You’re an international student who wants to succeed in the tech world, so you want to know the most sought-after tech skills for international students.
You know you need to learn some tech skills, but you’re unsure which ones are the most important and in demand.
You feel overwhelmed, confused, and maybe even a little scared.
Sound familiar?
Well, you’re not alone.
According to the Institute of International Education, over 1.1 million international students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities in 2019-2020, and many were pursuing STEM degrees.
That means you have a lot of competition but also a lot of opportunities.
You might be thinking: “How can I stand out from the crowd? How can I land my dream job or start my own business?
How can I make a difference in the world?”
We get it. We’ve been there too.
That’s why we’ve created this blog post to help you discover the ten (10) must-have most in-demand tech skills for every international student.
These are the skills that will make you more employable, more productive, and more successful in your chosen field.
Whether you want to become a software engineer, a data scientist, a web developer, or anything in between, these skills will give you an edge over your peers and help you achieve your goals.
Ready to find out what they are?
Let’s begin!
READ ALSO: Why You Should Learn Data Science
What is Tech Skill?
Tech skills are essential for landing a job in today’s competitive and fast-changing market.
According to World Economic Forum, 2018, 65% of jobs in the future will require technical skills, such as coding and data analysis.
It’s not just that!
They can help you stand out from other candidates, increase your employability and salary, and open up new opportunities for growth and innovation.
But what are tech skills exactly?
And how do they differ from soft skills or domain-specific skills?
Tech skills are the abilities and knowledge that enable you to use technology effectively and efficiently.
They include programming, web development, data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and more.
On the other hand, soft skills interpersonal and communication skills help you work well with others, such as teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, adaptability, and leadership.
Domain-specific skills are expertise essential in a particular field or industry, such as accounting, engineering, marketing, or education.
From the discussions, you’ll notice that tech skills are not the same as soft or domain-specific skills. However, they complement them.
So, to succeed in any career part having a combination of all three skill sets is crucial.
10 Must-Have Most In-Demand Tech Skills for International Students
1. Data Analysis
As an international student, you might wonder how data analysis can help you stand out in the job market and impress employers.
Data analysis is a valuable skill that shows your ability to collect, organize, and interpret information from various sources.
It can also demonstrate your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Data analysis can make you relevant in any field or industry as long as you know how to apply it to the specific context and goals of your potential employer.
For example, you can use data analysis to optimize business strategies, improve customer satisfaction, enhance product quality, identify market opportunities, and more.
Again, as an international student, you can apply Data analysis to social sciences, health care, education, engineering, and many other domains.
If you’re an international student and desire to learn practice data analysis, you can use any of these tools and platforms, such as Excel, Python, R, Tableau, etc.
These tools can help students manipulate, visualize, and present data in different formats and styles.
2. Web Development
Having the knowledge and expertise in web development will be an enormous advantage to you as an international student.
Here is the reason
Web development is one of the high-demand tech skills that can open many opportunities for international students.
Again, web development skills can showcase the creativity, problem-solving, and technical abilities of international students
and help build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate their value and potential to employers, among other things.
Web development can enable international students to work remotely or freelance, which may increase their flexibility and adaptability.
Some languages and frameworks that can help students learn and practice web development are HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Bootstrap, etc.
These tools can help international students create responsive, interactive, and user-friendly web pages and applications for different devices and browsers.
3: Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is using internet-based services to store, process and access data.
It is relevant today because it offers many benefits like scalability, cost-efficiency, and flexibility.
Cloud computing is a must-have skill for international students because it can help them save money and space by renting computing resources instead of buying and maintaining them.
Additionally, it allows them to access their data and applications from anywhere and any device, as long as they have an internet connection.
It equally helps them collaborate with other students and teachers across different locations and time zones using online platforms and tools, among other things.
And as one of the in-demand tech skills for international students, it enhances the employability of the international student by giving them access to global resources, skills, and opportunities.
Some examples of cloud computing providers and services that can help students learn and practice cloud computing are:
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
4: Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity involves using technology to protect your digital information and devices from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
It is a must-have skill for international students because they often use online platforms and services to communicate, study, work, and access important documents and accounts.
Cybersecurity can help students prevent cyberattacks and threats that may compromise their personal and professional data, such as identity theft, phishing, ransomware, malware, etc.
Some concepts and techniques that can help students learn and practice cybersecurity are:
Encryption, Authentication, Firewall, and Antivirus.
5: Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines or software to perform tasks that ordinarily require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision-making, etc.
AI can help international students enhance their learning and problem-solving abilities with intelligent algorithms and systems that can easily adapt to their needs, preferences, and goals.
As one of the must-have tech skills for international students, AI can also help students access and process large amounts of information from various sources and languages and provide personalized feedback and guidance.
READ ALSO: How Schools Can Use AI in Education and Why
There are many subfields and applications of AI that international students can explore and practice, such as:
- Machine learning: the study of how machines can learn from data and experience without being explicitly programmed.
- Natural language processing: the study of how machines can understand and generate natural language, such as speech, text, or dialogue.
- Computer vision: the study of how machines can perceive and interpret visual information, such as images, videos, or faces.
- Chatbots: software agents that can interact with humans or other software using natural language.
6: Blockchain
Blockchain is a shared database that stores information in blocks linked together by cryptography.
It is a must-have skill for international students because it can help them understand and participate in the emerging digital economy.
Blockchain is relevant in the job market because it has many applications and use cases across various sectors and industries, such as finance, supply chain, healthcare, energy, etc.
According to a report by LinkedIn, blockchain was the most in-demand solid skill in 2020, followed by cloud computing and analytical reasoning.
Blockchain can revolutionize various sectors and industries with decentralized and transparent transactions and records, such as:
- Enabling peer-to-peer payments and remittances without intermediaries
- Improving traceability and efficiency of supply chains and logistics
- Enhancing security and privacy of medical records and patient data
- Facilitating renewable energy trading and grid management
- Some platforms and protocols that can help students learn and practice blockchain are:
- Bitcoin: The first and most popular cryptocurrency that runs on a blockchain network
- Ethereum: A decentralized platform that supports smart contracts and decentralized applications (DApps)
- Hyperledger: An open-source project that provides frameworks and tools for enterprise-grade blockchain solutions
7. Internet of Things
It’s a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet.
Why is it a must-have skill for international students?
It can help you create brilliant solutions that connect your physical and digital worlds with intelligent devices and sensors.
It can also give you an edge in the job market, as IoT is one of the most significant trends in the digital transformation of business and the economy.
According to McKinsey, IoT could have an annual economic impact of $3.9 trillion to $11.1 trillion by 2025 across various sectors.
According to Coursera, IoT is one of the top 10 skills in demand for 2023.
Some examples are Arduino, Raspberry Pi, MQTT, Zigbee, etc. Arduino and Raspberry Pi are microcontrollers you can program to interact with sensors and actuators.
MQTT and Zigbee are protocols that enable wireless communication between IoT devices.
8. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is a vital skill for international students in today’s economy. It involves using online platforms to promote products, services, or brands. Businesses rely heavily on online strategies to reach their target audience and achieve their goals.
In 2023, important digital marketing statistics reveal that the global digital advertising and marketing market is projected to reach $786.2 billion by 2026. Social media e-commerce is expected to grow by $735 billion, with over 100% growth in social media referral traffic to online stores. Video content is estimated to make up more than 85% of web traffic, and influencer marketing is set to become a $16 billion industry in 2022.
Digital marketing allows international students to showcase their skills, achievements, values, and personality to potential employers or clients online. It also empowers them to establish and expand their online businesses or projects using strategies like search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media marketing (SMM), email marketing, and content marketing.
To learn and practice digital marketing, students can leverage tools and platforms like Google Analytics for web analytics, Google Ads for online advertising, Facebook Business Suite for managing social media presence, Mailchimp for email marketing, and WordPress for website and content management.
9. Project Management
Project management is the process of planning, executing, and delivering successful projects in any field or industry.
It involves coordinating tasks, resources, people, and risks to achieve specific goals within a given time and budget.
Why is it a must-have skill for international students?
Project management skills can help international students:
- Enhance their employability in the global market by demonstrating their ability to lead and collaborate with diverse teams, solve complex problems, and deliver quality results.
- Apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and gain practical experience in their chosen field or industry.
- Develop transferable skills such as communication, organization, creativity, and critical thinking that are valuable for any career.
According to a Project Management Institute (PMI), the demand for project management professionals will reach 25 million globally by 2030, creating 2.3 million new project management positions a year.
Project management skills are also among the top 10 most in-demand skills by employers in 2023, according to LinkedIn.
Some ways students can learn and practice project management are:
- Taking online courses or certifications on project management approaches and methodologies, such as Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, etc.
- Using project management software or tools to plan, track, and manage their projects, such as Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project, etc.
- Joining or initiating student-led projects or clubs that involve working on a common goal with other students from different backgrounds and disciplines.
10: Communication Skills
Communication skills are the ability to express oneself clearly, confidently, and respectfully in different situations and with different people. It’s one of the most sought-after skills for international students.
Communication skills are essential for international students because they help them to:
- Adapt to new cultures and environments
- Build relationships and networks with peers, professors, and employers
- Showcase their knowledge, skills, and personality in academic and professional settings
- Communication skills are highly valued in the global labor market. According to a survey by LinkedIn, communication is the most in-demand soft skill among employers in 2020.
- Communication skills can help international students to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders in any context or situation.
For example, communication skills can help students to:
Negotiate and resolve conflicts, give and receive feedback, present and persuade, listen and empathize.
International students can improve their communication skills in different languages and modes by using various tips and resources, such as:
– Online courses (e.g., Coursera) that teach communication principles and techniques
– Podcasts (e.g., TED Talks) that feature inspiring speakers and stories
– Books (e.g., How to Win Friends & Influence People) that offer practical advice and examples
Conclusion
You’re here at the end of this post! You’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.
The 10 most in-demand tech skills for international students have been revealed, and you understand the potential they hold for your future.
However, you’re unsure if you possess the necessary abilities to excel or compete with more experienced individuals.
We understand your feelings.
Facing the challenges of pursuing dreams in a foreign country with different cultures, languages, and expectations is not a walk in the park.
Learning new things can be overwhelming, especially when they constantly evolve. Rejection, discrimination, and isolation are frustrating obstacles.
Nevertheless, we also know the rewards that await those who overcome these challenges and achieve their goals.
Creating something amazing and making a positive impact is incredibly satisfying. Connecting with like-minded individuals and learning from their experiences is fulfilling.
That’s why we’ve written this blog post—to help you discover the 10 most in-demand tech skills for international students and provide tips and resources to acquire them.
Boosting your confidence, employability, and career prospects as an international student is our aim—to prepare you for the future.
You possess the necessary qualities to succeed: curiosity, creativity, intelligence, and resilience. Ambition, motivation, determination, and courage are in your arsenal.
You have the potential, opportunity, support, and inspiration.
All you need to do is take action.
Start learning these skills today, practice them daily, seek feedback, and challenge yourself. Network with others, collaborate, and learn from their expertise.
Showcase your skills, apply for jobs, and impress employers.
You can do this. You are amazing, unstoppable, and ready. Now, go out there and demonstrate your capabilities!