The tech industry is transforming at an exponential pace, and professionals in the field need to keep up. With advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, machine learning, data analytics and cybersecurity, tech professionals need to ensure they are continuously learning new skills and using the latest tools, as well as becoming specialized in their area of expertise. Soft skills are also paramount, which can differentiate tech professionals from others, especially when it comes to creative, adaptable and solution-oriented thinking.
BDD spoke with Ghida Farhat (GF), Marketing and Communications Officer at 42 Beirut to discuss key trends in the tech industry, and how professionals can enhance their skills to thrive.
BDD: With many organizations working to educate the next generation of tech professionals what sets 42 Beirut apart?
GF: With many organizations focusing on educating future tech professionals, 42 Beirut stands out due to its innovative and practical approach to learning. Unlike traditional educational institutions, 42 Beirut emphasizes a peer-to-peer learning model and project-based curriculum, allowing students to develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and adaptability in real-world scenarios.
BDD: What are the core technical skills that you equip tech professionals with?
GF: At 42 Beirut, we ensure that by the end of the core curriculum, our students have a solid portfolio in the most-demanded programming languages. Once they start specialization tracks, they will dive deep into the technical aspects of their fields of choice, such as cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud networks, Mobile app development, Game design, etc.
BDD: Alongside the technical skills, what are the soft skills that people in tech need to thrive?
GF: In addition to technical skills, we recognize the importance of people and soft skills for tech professionals to excel in their careers. Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity and adaptability are just a few examples of the soft skills we emphasize at 42 Beirut. These skills are crucial for fostering effective teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous learning in dynamic work environments.
BBD: How do you support graduates of your program to enter the job market? Are there any successes that you can share?
GF: 42 Beirut is known for its 100% employment rate in all of its campuses. We foresee this will also be the case in Lebanon, especially that we are located at BDD and surrounded by companies, adding to that our strong links to the key employers in the country and the region, starting with CMA CGM. Also, to support graduates in entering the job market, we offer workshops during the program, networking opportunities, and access to job placement resources. Our partnerships with industry leaders enable us to connect graduates with potential employers and provide them with internships and job opportunities.
BDD: From your experience, what are the more demanded jobs in today’s market?
GF: All sorts of tech jobs are highly demanded in the labor market for instance: Cybersecurity Specialists, Back-End Developers, Game Developers, Front-End Developers, UI/UX Developers, Mobile App Developers, Systems & Network Admins, Data Warehouse Managers, Cloud Network Admins, Web Developers, Data Analysts, Applied AI Experts, Data Architects, Blockchain Developers, Full Stack Developers, VR Developers, DevOps and Entrepreneurs.
We work closely with our students to provide them with the needed skills, insights and workshops, to stand out in the tech market.
BDD: What trends do you foresee shaping this industry in the near future?
GF: Looking ahead, we foresee several trends shaping the tech and software engineering industry, including the continued rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the increasing importance of cybersecurity, the growing demand for cloud-native technologies, and the emergence of new programming paradigms such as serverless computing and quantum computing.
To learn more about 42 Beirut, and how its future-proof computer science and tech program designed and built to educate the next generation of tech professionals, visit: https://42beirut.com/
