate will continue to shape the professional landscape in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

👉Discover more about tech trends

 As we wrap up another year, we caught up with some Michael Page experts to get their take on the biggest tech trends of 2023 and what's on the horizon for 2024.   

“We saw a growing demand for AI-specialised candidates in 2023. Companies are showing that this topic is at the heart of their missions for the upcoming year, as they embrace a more data-centred approach to work. Whether it’s Data Scientists, AI Engineers or Machine Learning experts - these candidates are at the top of every hiring list.” - Viviana Vancheri, Executive Manager Information Technology, Michael Page Germany  

"In 2023, we've observed a rise in low-code/no-code platforms and an increased emphasis on soft skills in tech hiring. Companies seek candidates with technical skills plus abilities in communication, collaboration, and adaptability. As AI and automation develops in 2024, balancing job-specific skills with soft skills will be crucial in the evolving tech landscape." - Nicolas Dumoulin, Senior Managing Director, Michael Page India, Philippines & Thailand 

“Arguably, the most transformative development of 2023 has been the widespread adoption of AI in the digital transformation endeavours of companies across various industries. While this brings significant opportunities by increasing productivity in project development, it also places high demands on top management roles. Leaders must embrace a "growth mindset" to cultivate the necessary skills for guiding their organisations through an ongoing transformation process. 

These factors are also posing significant challenges in terms of cybersecurity as the surface area for cyber attacks is expected to expand in 2024 and the years to come. That’s why tech professionals must invest in developing the necessary competencies to tackle the challenges brought about by AI. We recommend addressing this from three fronts: (1) academic pursuits such as master's degrees, postgraduate studies, certifications, etc., (2) training programs offered by companies as part of their Employee Value Proposition (EVP), and (3) being part of a (virtual) community that shares knowledge, best practices, and experiences on these topics.” - Elio Vignolo Foy, Executive Manager, Michael Page Peru. 

How can we close the cybersecurity skills gap? Do you agree with the findings from our Talent  Trends Report? What will be the biggest tech trend in 2024?  

We love hearing from our tech-savvy community, so please drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation. 👇

And don't miss out on our future editions by subscribing to stay updated with the latest tech insights. 

Thanks for reading!    

The Michael Page Technology team